A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

THREE

𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚘𝚝, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟾:𝟺𝟿 𝙰.𝙼 𝙹𝙰𝙽 𝟿𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷8
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

"Rent's due, Rose," Henry says with a soft smile as he stands at the door of our modest apartment.

"I got it this month," Lilly calls out from behind me, rushing to the door and stepping between me and Henry. Her presence momentarily shields me from the outside world, from the constant reminder of the financial struggles we face.

"Hi," Henry mutters, his face turning a shade of crimson as he stammers in the presence of my sister. Lilly and I exchange a knowing glance, understanding that Henry has had a crush on Lilly Since he met her.

I turn my attention to Jayden, who is laying on the couch, his small frame still recovering from the recent heart transplant surgery. "How are you feeling?" I ask softly as I sit down next to him, my fingers gently running through his hair.

"My chest kind of hurts, but not like it did before the surgery," he mumbles quietly, his eyes filled with vulnerability.

"Is there anything I can get you?" I inquire, my heart aching for him as I watch his tears welling up.

"No..." Jayden looks down, and his voice quivers. "What's wrong, honey?" I ask, my concern deepening.

"Are you getting married because of me?" Jayden's question hangs in the air, heavy with the weight of his worries.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words to comfort him. "Hey, we are going to be fine. I can't pay the bills alone, but once they are paid, we will go back to normal, I promise," I whisper gently, cupping his cheek.

"I'm sorry I'm making your life so hard," Jayden whimpers, his voice filled with guilt.

I wipe away his tears with my thumb and shake my head. "Jayden Lucas Fawn, don't feel that way. You are the only reason I can keep going on, okay? You're my world, and nothing, not even a heart transplant, can change that," I reassure him, my voice filled with unwavering love.

He wraps his small arms around my neck and gently squeezes. "Can you cuddle me? I'm cold," he whispers, his vulnerability shining through.

"Of course, I'll cuddle with you," I smile, my heart warmed by his request. We rearrange ourselves on the couch, with me laying behind him, providing the warmth and comfort that Jayden needs. In that moment, as we hold each other close, I know that no matter the challenges we face, our bond is unbreakable, and our love will guide us through whatever comes our way.

𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙺𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟷𝟷:𝟸𝟺 𝙰.𝙼 𝙹𝙰𝙽 𝟷5𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

As I stand in front of the full-length mirror, I do my best not to overthink the situation. The wedding dress that hangs before me is a rental, a compromise that I've made for the sake of Jayden's future. This isn't about proving a point or seeking validation; it's a pragmatic decision driven by the desperate need for financial stability.

The dress, though not extravagant, is simple and elegant. Its fabric flows gracefully, and the silhouette flatters my figure. It's not the fairytale wedding I might have dreamed of as a child, but it's a means to an end, a way to secure the resources necessary for Jayden's well-being.

I carefully examine the dress, ensuring it fits as best as it can, given the circumstances. It's a reminder that sometimes in life, we have to make sacrifices and compromises to protect the ones we love. I take a deep breath and try to ignore the fleeting pang of disappointment that lingers in the back of my mind.

The one pair of fancy heels I have sits nearby, the only pair I own that can pass for wedding attire. They may not be the most extravagant, but they will have to suffice. After all, this is not about making a fashion statement; it's about securing a future for my son.

I step into the heels, feeling the unfamiliar sensation of added height, and walk gingerly around the room. It's clear that I'll need some practice before the actual wedding day to ensure I don't stumble in front of everyone. But that's a minor concern compared to the monumental decision I'm about to make.

As I look at myself in the mirror, dressed in the simple wedding attire, I take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point. It's a path I never expected to travel, but it's one I'm willing to walk if it means securing the financial stability Jayden needs for his future.