Sacrifice in Shadows

The next morning, I woke up to find Matthew already bustling about in the kitchen, fixing my all-time favorite breakfast.

"Wendy, watch out, it's hot. Let me cool it for you," he said, sounding caring and concerned.

However, I could feel the female assistant upstairs seething with jealousy.

Her burning glare was almost tangible, even from upstairs.

As expected, Matthew's phone buzzed. He thought I was clueless, but I saw it clear as day—the text he sent to his assistant.

[Be patient, I'm with Wendy now. I'll make it up to you tonight.]

That seemed to cheer her up, but my grip tightened around the spoon under the table.

I did not let Matthew feed me another bite. Instead, I started spooning up my breakfast, fiercely independent.

Matthew sensed my shift in mood. He figured I was still upset about last night, so after breakfast, he was set on taking me out to have some fun.

He had reserved a restaurant's rooftop for us, throwing a big bash with friends to celebrate our anniversary.

He pushed my wheelchair out of the car with the utmost care, moving at a snail's pace, worried about every little bump. He kept reminiscing about our love story, but I was only going through the motions, my heart heavy with irony.

I had once believed in his promises. I had thought we would be together until we were old and gray.

However, in just six short months, he had fallen for his assistant and tossed our love aside.

They even turned me into a prop for their excitement.

Stepping out of the elevator, I was greeted by a sea of rose petals blanketing the restaurant floor.

I had always been allergic to pollen, but his assistant seemed to love it. I could not help but feel a sting of irony as I caught the look of sheer joy on her face from across the room.

It was pretty obvious who that whole party had really been for.

"Wendy, we got married here. I told the whole world that I love you and will always stand by you," Matthew said, reminiscing with a warmth in his voice that did not quite match up with reality.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it like he meant it.

It made me wonder how deep love must have run for a guy to get all misty-eyed just thinking about the past.

If only I had not caught him cheating.

If I had not seen him with her, maybe I would have been sobbing with him today.

Matthew was good to me once upon a time. He did love me.

However, times changed, and his love had spread thin, shared with the assistant.

I pull my hand back, keeping my face as calm as a serene lake. Matthew looked taken aback, hurt even, but he shook it off fast, turning his gaze away.

There she was, the assistant, decked out in a gown that Matthew had made just for her. One would say that clothes make a person; she was the epitome of grace and elegance. That made me, in my simple clothes and wheelchair, look plain in comparison.

She came over, smiling, and said, "Wendy, happy anniversary."

She thought I did not notice, but after her words, she sneaked a touch on Matthew's hand behind his back.

"Mr. Larson, everything you've asked for is ready. Countdown starts now... Three, two, one!"

Her cue launched a sky full of fireworks, lighting the night in a blaze of glory.

However, I sat in my wheelchair, with Matthew and the assistant cozied up next to me.

They look like the perfect couple, not him and me.

That had hurt more than anything.

Matthew's eyes were locked on his assistant with such warmth; it was clear who the party and the fireworks were really for.

He had not stayed by my side for long, quickly asking the nanny to look after me.

"Wendy, just wait here for me, okay?" he said.

With that, he was off, practically dragging his assistant out the door.