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."

"You're right. It won't happen

next day was for wedding

if nothing was amiss,

Mandy, a tenderness never offered to

breakfast, I

the photos at the university. Our

chuckle escaped

thought he had the upper

posted that morning about being

call him out,

chose dress comfortable for

eyes darted until

me, rushing towards

photographer asked, "What's wrong

an awkward smile. "Nothing.

Antonio, clutching my dress, as he chatted amiably with

his appearance far

saw me, his brow

terrified I'd

go home.

leaving," I said.

in his eyes. He hadn't expected

me later," he nodded, his

bét

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

shop.

to model

wher."