She Was Never the Real Reason

“I can't take wedding photos with you tomorrow.”

My eyes flicked to the calendar where “PHOTOSHOOT” glared under tomorrow’s date.

I had no idea why Dominic wanted to cancel. Honestly, I didn't want to get married anyway. Even if Dominic hadn't said anything, I would have found an excuse to call it off. His suggestion was a huge relief.

I nodded. "Okay, I'll call the photographer and cancel it."

The words were barely out when Dominic's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a quick, easy agreement.

He'd probably anticipated questions, a whole interrogation.

After all, I'd meticulously planned every detail of the wedding, spending ages researching.

Even the photographer for the shoot was a pricey last-minute addition, secured only after I'd significantly increased the fee to jump the queue. He'd expected a fight.

Instead, I was calm.

Dominic looked at me, his expression a confusing mix of emotions. "Don't cancel," he said.

"Beverly said she'll probably never get married, and she wants to take wedding photos with me, you know, like she's actually been married. It would mean a lot to her," he explained.

"Let's have Beverly join us tomorrow, and we can reschedule our photos later."

His tone was casual, as if discussing dinner plans, just like the day he’d announced his plans for having a child with Beverly.

It was a discussion in form only; his decision was already made. He was simply informing me.

My lowered gaze hid the sarcasm welling up inside.

Later? Dominic didn't know I only had thirteen days left at Concordia. He didn't know there wouldn't be a later.

I quietly agreed and went to bed. The wedding was off; who Dominic took photos with was none of my business.

Dominic watched me go, a vague unease settling in his gut. My calm acceptance, the lack of any protest, left him speechless.

All his carefully prepared arguments were useless. Then Beverly called, and he immediately forgot his worries, heading to the balcony to take the call.

I woke up just as Dominic was leaving.

"After the photos, Beverly and I are going on a short trip," he said, lacing up his shoes. "She's always wanted to go to Hokkaido.

Let's keep the wedding simple. I won't have time for rehearsals or decorations. You decide everything; no need to check with me."

"Okay," I replied, swallowing a bite of toast.

Simple. No wedding photos, no guests, no officiant. No bride.

Dominic noticed my quiet breakfast, a strange feeling growing inside him. He hesitated, then added, "Let's go to Europe for our honeymoon after the wedding. You always wanted to go."

In the past, the offer of a honeymoon would have sent me into a frenzy of planning. I'd always wanted to travel with him, but he'd always refused, claiming he didn't enjoy it and found it too tiring.

Now, I just concentrated on my breakfast, saying nothing. No wedding, no honeymoon.

Dominic looked at me, surprised. He started to speak, but glanced at the clock, then rushed out, muttering, "I'll talk to you later."

I picked up the calendar and drew a large X over "Wedding Photos." Twelve days left.

After breakfast, I started packing, clearing out unnecessary things. A photo album with fewer than five pictures, a dusty projector, unworn matching pajamas…

Five years together.

Every item in the house was carefully chosen, transforming an empty space into a cozy home.

But on closer inspection, much of it was untouched by Dominic. He'd always maintained his independence, even in our relationship, disliking couple's items, feeling they restricted him.

I pushed the thought aside and continued cleaning. These things would only bother him after I left; better to get rid of them now. I'd erase our memories, too.