“Goodbye, Wilmer.” I said.
For some reason, that made him pause. His shoulders stiffened, then he turned back, like he thought I was forgiving him. Like he thought this was hope. His hand brushed over my hair.
“Goodbye, Lucy. I’ll bring you flower and cake tomorrow.”
I looked at him, long and steady, but he didn’t bother to see what was in my eyes. He just walked away, lighter on his feet, heading back to Madonna.
His mom watched him go, then turned back to me. The sigh she let out said more than words ever could.
****
Wilmer never showed up in my ward like he promised. He just sent some errand boy with a cake and a sunflower I hated because of my allergy.
I didn’t even bother looking at it. I handed it straight to the servant his mother hired to take care of me and went back to packing my things.
Half an hour earlier, I had seen Madonna’s post online. She was showing off again. She wrote that Felix found out she was in the hospital and came to bother her, but luckily Wilmer showed up like some knight and “saved” her.
She pretended to complain, saying she only got a little scratch and that Wilmer exaggerated everything, forcing her to stay in the hospital for a week. Then she giggled about how it gave Felix more chances to harass her. But in the end, she forgave Wilmer because he played hero, bought her favorite cake, and even apologized.
Underneath her post was a picture of Wilmer on one knee, smiling as he opened a cake box for her.
I pressed “like.” Then I blocked them both.
The servant came in just as I zipped my bag. “Miss Lucy, everything’s ready. The car is waiting downstairs. We can leave now.”
I nodded and followed quietly.
When the elevator stopped on the eighth floor, the doors slid open. Right in front of me, I saw Madonna lean in and kiss Wilmer’s cheek. He was standing by the door of her ward, smiling faintly.
I just watched. I felt nothing. No anger. No sadness. Just nothing.
***
A week later, I was supposed to fly out to Europe for marriage. I had said no so many times, but Wilmer’s mother wouldn’t listen. She insisted on a farewell party, even prepared a dress and jewelry for me. I had no choice but to stay a little longer and planned to leave for the airport right after the banquet.
That night, everyone from my childhood showed up. Everyone except Wilmer.
In the middle of the party, someone leaned close and whispered with a sly smile, “I thought you two really ended things. You said you broke off the engagement, and he’s been showing that servant woman all over the city. But now… after everything, you’re still tied together. Must be fate, huh?”
I frowned, not understanding. “What do you mean?”
They only blinked, then looked away without another word.
I could not make sense of it, so I stopped trying. I smiled, turned to the elders who had always looked after me, and gave them my thanks. Then I hugged my friends, one by one, and told them they were welcome to come to Europe for my wedding if they ever had the time.
“You and Wilmer are getting married here? Would Wilmer even allow that?”
I shook my head and smiled faintly. “Not with him.”
They all stared at each other, too shocked to ask more. I could feel their confusion hanging heavy in the air. To them, my life had always been tied to Wilmer. Since childhood, everyone knew he would be my husband. He made sure no one else ever came near me. If I wasn’t marrying him, then who could I possibly marry? I laughed bitterly.
The air turned awkward, but I didn’t mind. I glanced at the clock and excused myself, walking over to say goodbye to his mother.
As soon as I stepped out, I caught sight of one of my friends on the phone. “Where are you? Why didn’t you come tonight? Do you know Lucille—”
Wilmer’s voice cut through on the other end, calm but hurried. “She’s upset I didn’t show, right? Don’t tell her, but I’m on my way. I planned a surprise. Help me out… bring her to the rooftop garden. I’ve got the ring with me. Don’t let her leave.” Then the line went dead.
My friend just stared at his phone like it betrayed him. I could almost hear his thoughts. Who was telling the truth? Me, leaving to marry someone else? Or Wilmer, rushing to propose?
I didn’t wait for his answer. I had already changed clothes and was directing the servants to load my luggage into the car. He spotted me and ran over.
“Where are you going? Europe? Why so fast? Can’t you wait?”
I paused for a second. He was someone who had grown up with me, and maybe this was hard for him to accept. I forced a smile. “If I wait, I’ll miss my flight. Don’t worry, we’ll see each other again. Come to my wedding, okay?”
He grew even more frantic. “Are you really marrying someone else? Does Wilmer know? Shouldn’t you at least say goodbye to him?”
The smile slipped from my lips. At the mention of his name, my chest tightened. I shook my head softly. “No.”
He wanted to push further, but I checked the time and cut him off gently. “I really have to go now.”
I slid into the car and shut the door. Slowly, the vehicle rolled out of the Preston estate.
At that very moment, another car passed ours. Through the glass, I caught the briefest glimpse of Wilmer. He was holding a small ring box in his palm, his eyes lit up with anticipation.
I didn’t look twice.
He was probably imagining my surprise, dreaming of the perfect moment where all the people who mattered were there. His parents, our elders, our childhood friends, and me, the girl he thought he still owned.
But I was already gone.
