The Subtle Art of Love and War

Chapter 48: Show Time

I've heard people talk about how bad things usually happen before weddings but I never actually believed them... until now.

I'm supposed to be relaxing, enjoying my last days as a single woman before Hero and I tie the knot. I'm supposed to be tanning, or getting manis and pedis with Katherine or just sleeping the night and day away. I'm supposed to, but here I am. Here I am on the beach, sitting on one of the chairs for the wedding and staring aimlessly at the gorgeous arch where Hero and I will be standing tomorrow, the colourful hues of dusk displayed behind it as a backdrop. Instead of feeling giddy at the thought of our wedding, now all I feel is dread and I fucking hate it. I don't want to feel this way. I need Hero to be here and calm my raging thoughts.

I haven't seen him since I left for mine and Kath's spa day yesterday. Apparently, after they spent the day at the club house, Felix took him out for a bachelor's night out to town. I didn't even know their friends are crashing the wedding until I got a drunken call from him in the middle of the night. They were too drunk last night and ended up crashing at their friends' hotel suite and I was too busy the entire day welcoming our guests so we weren't able to see each other earlier as well. I texted him to meet me here when he gets back and is sober enough to talk.

I just feel like there's been too much going on between us and we haven't spoken to each other like we used to. There have been issues sprouting left and right and I need him to remind me that whatever these issues are, we'll get get through them and resolve them together. I need him and his reassuring smile and calming presence right next to me. I need him.

I feel him before he even lets his presence known and I suck in a breath, sorting my jumbled thoughts inside my head. He sits beside me and kisses my cheek, feeling his smile against my skin. My thoughts and emotions immediately hushes down at the mere proximity and innocent touch from Hero and I find myself thinking more clearly.

"Baby, I'm sorry for being MIA. I had no idea Felix arranged the guys to crash the wedding-" he starts to say but I quickly interject.

"It's okay," I smile, turning to him, but it doesn't quite reach my eyes.

He looks tired but at least he's freshly showered. I only hope he's sobered enough for this conversation. We need to talk about these issues before the wedding, I need to know his stand about them.

"What did you want to talk about? I thought we weren't supposed to see each other before until tomorrow?" He questions and I turn my attention back to the ocean.

"If I start working for my parents' company, do you think that's a good idea?" I start off, testing the waters. Please say the words I long to hear.

"Baby, you know you don't have to work a single day of your life."

I close my eyes for a second as I try to control my emotions. "I know but what if I want to? You'd support me, wouldn't you?"

"Well..." he starts to say, pausing as he gives it a thought like it's the hardest question to answer. "I'd like you to focus on our family but yeah, sure. If that would make you happy," he finally says after a few seconds of silence.

I feel my heart sink at the way he said that, like he's indulging a child-insincere and patronizing. I didn't know this side of Hero existed and his promise to me at the waterfalls keeps ringing in my ears, mocking and taunting me.

I vow to be your equal, your lover and best friend.

"What's wrong, love?" He asks, his voice just above a whisper carried by the wind and I almost flinch as he caresses my cheek.

I tear my eyes away from the waters and focus on him, on his piercing green eyes that are staring intently at me. "We're getting married tomorrow and yet we haven't even discussed where we want to set our home," I point out, remembering mine and Katherine's conversation.