Love Died In Autumn

I did not even know how to answer those questions.

I wiped away my tears and eventually calmed down.

I did not think I could pretend that nothing happened.

After thinking it through, I picked up my phone and dialed a number.

...

Soon, it was the wedding day.

During the reception, the banquet hall was packed with guests.

Jonah showed up early. He looked sharp in his tailored suit.

He walked over to me with a glass in his hand and draped an arm around my shoulder like old times.

“Dylan, let bygones be bygones. We’ve been brothers for what, fifteen years? Let’s not let some little misunderstanding ruin our friendship.”

Clara came over, too. She looped her arm through mine and teased, “I spent forever talking him down that day, you know. So don’t go getting all suspicious on us again.”

I extended my hand and smiled genuinely before saying, “Jonah, I totally overreacted the other day. To make it right, I’ve got you something special.”

“Oh? What’d you get me? Don’t tell me it’s that watch I’ve been wanting. Or something even better?” Jonah asked curiously.

I just smiled and told him the surprise would have to wait.

In the middle of the reception, I “accidentally” spilled red wine on Clara’s gown.

Fortunately, we had prepared well for the wedding.

As I apologized, I urged her to quickly go to the changing room and put on the backup dress.

Clara did not blame me much. She hurried off toward the changing room.

Jonah immediately stood up too, saying he would go with her.

He might as well help her carry things, he added.

I smirked as I watched them leave one after the other.

Ten minutes later, they returned to the banquet hall.

Clara had changed into a new gown. She looked flawless.

Suddenly, the lights went out.

The entire hall was plunged into darkness. Murmurs of surprise rippled through the guests.

From somewhere in the dark, a voice suddenly exclaimed, “Clara, why is your chest glowing?”

Hearing this, Clara instinctively looked down.

That was when she saw it. Several fluorescent handprints glowed on her chest and backside.

Jonah’s hands were glowing too.

The lights flickered back on moments later. Under the harsh brightness, the glowing traces were impossible to miss.

“What is this?! Why is this on my dress?!” Clara stammered in panic.

The guests’ stunned stares only deepened her flush.

Just then, Jonah struck first. He shouted, “Who even does this kind of sick prank?!”

Before he could say another word, I walked straight up to him.

I did not let him get an excuse out. I swung hard and landed a punch right on his face.

Jonah hit the floor with a yelp.

“Dylan, are you out of your mind?! Someone’s clearly trying to mess with us!” Clara shrieked as she tried to hold me back.

Jonah scrambled up as he held his bloody nose. His face twisted in pain.

“What is wrong with you?! I have no idea what’s going on! Wait, you actually think I touched Clara?”

“Actually, I do,” I said with an ice-cold tone.

Then, I gave a quick clap.

In the next second, the giant screen on stage was turned on.

Clara and Jonah went pale as ghosts.

I calmly walked to the center of the stage, picked up the microphone, and spoke steadily, “Jonah, that gift I promised you is just about to get started.”