Love Is but an Illusion

Emily was overjoyed when she received my call. She had never liked me as she thought that I came from a poor family. If it wasn't for Sebastian, she would have gotten rid of me long ago.

I said to her, "Mrs. Ford, can I leave after the wedding?"

Even if I couldn't grow old with Sebastian, I still wanted to see myself standing beside him in a wedding dress. Even if it was a wedding built on lies, I had spent a whole year preparing for this wedding. I didn't want to leave any regrets.

"Fine! But I don't want to see you ever again after the wedding!" Emily agreed after some hesitation.

It saved her the trouble of planning things since I was the one who suggested the breakup.

She promised to handle my travel arrangements abroad in a few days and handed me a card with 50 million dollars on it.

She said, "This amount is more than enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Do whatever you want abroad, but don't come back to look for my son. You have one week to prepare. A week from now, I want to see you board a plane out of the country."

I took the card and nodded silently. In actual fact, I didn't need the money. I had the ability to support myself. However, I knew that Emily wouldn't be at ease if I didn't take the money.

Accepting the money meant that I saw this relationship as a transaction. Emily could always claim that I left for money if Sebastian found out about this one day.

I planned to go abroad to finish my postgraduate studies and further my education. I decided to let go of this hopeless relationship once and for all.

When I got home, I picked up my phone out of habit and saw a new Facebook post from Cassandra.

"It's pure bliss to take wedding photos with the person you love!" She had posted a picture of herself and Sebastian choosing her wedding dress at a bridal store.

The photo was taken from the perspective of the groom. Cassandra was elegantly dressed in a white wedding gown that looked magnificent. She gazed straight into the camera with grace and confidence.

It was clear that the lighting and angle were carefully chosen, evidence of the photographer's deep affection for the subject.

A sharp pain shot through my heart as I closed my phone silently.

Sebastian came home that evening. He went straight to the kitchen as soon as he walked in. He made my favorite steak, truffle soup, and even opened a bottle of red wine.

Ever since his recovery, Sebastian had taken over all the household chores to prove his affection to me. I felt an overwhelming mix of emotions when I saw the table full of delicious dishes.

Sebastian asked with concern, "Joan, what's wrong? Why aren't you eating?"

I forced back my tears and mustered a faint smile. "Nothing, I'm just a little tired."

Sebastian didn't notice anything unusual with me and put down his utensils. "Then you should rest more. Joan, I'll be busy these next two days, and I might not be home. Stay safe when you're alone at home, and call me if you need anything."

My heart trembled violently in my chest as I nodded. "Alright, take care too."

Sebastian left the house early the next morning. The bed beside me was already empty by the time I woke up. I stood at the window and stared at the empty room as an overwhelming sadness washed over me.

I knew that our relationship was truly over.

While Sebastian was away, I went out to get my passport done and start the travel preparations. As soon as I stepped out the door, I received a message from Cassandra. It was a photo of her and Sebastian on a beach vacation.

In the photo, Sebastian was handing her a glass of juice. Their interactions looked very intimate.

"It feels amazing to be on a honeymoon," her message read.

There were more affectionate photos of the two of them together, as if they were the real couple and I was the outsider who had interfered in their relationship.

I took a deep breath and ignored her messages.

I started packing quietly once I got home.

I opened the wardrobe and saw several beautifully crafted dresses inside. They were dresses that Sebastian had given me. Each one held memories of our time together, but those memories now had turned into my deepest wounds.

I walked into the living room and laid out all the gifts Sebastian had given me one by one on the table.

There were delicate ornaments he brought back from abroad, the necklace he personally picked out for me, and the handbag from our first birthday celebration together.

I took a deep breath and put all these presents into a bag. I decided to sell them as there was no point in keeping them.

Just then, Cassandra updated another photo on her Facebook.

It was a photo of her and Sebastian in a hotel. She was leaning in his embrace and dressed in a seductive nightgown. His arm was wrapped possessively around her waist, and the chemistry between them filled the air.

Sebastian's face wasn't visible in the photo, but I recognized his familiar figure and presence instantly.

A moment later, Cassandra sent me a private message. It was a photo of Sebastian asleep beside her. Their bare skin was visible and the sight stung my eyes like sharp needles.

Then, she sent me their marriage certificate along with a message, "Ms. Robinson, I heard your marriage certificate was fake. I can't even find the registration number on the government's official website!"

A sharp pain shot through my heart. I took a deep breath and closed the chat. She was provoking me as she clearly wanted me to lose my temper. So, the more she did that, the more I shouldn't get angry.

I had known all along that the marriage certificate was a fake. I didn't need her to remind me. For the next two days, I kept myself busy by handling my departure arrangements.

I went to the office and tendered my resignation. My colleagues were surprised and sorry to see me leave. I met up with a few friends for a farewell gathering, thanking them for their years of companionship and support.

I returned home after the meal. When I opened the door, I was shocked to see Sebastian back home earlier than expected. He was sitting on the couch, looking exhausted.

"Joan, you're back."

Sebastian heard the door open and looked up at me. As he stood up, his expression changed subtly when he noticed the suitcases in the corner. "Are you going somewhere? Where are you going?"

My heart trembled, but I forced myself to reply calmly, "I… I just wanted to travel for a bit and clear my mind. You just got back, right? You must be tired. I'll cook dinner tonight."

Sebastian didn't seem suspicious. He held my hand and said, "Alright, let's talk about the trip after our wedding. We can go together."

The next moment, his gaze swept across the room. He noticed how empty the house looked. Many things were missing.

Confused, Sebastian asked, "Joan, why does the house feel so different?"

Taking a deep breath, I answered, "Oh, I did some spring cleaning recently and tidied up the house a bit."