Thorns and Petals

Chapter-19

Sore

She shifted uncomfortably on her bed, shoving the blanket away from her upper body such that it only covered her legs. Her eyes refused to shut tonight.

She was wide awake, unable to fall asleep.

Slowly sitting erect, she glanced at the clock as it struck 9:30. She never headed to bed this early, but her severe exhaustion led her to this. Her body ached, but not more than her heart.

Tears welled up in her eyes, just like how the rain filled a dry river. But it was poisonous. She didn't dare to let them run down her face, for she had no intentions of shedding tears for that man. She mustered up unimaginable strength and did everything it took in her to hold back from crying from what she overheard back there.

His words were hurtful, shattering the little liking she had developed for him over the few times they had met. But how would he ever know? He doesn't even see her in that light. He was only being nice to her, but her so called naïve heart took her thoughts elsewhere, making her think of the possibility of them. 

How stupid was she?

Forget about loving him when her entire body burned with fury toward him. She didn't hate him and she knew she couldn't. But she knew she couldn't fix him either. He was a type of man she had never dealt with before.

How could a man be sweet enough to let go of her, but be stupid enough to not accept her?

The last few hours in the store wouldn't have drained her mentally had she walked out then and there, but she preferred to go silent.

Getting up, she slipped her feet into the slippers and strode out of the room. She heard distant voices coming from downstairs and stood near the staircase, discreetly, not wanting to be spotted.

"She's hit the sack early, unusually. The child's clearly exhausted today," Her mother said, her voice filled with sympathy.

"Let her rest, we'll talk about the wedding arrangements tomorrow."

She sadly smiled, wondering how clueless her parents were about what she was feeling on the inside. They were better off without knowing what her soon-to-be husband really thinks of her and the entire marriage.

Calling off the marriage now was not in her plan, and it never would be.

She wanted her loved ones to be happy, hers could wait. Her happiness didn't depend on a man ever. She knew her luck in love sucked. Unfortunately, love is only for the chosen ones, and she never came on that list. As much as it stings her heart, this is the bitter truth.

"They've purchased her ring, already?" Stephan's deep voice struck her ears.

Her mother excitedly nodded, gesturing him to come over, "Come, look at it."

The ring glimmered through the light, leaving anyone who saw it in awe. It was a diamond ring that had intricate designs inspired by nature. Such designs were seldom chosen by customers, claiming they weren't appealing and suitable for the occasion.

She walked back into her room, the disgust she had towards the ring increasing with time. It was beautiful, expensive, and chosen by him.

Such a waste of money.

Correction, waste of his money. She had nothing to repent on. After all, who spends a hefty sum of money on a ring for a girl you feel sorry for being your wife?

She pulled the sheets over her figure as she lay down on the bed again.

Her eyes were burning with rage, and it wouldn't have come off as surprising to her if he had noticed that. Their ride back home was awfully quiet, and she insisted on having it that way.

•▪•▪•▪•

"Melina, I'm busy. Can't you see?"

She gripped the ends of her dress, "Zayden, please, at least look at me."

He sighed, "What do you want? You've been really annoying lately."

He met her tear-filled eyes that showed how hurt she was. All he had ever been rude and ignorant toward her no matter how strongly she loved him. 

He instantly stood up, walking up to her. Realizing his mistake, guilt coursed through him. She looked beautiful in the dress she wore, and he wouldn't want any man but him to see her endless beauty. 

Pulling her closer to his chest, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Sorry, you look beautiful,"

In an instant, her eyes bulged out from her sockets as she shot up. Clutching her chest for the life of her, she felt her heart pounding against it. Running her fingers into her hair, she let out a breath of relief

"He kissed me?" she winced, the thought of him being affectionate towards her being too unforeseeable. 

It felt so real, making her wonder how hard she had fantasized about a life with him all along.

"You're not even married and yet you dream about him?"

She flinched, her eyes widening at the sight of Stephan leaning against the door.

She gulped, "You were h-here?"

Letting out a sigh, he said, "Go have your breakfast."

She hoped she didn't blush, for the embarrassment she faced was immeasurable.

His chiseled jaw clenched, "Your ring looks pretty," He continued, "You've selected a good one, it'll suit you well."

He complimented despite the loathe he carried. He fought the urge to speak ill about the entire situation, afraid to hurt her feelings. 

"Thanks..." she said, her lips forming a straight line.

He bobbed his head, his features refusing to relax. About to leave, he stopped in his tracks and turned around to face her with an air of finality.

"I don't like him, but I'll respect your decisions," He spat, voicing out his real thoughts. Seeing her lack of response, he continued, "If he turns out to be a jerk, I shall be the one ending this marriage."

He wasn't a jerk.

But a fucking coward.