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."

weak smile. "You're right.

was

acted as if nothing was amiss,

seen his tenderness for Mandy, a

breakfast, I

photos at the university. Our professors and friends

chuckle escaped

he had the

posted that morning

him out, my

dress comfortable

the sports field, Antonio's eyes

abandoned me, rushing towards

photographer asked, "What's wrong

offered an awkward smile. "Nothing.

dress, as

was discarded, his appearance

me, his brow

terrified I'd

positioned between us. "You should go home. I

said. "Work to

his eyes. He hadn't expected me to leave

later," he nodded, his

bét

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

shop.

to model

wher."