Sylvia and Luke appear to have the perfect life. A thriving fashion startup, a beautiful four-year-old daughter, and a love that began when they met at Harvard Business School. But beneath the surface, Luke hides a dark secret-he's the heir to one o...
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“What flowers did you have at your wedding?” Alessandra asks me as she scans the table full of flower arrangements.
“We had pink and white hydrangeas.” I answer her as I watch Luke chasing Lyria around the garden.
There’s no way they couldn’t hire a real wedding planner. But I guess this is part of their ‘charm’ doing everything themselves (At the cost of my freedom). She told me she doesn’t really like the flowers her mom showed her, but she also doesn't know what she likes.
I told her it would be easier if we look through Pinterest to see what she actually likes. But she’s smart enough to know I would snatch the gadget when she's not looking. So she had the gardener literally make bouquets out of every kind of flower they have in the garden displayed here for her to inspect. But again, nothing speaks to her.
Luke lived up to his words on our lunch yesterday. Lyria's laughter fills the air as she darts away from Luke, who pretends to stumble, making her giggle even louder. The scene is idyllic, a picture of happiness that should make me feel content. Instead, it leaves me feeling hollow .
As Alessandra picks up yet another magazine, I can’t help but envy her simple worries. Choosing wedding flowers should be an entertaining task, but for me, it's a reminder of the charade my life has become. I wonder how much longer I can keep up this facade. Luke and Lyria look so happy together, and I wish I could share in their joy, but my heart just isn't in it anymore.
Our lunch yesterday was…fun. She apologized at first, telling me the same thing Gianna told me. She told me how Luke and Matteo were like growing up here. (which is not terrifying at all) How their families were rivals before they solved their animosities by her and Luke’s engagement (I don’t know how that makes any sense either) Something that Luke “forgot” to mention as he told me.
She also mentioned how sad it was for her when she found out Luke left, but also a bit relieved, cause she has always had feelings for Matteo. They would sneak to the pig barn to make out when they were thirteen. That was the fun part.
She also confessed how lonely she feels sometimes because as much as Matteo loves her, he is pretty busy with the family “business”. She thought we could be a company to each other. I didn’t promise her anything though.
Alessandra snaps me out of my thoughts. “What do you think of these?” she asks, showing me a page filled with peonies of every color. I force a smile and nod, giving some generic praise.
“Sylvia, I know we haven’t known each other long enough to be friends. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything about your situation, but I really want you to enjoy your stay here.”
I look at her, searching for sincerity in her eyes. There’s a part of me that wants to believe her, to trust that she means well. “Thank you, Alessandra,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I appreciate that.”
She smiles warmly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “I hope we can at least be on eachother sides.”
I take a deep breath, letting her warmth and genuine concern wash over me. Maybe focusing on something beautiful and tangible like flowers could be a welcome distraction. “So what do you dislike about the roses?” I point to the arrangements of roses on the table.
“I like roses, but there are already so many roses here, and I’m just…”
“Sick of it?”
“Yes,” She giggles. “My mother keeps saying it’s symbolic and romantic. How is it romantic when it’s covered in thorns?”
“Alright,” I giggle with her. “So what speaks to you so far?”
She’s about to tell me, when suddenly Lyria screams calling me. “Mommy!!!” She’s running towards us with Luke behind her. “Look what daddy and I got.” She shows me an arrangement of blue Delphiniums and hydrangeas wrapped in some flax.
The same flowers Luke got me on our first date. It happened almost eight years ago, but I remember it vividly. The way he stood nervously at my doorstep of my dorm, a shy smile on his face, holding a bouquet of blue delphiniums and hydrangeas wrapped in simple brown paper. Looking as dreamy as ever.
I kept my cool in front of Kate and Vivian, telling them that I said yes for the free lunch. But on the day of the date I kept checking the hall to see if he’s near. They just laughed as I threw my pillow at them, telling them to leave. Vivian reminded me to hang the sock on the door when we got back as she closed the door.
Little did I know we would be here. Unable to even know how to fix the pieces.
“These are beautiful, sweetheart.” I take the flowers and pick her up
Luke follows close behind, his face apologetic as he mouths, ‘I’m sorry.” I nod at him, appreciating his effort keeping her busy for the last hour.
Alessandra's eyes light up. "They're perfect," she exclaims. "Those colors... They are stunning together.”
“I think Lyria found something that speaks to you.” I bounce Lyria as she claps and cheers.
I set Lyria down, and she runs off to play with Luke again. I watch them for a moment, my heart swelling with a mix of love and sadness. Turning back to Alessandra, I see her watching me, her expression thoughtful.
“You have a beautiful family, Sylvia,” she says softly. “I hope you can find some peace here, despite everything.”
“Thank you, Alessandra,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “That means a lot.”
She nods, then picks up a pen and starts making notes about the flowers. “Alright, I’m going to tell the gardeners. I think they’ll be perfect for the wedding.”
As we continue to plan, I allow myself to hope that maybe, just maybe, things will get better. And for now, that small glimmer of hope is enough to keep me going.
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