The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

The drive home was punctuated by the insistent buzz of Antonio's phone messages from Mandy.

She was checking on him and ensuring his safe arrival. I unlocked his phone, intending a polite reply, but a chat with one of his friends stopped me cold. "I told Mandy I'm getting married, and if she doesn't show The phone went dark. My breath hitched.

The proposal, three days ago, made sickening sense now.

No ring, no shared home, just a whispered, "Don't tell our families."

I'd assumed it was guilt over not giving me the wedding I deserved.

The eight-year dream had been a cruel ploy to lure Mandy back. Hope died.

I closed my eyes, repeating the mantra: leave.

Three days until the wedding.

David called, "Finish your tasks before you go."

"Got it." I ended the call.

Antonio, irritated, demanded, "Where are you going?"

"Work," I said, forcing a smile.

He didn't press, settling onto the couch with snacks.

Then, confused, he asked, "Why did you give me honey water?”

I stammered, inventing a reason, "For your stomach."

His face hardened. "Don't pretend you care."

a weak smile. "You're right. It won't

next day was for

nothing was amiss, distant and

Mandy, a tenderness never

after breakfast, I checked my

the university. Our professors and friends should share our

chuckle escaped

had the upper

who'd posted that

didn't call him out,

chose dress comfortable

the sports field, Antonio's eyes darted until

me, rushing towards

"What's wrong with

awkward smile. "Nothing.

approached Antonio, clutching my dress, as he chatted

jacket was discarded, his appearance

saw me,

terrified

positioned between us. "You should go

said. "Work to

in his eyes. He hadn't expected

me later," he nodded, his

bét

heard him tell Mandy, "Don't worry. Grace

bridal shop.

to model

wher."