Love Faded in the Wind

Martin had been down on one knee when he gave Stacy that ring, looking up at her face nervously as he spoke with a crack in his voice, "Will you be my girlfriend for the rest of our lives? I really love you, and I won't marry anyone but you."

It was such a vague promise that anyone slightly rational would be skeptical of, but Stacy had bought it.

And how moved she had been then, was exactly how devastated she was now.

Collecting herself, Stacy left, her fingers now empty save for the faint traces on her ring finger, while that clearly expensive ring lay on the bathroom sink.

It was not until 10pm when Martin rushed into the room, and immediately dropped on one knee in front of her as she sat on the couch.

Before she realized what was happening, he pulled out the ring she had left and gently slid it on her finger, looking into her eyes lovingly, "Didn't you know you lost this? How could you be so clumsy? Don't ever lose it again—it's proof of our marriage."

Despite that loving gaze, Stacy couldn't find the affection she felt years ago.

In fact, any feelings she had were corrupted irreversibly.

Staring fixedly into Martin's eyes, she avoided his question and asked, "Where were you today?"

She sharply noticed the flicker of guilt in his eyes, but that lasted for just a second before he answered, "Had to go to the office, and you were gone when I returned to the hospital."

All Stacy felt was endless weariness from his response, and quietly turned back to the tv.

Martin thought she was just upset he didn't report where he had gone, and sweet-talked her.

"Why don't we go horse riding tomorrow?" He asked. "You've always wanted to do that, right? And the doctor was just suggesting that you need the sun."

Stacy didn't refuse, as she was too tired to deal with his web of lies, and keenly waited for the day when she would finally leave.

-

When they arrived at the stables the next day, Stacy noticed that Rachel was there too.

It was the first time they met, and only ever heard about others speaking about her.

She carried a strong presence and was obviously an heiress, the perfect match to Martin if they stood side by side.

Even as Stacy felt pained, she thought that Martin wouldn't bother with her now that the real owner showed up.

To her surprise, Martin kept his arms firmly around her as if he never saw Rachel, let alone look her way.

"Let me teach you how to ride a horse," he said, and picked a docile horse for her, holding her hand as he taught her everything.

Stacy really was interested in learning horseback riding, and slowly forgot about her jealousy.

When she said she was tired after thirty minutes, Martin helped her off her horse.

Just two minutes after she sat down, however, she noticed that Rachel was gone.

And another two minutes later, Martin told her, "Just sit tight. I'll get you a drink."

Stacy was just feeling something from his meticulous attention, but her heart abruptly turned placid again.

As Martin left, she followed him quietly to a quiet place, where Rachel was already waiting and immediately threw herself into his arms.

Although Martin caught her, he was frowning, "I told you—we have to pretend we don't know each other before we get married. Our families will be affected if Stacy causes a fuss."

He had indeed said that before, but Rachel simply pouted, "I missed you. And it's not like she knows."

She was naturally talking about Stacy, who watched as Martin's creased brow smoothing out like he couldn't do anything about Rachel.

Stacy watched as they then kissed, their tongues intertwining.

Her heart felt like it was cut again, and she clenched her knuckles, not knowing that her nails were cutting into her own palm.

She listened to their gasps and moans, but eventually stopped hurting and left, returning to the lounge while feeling light-headed.

It was not until thirty minutes later that Martin returned with their drinks, putting hers in front of her while apologizing, "Sorry, darling—had to take a call. Didn't keep you waiting, did I?"

Being called darling left Stacy remembering the sight of him swapping spit with Rachel and she felt sick to the stomach right then.

As she quickly drank to quell her impulse to retch, Martin sharply noticed her palm and took her hand, utterly worried as he asked, "What's this?"

It was only then that Stacy noticed her palm, but was merely surprised for a moment until she gently pulled her hand out of his grasp, saying nonchalantly, "Must have been holding the lead rope too tightly."

Still, Martin was worried and insisted on taking her to treat the minor injury.

Stacy didn't want him to touch her, however, and freed herself from his grasp again. "No. I'm going back to the horse."

When Martin started after her, she said, "I want to ride alone."

He stopped following her at that.