I Died on His Wedding Day

My pulse slammed to a halt, and I whirled to hide the panic twisting my face. But Thomas Vance was already blocking my path, snatching the lookbook from my grasp. His frown deepened at the bloodstain blooming on its pages-and in that moment, I realized he cared more about the damned book than me.

"I-I'm sorry... I stained it by accident," my voice shook. How was I still speaking?

Quinn Carver thrust a tissue into my hand, shooting Thomas a teasing grin: "Since when do you care about a lookbook? Miss Winters, should we call an ambulance?"

I shook my head, pressing the tissue to my nose. "Just a cold and some heat- I'll be fine." Like I'd ever burden my almost-fiancé-my ex-with my terminal diagnosis.

Thomas Vance stayed silent, his eyes burning holes in my pale face.

In the restroom, I stemmed the bleeding. When I returned, Quinn had changed into a different gown-not the one I'd once dreamed of wearing. She twirled before Thomas, beaming: "How do I look?"

His gaze was soft, but it only reflected her. I felt like drowning. "I need to go," I mumbled.

"Wait!" Quinn called. "Thomas and I have no friends in Belrith. Won't you be my bridesmaid?"

My fingers trembled. "My visa expires then." I couldn't stand beside my ex on his wedding day.

Quinn sighed. "What a shame. Let's meet up another time."

"Sure," I whispered, grabbing my bag. I glanced back at Thomas-he sat on the sofa, never looking my way. Cold as the day he dumped me.

The automatic doors clicked shut, severing us into separate worlds.

Tears stung my eyes as I dragged myself toward the hotel. Belrith's streets were quiet, but passersby smiled carelessly-I'd lost my smile long ago.

A tiny tavern caught my eye. On impulse, I stepped inside. I used to love drinking before I fell ill. Maybe one last binge... but a single bottle made me nauseous.

At the counter, I noticed a wall of couple photos. The bearded owner smiled: "Couples get free drinks if they pose."

I was about to say I was alone when my eyes locked on the top photo: Thomas Vance and Quinn Carver, dated "2024.4.21".

That was before we broke up!

My brain went numb, a chill creeping through my veins. The owner chattered on, but I couldn't hear.

Staggering outside, a stranger grabbed my arm. "I've watched you. Come home with me."

"Let go!" I struggled, but he yanked me toward his car-

A figure stormed forward, punching him to the ground. "Leave her," Thomas Vance snarled, voice like ice.

As the stranger fled, Thomas frowned at me. "Belrith's taverns aren't safe. If you can't protect yourself, go home-stop playing the damsel."

I froze, then croaked: "Glad it was this tavern. Otherwise, you wouldn't have saved me."

He scoffed. "Say what you want."

I laughed through tears. "I didn't know you were with Quinn on March 11, 2024."

His eyes darkened. A stab of pain hit my chest. "Thomas Vance... so you cheated."

He paused, then said flatly: "I fell for Quinn while we were still together."

My heart shattered. I thought I was past the pain, but his words cut deeper than ever. Tears spilled over. "I understand," I bit out.

I turned to leave, but my vision blurred. I collapsed.

Vaguely, I heard Thomas shout my name.