I Too Had An Unrequited Love Story

20- Of Vases and Veracities

"If that was the case, then you should have said 'no' when you said 'I do'," Arek retorted, his voice edged with frustration.

Veronica felt her chest tighten, tears threatening to spill over. Before she could gather herself to respond, Arek grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the main hall, where everyone was eagerly awaiting their first dance. She tried to wrench her arm free, but Arek's grip was unyielding.

As they approached the hall's entrance, Arek's phone buzzed. He stopped abruptly, causing Veronica to stumble into his back. Ignoring her, he answered the call, still holding her arm tightly.

"Hello. Yes. Okay," Arek said curtly before hanging up.

Without a word, he released Veronica's arm and turned, walking in the opposite direction from the hall.

"What the hell, Arek?" Veronica called out, trailing behind him.

He stopped so suddenly that Veronica almost collided with him again but managed to halt just in time. Turning to face her, his expression was cold.

"You were so eager for this first dance. Now you're just walking away?" she questioned, her voice rising in confusion and anger.

"Well, I've changed my mind. I don't want to dance with you anymore. Entertain the guests on your own," he snapped before striding away.

Veronica stood rooted to the spot, watching him leave. The announcement for "Mr. and Mrs. Alden" to join the stage echoed through the hall, snapping her back to reality. Her mind reeled. He left her alone on their wedding day?

She should have known. This marriage was never real to begin with. She had no right to expect anything more.

As she turned to head back, her friend Navi intercepted her.

"What the hell was that about? Why did he drag you out so abruptly?" Navi asked, eyes wide with concern.

"Navi, let's talk later. I'm too exhausted from this entire wedding fiasco. I just want to go home and sleep," Veronica replied, her voice flat with disinterest.

"But what about the dance? People are expecting—"

"Navi, can you please go in and tell them Arek and I left?" Veronica interrupted.

"Where did Arek go?" Navi persisted.

"We'll do this question-answer session later, Navi. Can you just make an announcement? Say we had something urgent to deal with and had to leave early?" Veronica pleaded.

"Geez, why are you so on edge? Okay, I'll let them know you two left. How are you planning to get home?" Navi asked, still visibly confused.

"I know the way. I'll call a cab," Veronica answered.

"Seriously? That jerk left you on your wedding day, and you're going to his house alone in a cab?" Navi replied, her annoyance evident.

"Navi," Veronica warned, her voice carrying a sharp edge.

"Fine, fine. I'm not saying anything more. You wait here. I'll go in, let people know, and then come back to drop you at his house," Navi offered, heading back into the hall.

But Veronica didn't wait. She started walking toward the exit, needing space to gather her thoughts and calm herself down. Her wedding dress dragged through the mud as she made her way, but she hardly cared. As thunder rumbled overhead, she glanced up at the darkening sky. A car horn blared, and she turned to see Navi pulling up beside her, motioning her to get in. Veronica sighed in relief and climbed into the car. This time, Navi stayed silent, sensing Veronica's need for quiet.