I didn't answer Kael's question right away.
Instead, I let my lips curve into a slow, deliberate smile, my gaze locking on Lyandra.
"Is that my wedding dress?" I asked.
Her eyes widened with theatrical surprise, then she lowered her gaze and folded her hands like a schoolgirl caught doing naughty things.
"Oh, Serena…" she breathed, soft and syrupy, "I… I didn't know you'd be here for the final fitting."
She glanced down at herself, the ivory gown flowing over her frame as though it had been made for her instead of me. "I'm so sorry… I shouldn't have worn it."
I chuckled, letting the sound carry just enough dryness to sting. "So if I'm not here, it's fine for you to wear it?"
Draven snorted from the corner, arms crossed. "It's just a dress. You're not so stingy you can't let Lyandra check the fit, are you?"
Before I could respond, Lyandra shook her head and bit her lip, playing the guilty one perfectly. "No, no… Draven, she's right. It's not proper. I'll take it off right away."
Her fingers brushed the veil's clasp, trembling in a way that would melt any gullible onlooker's heart.
Draven turned to me sharply. "You hear that? She's trying to be considerate, and you're just standing there. Selfish, Serena. That's what it is."
I hadn't said a single word to him yet. My arms folded loosely, my face calm. If they wanted to perform, I would be their quiet, unwilling audience.
"Enough," Kael cut in, his voice edged with irritation. His frown deepened as his gaze locked on mine. "Answer my question. Whose wedding is getting cancelled?"
The staff beside me turned, waiting for an answer.
"Just checking on last-minute preparations," I said lightly, my smile fixed. I let my eyes drift deliberately over to Lyandra in the gown.
"It's only two days until our wedding. And look at her…" My voice was honeyed, my eyes cold. "She looks stunning. Like a bride."
Kael's jaw twitched, guilt flickering before he quickly smothered it. He stepped closer. "Where have you been these past few days?"
A short laugh escaped me. He didn't even know I'd been in the hospital. Before I could speak, Lyandra's airy voice slid neatly between us.
"She must have been busy preparing for the wedding," she said sweetly, her tone implying I'd been doing nonsensical things.
Draven smirked. "And for what? What's the point of you preparing?"
"Draven," Kael snapped, shooting him a glare. Then he turned back to me. "We're heading to dinner. Come with us."
He didn't wait for my answer, just walked toward the door like I'd follow automatically.
We left the bridal shop in silence, cancellation papers heavy in my lap.
From the passenger seat, Lyandra suddenly gasped in mock surprise. "Ah? But Kael… don't you have your bachelor party tonight?"
Kael blinked, like the thought had just struck him. "That's… tonight?"
Draven laughed. "Been planned for weeks. Don't tell me you forgot."
Kael's eyes met mine briefly, guilt shadowing them. "I guess I did. But Serena…"
"It's fine," I said quietly, saving him the trouble. "Go to your party. It's not every day you're the groom."
"That's true," Lyandra chimed in, her voice lilting. "You should enjoy your last hours as a single man."
Draven chuckled. "Exactly. No need to worry. Bachelor parties are sacred."
Kael gave a small, helpless smile. "Then how about Serena and Lyandra?"
"I have plans," Lyandra interrupted, almost too quickly. "Meeting a relative tonight. She lives along the way, so Kael can drop me off."
I opened my mouth. "Then I—"
Draven's voice cut me off. "This is your stop, Serena."
The car slowed near a nearly deserted street, its only light the flicker of a cab sign. One taxi waited at the far end, headlights slicing through the dark.
"Here's a good place to catch a cab," Draven said.
Kael looked back at me. "The party is on the opposite way. Just ride a taxi to go home."
Lyandra leaned back, offering a dainty wave. "Take care, Serena."
The door clicked open. The night air was sharp and cold, nipping at my skin as I stepped out. My grip on my bag tightened.
The car pulled away, off to drop Lyandra somewhere "safe" while I am left alone in a dark sidewalk.
I stood there until the taxi driver gestured impatiently. Sliding into the back seat, I glanced through the window at the empty road behind me.
None of them had looked back.
Hours later, the apartment was silent but for the rasp of hangers as I pulled clothes from the closet. Dresses folded into a suitcase. Shoes shoved into the side pocket.
Every zipper that closed sounded like the final page of a chapter.
Halfway through folding a coat, my phone buzzed.
A new post.
Lyandra.
She was clinging to Kael's arm, her cheek pressed to his shoulder, looking intimate.
"He's getting married soon but still makes time for me."
So much for "meeting a relative."
I folded the coat slowly, set it in the suitcase, zipped it shut. Then I pushed it toward the door, leaving the cancellation papers for the wedding neatly on the table behind.
