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

next day was for wedding

nothing

Mandy, a tenderness

leaving after breakfast, I checked

the university. Our professors and friends

chuckle escaped

he had the

who'd posted that morning about being back at our

him

dress comfortable

field, Antonio's eyes darted until they found

abandoned me, rushing

photographer asked, "What's

an awkward smile. "Nothing. Let's

clutching my dress, as he chatted

jacket was discarded, his appearance

me, his

seemed terrified

should go home. I need to talk to

leaving," I said. "Work to

eyes. He hadn't expected me to

me later," he nodded,

bét

Mandy, "Don't worry. Grace got a modeling gig

shop.

to

wher."