Rose Without Her Jack

"Jack... did something happen to Wendy?" Chloe's voice trembled. "The wedding's the day after tomorrow. You should go find her. I'm fine, really. I've always been alone. I'm used to it."

Her eyes dimmed, the light in them flickering out like a candle in the wind.

Mickey gently patted her back. "Rose, don't be afraid. I won't let you be alone anymore."

Chloe smiled again, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Really? But you're getting married. You'll be Wendy's husband soon. Jack... you can't stay with me forever."

She tried to pull away from his embrace, but he held her tightly by the waist, refusing to let her go.

His eyes were dark, filled with restraint and a pain he couldn't quite hide.

"Don't go, Rose. Even if I get married to Wendy, I can still be with you. I'll talk to Wendy on the wedding day. I'll ask her to let you move in. After that, we'll never have to be apart again."

Every word was tender, filled with earnest sincerity.

Chloe looked up at him and asked softly, "What if Wendy doesn't agree?"

Mickey fell silent for a moment before answering coldly, "Then I'll call off the wedding."

I curled my lips into a bitter smile, not sure if I wanted to laugh or cry.

He treated Chloe with such care because of "Rose"—because she reminded him of our childhood, of me. And yet, he was willing to sacrifice the present me for the memory of the me from back then.

It was like being trapped in thick and blinding fog. I couldn't see a way out.

Chloe's eyes welled up with tears as she buried herself in his arms. But the smug curl at the corner of her mouth… I saw it all too clearly.

The next day, Mickey got a call from the bridal shop. The alterations were done. The dress was ready for pickup.

Expressionless, he tried calling me.

Once. Twice. Over and over again.

No answer.

Only the cold, mechanical voice: The number you have dialed is unavailable.

And with that, the last of his patience evaporated.

"Wendy, don't ever answer my calls again. Ever."

I laughed silently to myself.

Is that so? Mickey... you'll get your wish. Because I won't ever be able to pick up your call again.

Unable to find me, he brought Chloe to the bridal shop instead.

I stood there and watched—watched as Chloe put on my wedding dress.

She looked at herself in the mirror, her hand covering her mouth as she sobbed quietly.

"Mickey, this feels like a dream. Pinch me. Please. Am I dreaming? Am I really wearing a wedding dress... for you?"

His eyes were full of affection, but he held himself back.

When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse, laced with longing and tenderness.

"Yes, you are. Rose... you're beautiful."

Chloe's eyes turned red as she looked up at him, hope flickering like flame.

"Mickey... if Wendy didn't exist, if we'd met first... would you have married me?"

Silence.

I held my breath, the weight in my chest threatening to collapse in on itself.

Then I heard him say it, without hesitation. "Yes."

That one word shattered everything. My fingertips trembled.

I watched as Chloe rose onto her toes, lips pressing against Mickey's cheek.

His eyes darkened.

He took control, pulling her in, one hand behind her head, the other wrapped firmly around her waist.

They kissed—long and deep, like lovers lost in the rush of first love.

And just like that, I couldn't tell anymore.

Was it "Rose" that made him lose control?

Or had he truly fallen for Chloe?

All I knew was, he no longer loved me.

Not me—Wendy.

I was already dead, but somehow, my heart still hurt like hell.