With seven days left, it was just enough time to clear away everything from the past.
Ansel was right; one must look forward.
From now on, I would sever all ties with the joys and sorrows of the past.
My breathing slowed. It became almost imperceptible, the way it always did when the decision was final. There would be no reversing this.
I threw away all the wedding supplies I had meticulously prepared.
This house, which was never truly mine, was now devoid of any trace of me. The compound sat quiet in the early hours, its marble floors and heavy curtains holding nothing of mine between them.
In the end, only the tickets I had carefully kept as a diary of love remained. Concert stubs. Ferry passes. A crumpled boarding pass from the night he met me at the Palermo airport and carried my bag without being asked.
With a moment's hesitation, I threw each one into the fire.
Each ticket consumed by the flames represented a part of me that loved Ansel. The paper curled and blackened in the study's fireplace, the only warmth that room had offered me in years.
When the burning finally ceased, only a pile of ashes and acrid smoke remained.
It was just like the love I had given over these ten years.
The next morning, the aroma of breakfast woke me up.
"Serafina, hurry up and get ready. I've already made breakfast."
"You go ahead and eat. I'll take breakfast to Elara so you don't have to."
"Okay."
Ansel paused, his hand holding the thermal container. "Don't feel guilty. Elara doesn't blame you."
"After breakfast, let's pick out a new blood-bound ring for the ceremony. The custom one had some issues and won't arrive in time for the Union."
"Okay."
He enjoyed playing the role, so I would just go along with it.
Perhaps sensing my lack of enthusiasm, Ansel hesitantly brought out the first aid kit and applied medication to my knee. "Serafina, we've been promised to each other for years. Everything I've done is for your good. I don't want us to have a Union where you have no family present."
"You mentioned not finding an attendant? I've taken the liberty of asking Elara to stand as your attendant."
"Okay."
Ansel spoke cautiously, but when he saw my quick agreement, disbelief filled his eyes. He then took my hand and pressed a warm, lingering kiss on it.
After delivering breakfast to Elara, he didn't come back.
As I scrubbed my palms with fervor, his call came in on the clean line.
"Serafina, finish eating and come down to the garage. I'll be waiting in the car."
When I reached the garage, I instinctively opened the front passenger door, only to find Elara already sitting there.
Without a word, I took a seat in the back.
Ansel glanced at me a few times in the rearview mirror and seemed quite pleased with my understanding.
"Serafina, Elara designs pieces at the atelier. With her here, she'll definitely help you pick out a ring you'll love."
I nodded and closed my eyes, pretending to rest.
When I unconsciously opened my eyes, I saw Ansel gently pinching Elara's cheek.
In the rearview mirror, our eyes met and he quickly started to explain.
"Elara had something on her face, so I was just helping her wipe it off."
I closed my eyes again and kept them shut until we arrived.
As the three of us entered the jewelry store, the sales associate greeted Elara, who was standing close to Ansel, with great enthusiasm.
"What can I help you with today, sir? Are you looking for something special for your loved one?"
Elara and Ansel both blushed.
Ansel swiftly pulled me closer. "Why are you standing so far away? Come over and pick out a ring!"
The sales associate blushed deeply and quickly brought out the rings for me to choose from. But Elara took the lead, inspecting each one with a critical eye.
"This one's not big enough."
"This one's color isn't right."
None of the other rings measured up when compared to the one Elara was holding.
