Where the Flowers Go

Susanna's eyes flicked my way, her smile a secret shared with the air.

"What's up, Frank? Spot an old friend?" she teased.

"Nothing. My mistake," he said, shaking his head.

His phone, usually buzzing with replies, was silent.

That was not like the me he knew.

His brow creased with a worry he could not place.

I looked up once more, taking in the fairy-tale scene, and murmured to myself, "Dream fulfilled, in a way."

I was not the one in the bridal gown, not the one saying 'I do', but that dream—that day—was my creation.

Five years of love, five years of life—I had given it all. Then, I had my answer.

I was lost in a haze of confusion. Every little detail of their wedding seemed to echo with my presence, with the ghost of my memories with Frank.

I could not help but wonder if they would ever fight over those shadows of me in their future.

However, it did not really matter anymore. Tomorrow was their big day, and it was also my cue to exit.

'Frank, here's to your blissful union, and to the love you're bound to lose.'

That was the bitter toast I made in my head.

The rehearsal wraps up, and there was Susanna, blocking my way out of the makeup room.

She gave me a once-over and sneered.

"All this time, I've laid it all out for you, and you're still hanging on? Frank might've had a thing for you, but if he really loved you, why is he marrying me, getting cozy with me?

"Love from a man is fleeting, a marriage certificate is the real deal. You couldn't secure that, and you still don't get it? In his eyes, who weighs more, you or me?

"You're not in our league. With me in the picture, you two are bound to split, drifting further apart. While he's still got a soft spot for you, I'd suggest you get smart and walk away, got it?

"I'm even willing to let you witness my wedding, just so you can get the message and move on."

With that, she tossed the invite at me and strutted off.

I caught it without thinking, and the sharp edge drew blood from the back of my hand.

My phone's unique ringtone went off. I did not pick up, and it cut off, only for Frank's message to pop up.

[Teresa, I was swamped with work last night. I didn't want to wake you.]

[I've got to head out on a last-minute trip for a couple of days. I'll be back the day after tomorrow, okay? Don't be mad. I'll bring back your favorite cake when I return.]

Poor guy, having to juggle wedding plans and keep up the charade with me.

My eyes began to burn, but I refused to let the tears fall.

The day I stumbled upon the truth, it tore me apart, left me sleepless and shattered.

However, the ache has dulled.

The one who had betrayed our love did not deserve another tear from me.

I did not bother replying. I blocked Frank and deleted the messages instead.

That night, I bundled the screenshot of Susanna's taunting message with the video of their kiss and sent it off with the flowers I had arranged to be delivered the next day.

I also sent a message to the courier.

[Could you play this video for the groom? Thanks.]

On the wedding day, I was at the airport, suitcase in tow, ready to leave the city of heartbreak behind with my mentor by my side.

Meanwhile, Frank was all smiles, greeting guests, but his eyes kept darting to his phone since I had not replied to him.

He tried calling me, but no answer.

A knot of anxiety grew in his stomach, but he was stuck there until the ceremony ended.

Just as the bride was about to walk down the aisle, the courier handed Frank a bouquet.

Susanna was mid-speech, and Frank nodded with a smile, lifting the flowers. However, his face went ghostly white when he saw the card.

The courier said, "Sir, there's also a video. The lady who sent these flowers wanted you to see it.

"She wishes you a lifetime of happiness with your chosen one and that she hopes you two never cross paths again—"