Alright.
Maybe it was my state of mind, but the concert the next night seemed more vibrant and powerful than I’d imagined. The music stirred something deep in me. Yet, discomfort slowly crept in — a dull ache began in my lower abdomen, and heat trickled between my legs, draining my focus.
“Serena, what’s wrong? Is your injury acting up again?”
I didn’t dare speak. I was afraid that if I opened my mouth, a painful groan would escape.
Dorian’s expression shifted with realization. “Is it your period? Are you cramping?”
I gave a small nod, and he immediately grabbed his phone. “There are painkillers and pads in the car. I’ll have someone bring them over.”
As the intermission started, he took off his coat and wrapped it gently around my waist, helping me up.
Just then, a familiar voice called out behind us.
“Dorian!” Liora appeared, holding a small bag. “I came to deliver something for my sister.”
“You’re just in time,” he said calmly. “Go with her and take care of her, okay?”
He didn’t seem even remotely surprised by her arrival.
My heart sank like a stone.
We said nothing on the way to the restroom. It wasn’t until we stepped inside that Liora broke the silence.
“This medicine was prescribed for me. I don’t know if it’ll work for you.” Her tone was flat, indifferent. “But it’s the only one in Dorian’s car, so I guess you’ll have to settle.”
My back was bent in pain, but I forced myself to stand straight. She looked down at me, the corners of her mouth lifted with satisfaction.
“At this point, do you still think you’re fit to marry him?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why? Do you lack faith in your relationship?”
Liora’s eyes sharpened, and her tone turned venomous. “Serena, you’re just like your mother — shameless. You’re the unwanted one, yet you still cling to a man who doesn’t love you.”
I took a deep breath, gathering strength, then slapped her clean across the face.
But instead of anger, she laughed — triumphant.
“Did I hit a nerve?” she sneered. “Dorian doesn’t love you anymore. Can’t you feel it? I’m the one he cares about now. I’ve already replaced you in his heart.”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I pushed her aside and rushed out.
Only when I was alone did my knees buckle. I collapsed against the wall, clutching my chest as the pain and grief overwhelmed me. Hot tears poured down my cheeks.
It’s one thing to feel unloved. It’s another thing to hear someone say it out loud.
Her words sliced through me, like a hand ripping open a wound I’d tried so hard to keep closed.
I didn’t know how much time had passed before someone grabbed my arm.
“Where is Liora?” Dorian’s eyes were bloodshot, filled with fury — a kind of rage I had never seen directed at me before.
I stared at him, bewildered. “What?”
He gripped my shoulders tightly and shook me. “Where did you lock her up? Bring her out!”
“I didn’t lock anyone up. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Serena!” he roared. “We’re getting married tomorrow! Why do you have to treat Liora like this?”
“When did you become so cruel?”
I looked at the man I once gave everything to — the one I believed would never hurt me — and felt nothing but unfamiliarity.
So this is what it looks like when he no longer loves me.
I swallowed my tears and whispered, “I didn’t lock her up.”
Then I turned to leave, steadying myself against the wall.
But he wouldn’t let go. “Don’t even think of running away. You’re coming with me — now.”
He dragged me through room after room. My body kept hitting corners and doors, and the pain in my abdomen was becoming unbearable. Cold sweat drenched my hair, and I could feel blood dripping down my legs.
But none of them registered with him.
Until we heard a faint cry behind a cubicle door.
He shoved me aside.
My back slammed against the wall, and the metallic taste of blood flooded my mouth.
With a loud kick, he flung the door open.
Inside, Liora was crouched in the corner, soaking wet and trembling.
“Dorian! You came to save me!” she sobbed, flinging herself into his arms.
“I couldn’t find the medicine for my sister, so I gave her mine. I don’t know what I did wrong, but she locked me in here and poured cold water all over me!”
“She said that if I was going to use dysmenorrhea to get your sympathy, then I might as well suffer for it...” Her sobs grew louder. “Dorian, I didn’t mean to! I didn’t do it on purpose — you know that, right?”
“I know. I believe you,” Dorian said, holding her tighter. Then he turned to me, coldness in his eyes.
“Liora has always been kind to you. How could you treat her like this?”
I looked up slowly, voice barely audible. “Do you still love me?”
He froze for a moment, caught off guard.
Liora quickly stepped in, “Sister, Dorian loves you, of course he does. Please don’t misunderstand. I don’t want to be the reason you two fight...”
Dorian frowned. “Serena, we’re getting married tomorrow. Stop overthinking things.”
I stared at him for a long moment, then looked away.
There was nothing more to say.
Tomorrow, I will walk down the aisle in a white gown — but the groom waiting at the altar won’t be him.
After the wedding, I will disappear from his world.
Dorian, just now — that was the last time we’ll ever meet.
There is no room for you in my future anymore.
