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

day was for wedding

nothing

seen his tenderness for Mandy, a tenderness never offered to

breakfast,

was unexpected: "Let's take the photos at the university. Our professors and friends

chuckle

had

see Mandy, who'd posted that morning about being back at our alma

didn't call him

dress

eyes darted

me, rushing towards

"What's

an awkward smile.

approached Antonio, clutching my dress, as he

discarded, his appearance far from

me,

seemed terrified

should go home. I

said. "Work

He hadn't expected me

he nodded,

bét

I turned I heard him tell Mandy, "Don't worry.

shop. She's

to

wher."