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

next day was for wedding

acted as if nothing was amiss, distant

tenderness for Mandy,

after breakfast, I checked my

"Let's take the photos at the university. Our professors and friends should

hollow chuckle

thought he had the

to see Mandy, who'd posted that

didn't call him out, my departure

chose dress comfortable

field, Antonio's eyes

me,

confused photographer asked, "What's wrong with your

smile. "Nothing.

my dress, as he chatted amiably

was discarded, his appearance far

me,

seemed terrified

"You should go home. I need

said. "Work

his eyes. He hadn't expected

me later," he nodded, his

bét

I turned I heard him tell Mandy, "Don't worry. Grace got a modeling gig

bridal shop.

to

wher."