Ashes of a Bloomed Heart

Vernon had returned, looking exhausted. He was even holding a bouquet of fresh flowers. He walked toward me with no trace of guilt or remorse.

"Avril, I brought you your favorite roses."

Red roses represented sincere and passionate love. Right now, those flowers looked like a joke in Vernon's hands.

I accepted the roses. Thinking that I was no longer angry, Vernon began to explain. "It's Peggy Cahill. She's been diagnosed with bone cancer. All she wants is to marry me.

"Since I grew up with her, there's no way I'd let her down. We're getting engaged in three days. You've always been considerate. You understand why I'm doing this, right?"

From Vernon's tone, it didn't sound like he was explaining himself. It was more like he was informing me of his decision to get engaged with Peggy Cahill.

What a coincidence. I would be leaving in three days too.

I nodded in silence. In the past, Vernon could never stand how emotionally sensitive I was. He said I always sought reassurance from him whenever there was a minor issue. I would keep asking him whether he loved me.

Eventually, I got rid of that attitude and also learned how to be patient.

I didn't make a fuss, nor did I keep asking Vernon whether he still loved me. Vernon cast me a glance, looking somewhat startled.

"I'll be moving in with Peggy tomorrow. For the next few months, you might have to put up with being alone. Peggy's a patient. Compared to you, she needs my company more than ever."

I set the roses down with a smile. Seeing that I hadn't objected to his decision, Vernon approached me, wanting to caress my face.

In the past, Vernon never took the initiative to touch me. But this time, I subtly moved away from him.

A clear lipstick mark was visible on the collar of his shirt. The sickly sweet smell of perfume on him drifted into my nostrils, making me feel like I was about to throw up.

Vernon became furious, knowing that he had been rejected. Without a word, he quickly left the apartment.

I tossed the roses and cake into the rubbish bin. Then, I started packing my things.

I didn't want those flowers. I no longer wanted Vernon in my life either. As for the apartment where I had lived for six years, I was no longer attached to it.