A Love Rewritten in Lavender

Seavora, Carmoria

After seven years of a long-distance marriage, I was finally transferred to Leah Lambert's city.

On Valentine's Day, I crossed Carmoria with my transfer papers, a big bouquet of roses, and a new diamond ring hidden in the bouquet.

I waited outside her office, ready to surprise her.

"Babe, where are you?"

The second she walked out, I video-called her.

I'd been counting down to this moment for years.

Her voice was as gentle as ever. "Just got off work. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just miss you. Do you miss me?"

"Of course I do."

A smile tugged at my lips.

Thinking about her reaction when she saw me, I stepped toward her.

"Really? Then turn around and—"

My voice cut out.

I froze.

Her arm was wrapped around a man in a suit.

Then she lifted her head and kissed the man.

"If it's not urgent, I'll call you when I'm free. I have something important to do right now."

She hung up.

I stood in the cold and heard the man tease, "Babe, what's so important?"

The woman I'd loved through college and seven years of marriage didn't hesitate. "Being with you."

Tears hit the roses.

I stared at the diamond ring nestled in the bouquet and let out a bitter laugh.

So that's all I am to you? Someone who only matters when it's convenient.

My pulse pounded in my ears.

Then everything went dark.

My exhausted body hit the floor hard.

Right before I lost consciousness, I vaguely heard the man shout. For a split second, I caught Leah's shocked expression.

Then nothing.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital.

Leah sat across the room on a couch, reading a report.

She looked polished and elegant, every bit the poised, wealthy woman she was. Nothing about her resembled the ordinary office worker she'd always pretended to be.

When that man saw I was awake, he stepped forward. "I'm Shawn Fulton. You passed out from low blood sugar last night. The doctor said your stomach's in pretty bad shape and you need to rest for a while.

"When we found you, you were holding roses and a diamond ring. Where's your wife? Why isn't she here?"

He had sharp features and an effortless confidence.

Even though he wasn't arrogant, there was something about him that screamed privilege.

He was obviously born into wealth.

Nothing like me.

I was the guy who stayed up past midnight waiting to charge a used scooter just to save a few bucks on electricity.

"She's dead."

Dead to me.

Dead the moment I saw the truth.

The second the words left my mouth, I felt a burning stare from across the room.

I turned away and said nothing.

I didn't want to look pathetic.

My eyes still stung.

"Hey, don't cry. Stress messes with your stomach. You've gotta take care of yourself." Shawn sighed. "I have stomach issues too. Leah's always telling me not to bottle things up, not to skip meals, not to drink cold drinks, and not to..."

He frowned, trying to remember.

Then he looked at Leah.

"Babe, what was the last one again?"

The word hit me like a punch.

Something flickered across Leah's face before she smoothed it away.

"You dummy." Her voice softened. "No spicy food. No cold drinks. And definitely no coffee every day."

"Coffee?" Shawn shot her a look. "I don't even drink coffee. I drink tea."

But I understood.

That wasn't for him.

It was for me.

I'd spent years living on coffee, staying up late writing reports so I could climb the ladder faster and transfer to her city.

Now it all felt ridiculous.

Even her concern wasn't mine.

Just a passing comment she'd made while loving someone else.

My chest tightened.

I didn't want to stay another second.

"Thanks."

I threw back the blanket and got out of bed.

Leah shifted but didn't move.

Instead, Shawn stepped in front of me. "Where are you going? Don't tell me you're worried about the hospital bill.

"Relax. My wife is the richest woman in Seavora. This much money is nothing to her."