Awaiting Love's Spring Blossoms

He used shitty lies. It cheated me out of all of my love, my mother's savings and even her peace after death. Mark's face went blank when I confronted him with the truth.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Your mother's fine; there's no way she's dead."

Chloe kicked at the broken urn on the ground, pouting. "Who'd believe that? Would you be happy and planning a wedding if your mother had just passed?"

Mark's expression darkened immediately.

"Rachel, can't you come up with a better excuse? One moment, your mom's sick; the next, she's dead. Do you think everyone's as brainless as you are?"

He stepped around me with disdain, taking Chloe's hand. "Don't worry," he whispered to her, "I'll take you to the hospital right now. This madwoman won't get away with this."

The receptionist and a few of Chloe's friends had their phones out, recording with smirks on their faces. But I couldn't hear their words. I was numb, kneeling on the floor, gently gathering Mom's ashes back into the suitcase. I wanted to hurry to take my mom out of this dirty place, away from people who would only disrespect her.

When I returned to the hotel, a message from Mark was waiting on my phone.

Mark: [We're getting married soon, so I'll let it go if you apologize to Chloe. Just kneel, apologize and I won't hold it against you.]

Even now, he thought I was desperate to marry him. I blocked his number, wiped my tears and checked the time. With Mom by my side, I boarded a plane, never looking back.