The next afternoon, I returned to our home, feeling an odd mix of anticipation and dread. I headed to the study area, hoping to find Theo. Maybe today, we could talk—really talk—and perhaps find some closure. My fingers hovered over the door handle when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out, my heart sinking as I read the message.
"Helping Beatrice set up the training grounds for the new warriors. Won’t be home until late."
The words felt like a slap. My chest tightened painfully, the sharp sting of disappointment mingling with something deeper—resignation.
It was our anniversary, but Theo had forgotten. Again.
I swallowed hard, blinking back the prick of tears. I wouldn't cry over this, not anymore. My stomach churned, that all-too-familiar ache of neglect clawing at me. I turned and trudged back to our room, tossing my phone onto the bed. I didn't want to look at it anymore. What was the point?
I needed air.
Slipping on my coat, I stepped out into the crisp afternoon. The town was alive with activity, colorful banners fluttering in the breeze as vendors called out to passersby. Stalls were lined with handcrafted goods, fresh produce, and warm, fragrant foods. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the hum of life around me, trying to push away the weight in my chest.
As I wandered through the garden market, I thought about picking up something for Mom and Dad. Maybe a small trinket or a bundle of fresh herbs to bring back home when I visited. They always loved little surprises.
I was mulling over a bouquet of lavender when laughter caught my attention—familiar, grating laughter. I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat.
Theo and Beatrice.
They stood at a stall not far from me, examining what looked like new training equipment. Beatrice said something, and Theo laughed—a sound I hadn’t heard from him in what felt like ages. They looked… comfortable, like they belonged together.
I froze, the bouquet slipping from my hands. The sight of them, always side by side, replayed in my mind like a cruel reminder of my place—or lack of one—in Theo's life.
“Miss? Are you alright?” the vendor asked gently, his brow furrowed in concern.
I forced a smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” My voice didn’t sound like my own.
Desperate to escape, I turned and walked away, my steps quick and unsteady. I didn’t stop until I ducked into a small, cozy café tucked away from the bustling market. The warm scent of coffee and pastries wrapped around me, offering a momentary reprieve from the chill outside—and the storm inside me.
I slid into a corner booth and ordered a cup of tea, my hands trembling slightly as I wrapped them around the warm mug.
“Rough day?” the waitress asked softly, her kind eyes studying me.
I hesitated before nodding. “Something like that.”
She gave me a small, understanding smile. “Well, take your time. This place is great for clearing your head.”
I thanked her and stared out the window, watching the world move on without me. The laughter and chatter of the market outside seemed distant, muffled by the glass separating me from the life I longed for.
And there they were again—Theo and Beatrice—walking past the café window, laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world. I tore my gaze away, my heart twisting painfully when Theo stopped walking and glanced over my way.
Shit. Did he see me?
