No Longer in Love

“The baby was kicking non-stop. As soon as Daddy showed up, he calmed down.

“Isn’t that legendary parent-child connection?”

I didn’t rise to Lana’s provocation. I simply blocked her and moved on.

With a quiet, bitter smile, I began packing my things.

The next morning, our itinerary was open. I decided to explore the town I’d always longed to see.

Walking down the storybook streets, surrounded by flowers, I realized it was all fine.

I chuckled bitterly, and something inside me finally let go. Why was I so obsessed with coming here before?

After wandering a bit, I bought a huge bouquet of flowers and turned to head back to the hotel.

That’s when I passed a bar up ahead and heard someone playing the piano and singing.

“I think I’ve seen this film before...”

I stepped forward to walk toward the sound and froze.

That deep, husky voice… It was Mark.

At the end of the song, his tone softened into something warm and lazy. “Live happily ever after with the one you love in a perfect little town.”

Mark always wore suits, never casual clothes. But today, he looked like a young college kid again.

His eyes were full of affection as he gazed at his unforgettable first love from all those years ago.

My nails dug deep into my palms.

Staring at Mark, I remembered just how much he hated singing.

Once, at a friend’s birthday party, I asked him to do a duet with me at karaoke.

He lost it on the spot, throwing the mic and snapping at me. “Can you stop being so childish? I hate singing!”

Yet here he was, pouring his heart out in front of everyone, all for Lana.

The mood was electric as the crowd erupted in applause.

I clapped along too, watching them kiss like a couple in love.

My eyes burned. Still, I smiled as I walked calmly into the crowd.

The moment Mark saw me, his face darkened. “Rosie, seriously? Do you have to follow me everywhere?!”

He thought I was stalking him and didn’t even bother to hide his irritation.

I smiled. “Didn’t you say there was a problem with a client?”

Then I pointed at the lipstick smudge still on his lips. “So that’s what you meant by business negotiation, kissing?”

He scowled at my sarcasm, brows furrowing.

“Rosie, can you stop making a scene?!

“Lana was upset and wanted to hear a song. Don’t blow this out of proportion.”

Behind him, Lana giggled and stuck out her tongue.

“Sorry, Rosie. Don’t blame Mark. I just gave him a kiss as a reward for singing so well!”

At that, Mark patted her head indulgently.

Then he turned to me, his tone softening.

“I was actually going to come find you.

“There’s a fireworks show tonight. I’ll take you to see it.”

His deep black eyes almost held a trace of the old warmth. It was just like when he used to promise to take me anywhere I wanted.

I agreed, just to fulfill a wish from the past.

The town square was packed with people waiting for the fireworks.

At 8 p.m., the fireworks exploded across the sky in a brilliant display.

Couples kissed and cheered in the lively atmosphere.

I turned, only to find neither Mark nor Lana beside me.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd.

The joyful square descended into chaos.

Panic spread as people scattered in all directions.

I then instinctively started moving toward a safer spot. That’s when someone crashed into me from the side.

In the confusion, someone’s bag chain slashed across my face.

The pain was blinding. I stumbled, nearly falling over.

Through the noise, I heard that all-too-familiar voice.

“Lana, don’t be scared. I’ve got you. Let’s get out of here.”

Mark’s steps never faltered as he shielded a terrified Lana and led her away.

I watched as he disappeared into the distance, cradling someone else. Then I realized, with heartbreaking clarity, that the Mark who once promised to protect me forever no longer existed.

…

Thankfully, a few minutes later, order was restored.

Someone helped me to my feet.

I thanked them, then pressed a hand over my bleeding forehead and made my way to the hospital.