Lahat ng Kabanata ng Where the Flowers Go: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 9

'It's dirty? Or maybe you're worried I'd pick up on the perfume—the one Susanna wears,' I mused silently.The revulsion I had managed to suppress on my walk came flooding back, threatening to spill out and reveal everything.However, with my departure looming in just two days, I realized there was no point in confronting him about it all. "Sure, whatever you want," I said, my voice flat.Frank looked at me, his eyes soft with a love that seemed to linger. "You're not yourself today. Did someone upset you? Let me handle it. If you're just feeling down, how about I treat you to a feast to cheer you up a bit?" We had been together for five years. I knew Frank, and he knew me—or so I thought. He could always tell when something was on my mind, and he would soothe me with a gentle voice. I used to melt into his arms, soothed by his words, but then, my heart felt nothing. Before I could figure out what to say, his phone rang. It was too close not to see—the screen read " My darlin

Susanna's eyes flicked my way, her smile a secret shared with the air."What's up, Frank? Spot an old friend?" she teased."Nothing. My mistake," he said, shaking his head.His phone, usually buzzing with replies, was silent.That was not like the me he knew.His brow creased with a worry he could not place.I looked up once more, taking in the fairy-tale scene, and murmured to myself, "Dream fulfilled, in a way."I was not the one in the bridal gown, not the one saying 'I do', but that dream—that day—was my creation.Five years of love, five years of life—I had given it all. Then, I had my answer.I was lost in a haze of confusion. Every little detail of their wedding seemed to echo with my presence, with the ghost of my memories with Frank.I could not help but wonder if they would ever fight over those shadows of me in their future.However, it did not really matter anymore. Tomorrow was their big day, and it was also my cue to exit.'Frank, here's to your blissful union

Frank stayed silent, probably because he knew it was all a bunch of lies. He tried to speak, his despair evident, but all that came out was a feeble attempt."I'm not married to Susanna."Did being married automatically mean he was off the hook?That seemed way too easy.However, I had never been one to settle for less.The more I heard, the more my heart sank, and Frank seemed like a stranger to me.I remembered the old Frank, who came home thrilled after seeing a wedding in a park, lifting me up and twirling me around in joy.He said he had caught the happiness bug and wanted to walk through life with me, insisting I was the only one for him.I found out later that the bride at that wedding had dashed into a burning building to save her groom, scarring her face in the process.They got married without a second thought, and a colleague of mine ended up designing their wedding.On that same day, Frank and I experienced the power of love in our own ways.However, people chang

Theodore was anxious, whipping out a tissue, aiming for my face.Before I could even object, he caught a fist square in the jaw.Frank had come out of nowhere, and after decking Theodore, he spun around, all concerned."Was he bothering you? Don't worry. I've got your back."I could not focus on Frank. I was too busy helping Theodore to his feet as he apologised over and over."Theodore, there's no need for apologies. What happened back then was a deal we both walked away happy from. It wasn't an insult. Honestly, I'm touched you even remember," I said.Theodore let out a sharp breath and waved it off.Frank tried to step forward, but I instinctively moved to shield Theodore, eyeing the man who had grown leaner and seemed wrapped in restlessness."Why are you here?" I asked, my voice icy.Frank, a towering figure, suddenly stooped, his voice a whisper."I... I got permission to come see you from across town. I've waited so long. They said my good behavior earned it. I know I