Awaiting Love's Spring Blossoms

"Mark, everyone's staring at me. Do you think your sister hates me? Is she trying to embarrass me?"

The whispers around us grew louder. Mark was afraid that Chloe would be upset. He glanced my way, but rather than confronting me, he comforted Chloe, protectively guiding her away. I was left standing alone, facing the crowd's judgmental stares.

I looked down at the shattered trinket on the ground. It is such a small thing, yet it costs thousands. Mark certainly wasn't lacking in wealth. He would use it to shower Chloe with gifts, flaunt a grand wedding and boost his image—but spending it on me? That, he would never do. He thought I wasn't worth it and unnecessary.

Years ago, I had loved Mark deeply. A hollow promise or a cheap gift was all it took to make me stay. But now, it wouldn't happen again.

I wiped the blood from my face, feeling nothing and maxed out his credit card.

***

I spent the money for our wedding venue on a luxurious plot in Mom's hometown cemetery. I bought the finest urn for her ashes with the funds for wedding photos. When I was ready to go back to the hotel, I realized I had left something at Mark's office, so I detoured to pick it up.

Chloe has sidelined the colleague who used to befriend me as a receptionist. The new receptionist deliberately made things difficult, asking me to prove my identity.

"Can you prove you belong here?" she sneered.

I searched my bag, realizing I didn't have a single photo of me and Mark together. She rolled her eyes.

"People like you think you can just show up? Everyone knows Mr. Caldwell only cares about Chloe."

I didn't need her to tell me that; the lobby walls were already plastered with pictures of them together. I was about to call him when Mark appeared, irritation plain on his face.

"What are you here for now?" he demanded.

"My mother's peace charm," I replied evenly. Mom, despite her illness, had gone out of her way to get it blessed, hoping Mark and I would live a life she couldn't—a life full of love, free from bitterness. It's a pity. Mark doesn't deserve my love, nor does he deserve Mom's expectations.

Chloe smirked. "Mark didn't need that tacky old thing. I threw it out ages ago. Why don't you try upgrading your taste, sister? Here, I will give you this necklace. Mark bought me plenty and I am sure you have never worn anything like it."

I couldn't bear it and raised my hand to slap Chloe. But before I could do it, in the next instant, I felt a searing pain as my head hit the edge of a desk. Everything spun and I barely registered that Mark was gripping my hair, forcing me to apologize to her.

Pain engulfed me. My suitcase slipped from my hand, spilling open on the floor. Before I could react, Chloe snatched up the urn inside.

"Oh, what's this? It's so pretty. Mark, can I keep this box?"

"Don't touch my things!" I lunged, trying to grab it back, but the pain was overwhelming and I collapsed to the floor. Chloe looked down at me and then, with a twisted smile, hurled the urn to the ground.

As the urn shattered, my heart into pieces. "Mark, that was my mother's ashes," I choked out. "Do you remember your promise to her? The one where you swore to marry me in honor and give me a good life?"

He had once vowed to be my protector, treat me well and cherish our love. All lies.