My Lost Blooming Season

I stood frozen in the doorway, feeling like an intruder in my own home.James was the first to notice me. He frowned, his face tight with irritation.“Wendy, where have you been? Diana just landed tonight. “She heard how great your cooking is and wouldn't stop asking for a home-cooked meal. She’s been waiting so long she’s starving.”Diana immediately bounced over with a sweet smile.“Sorry to bother you! The food abroad was awful and I couldn’t wait to taste your famous cooking.”James didn't say a word to defend me.He didn't ask where I’d been all evening. He didn't care why I was late.His eyes held only cold impatience.I said nothing. I set my purse by the door and walked straight into the kitchen.The icy water from the tap made my fingers go numb.Laughter drifted in from the living room, muffled by the loud hum of the exhaust fan. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but the tone was intimate.When I brought out the dishes, James was setting down a neatly

My hand lost its strength, gradually slipping from the hem of his shirt.The spark of hope that had just flickered in my chest sank into total darkness.He didn't remember our fifth anniversary at all.My phone buzzed again with that familiar vibration. I picked it up to find another text from the unknown number.“He was only with you to make his childhood sweetheart jealous when she went abroad. Three years later, and you’re still dancing on his string.“It got boring, though. Now that he has laid it all out for you... you’re not still holding out hope, are you?”I pressed my nails into my palms, my eyes burning fiercely.“I’ll make my own decision,” I typed back.---I woke up early the next morning.When I opened my eyes, James was already gone from the bed.Diana’s high-pitched laugh echoed from the living room.“James, this oatmeal is amazing!”I pulled back the covers and walked out. James was wearing an apron, standing in the kitchen making breakfast.In five yea

He picked up the white box by his feet.Inside was a pair of matching rings.He took them out, examining them closely. Engraved inside the bands were our initials.While James was staring in shock, his phone rang.He answered frantically, ready to shout my name, but a stranger’s male voice stopped him cold.“Hello, sir? Are you Wendy Shaw’s fiancé?“Two days ago, she rented our venue for a proposal event.”“She canceled at the last minute, but she left a wrapped gift behind. We can’t reach Miss Shaw on her phone. “Would you be able to come pick it up?”James’s grip on the phone tightened. His throat felt completely blocked, unable to squeeze out a single sound.“Sir? Are you still there?”“Yes,” James finally rasped. His voice was terrifyingly raw.“Send me the address. I’ll be right there.”The second the call disconnected, he bolted out the door like a madman.He had never seen those rings before.He had no idea I was planning to propose to him on our anniversary.

His face was deadly serious, but I couldn't help laughing.“Are you proposing to me right now? Isn't this a little sudden?”Seeing my laugh, panic instantly flooded his face. His cheeks turned bright red.“Of course it doesn't count as a real proposal! If you say yes, I'll take you to pick out a ring tomorrow morning.“I’ll make up for everything, I swear…”“I accept.”Lucas froze, completely speechless.He moved to hug me in excitement, but stopped mid-air, afraid he would make me uncomfortable. He began pulling his hand back awkwardly.I smiled, stepped forward, and buried myself into his chest.---When I told my parents, they made me confirm it three times before they believed it.Once they knew I was serious, a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.The wedding prep moved fast.Before I knew it, our big day had arrived.Dressed in my white wedding gown, Lucas lifted me into the bridal car.Through the window, a familiar figure flashed past my eyes.---James ca