Chapter 4
Kieran seemed to sense something, nervously rubbing his nose.
Right next to the flower shop was a furniture store. I walked straight in and saw that the walnut dining set I’d ordered was finally ready.
I was a
about to pay when a sickeningly sweet voice piped up behind me.
“Kichan? Didn’t you say you’d help me pick out chandeliers today?”
Luna again. Of course.]
When Luna spotted me, she dramatically covered her mouth.
“Oh! Quinn? Sorry, I didn’t see you there…“]
“Wait, you guys are furniture shopping too? This place has the most gorgeous chandeliers, perfect for penthouses! Kieran was just saying he wants to install one in my new place!”
My fingers curled into fists.
So he’d already found Luna a new home while I was still stupidly clinging to the hollow shell of a house he’d sold, waiting for an explanation that would never come.]]
Luna picked up a brochure.
“Quinn, look at this one! Imported straight from Italy–it would look amazing in an entryway!“]]
I stepped back, dodging the brochure she was trying to hand me.]
“No thanks, I’m done shopping. You two take your time.”
Luna blinked, her eyes immediately welling up like I’d mortally wounded her.
‘Are you… upset that I’m here? I should probably just leave then.‘
Kieran immediately grabbed Luna’s hand.
“Why would you leave? No need.“]
He turned to glare at me.
“Quinn, Luna’s going to be family soon. Could you maybe be a little nicer to her?”
I stared at him, sturned.[]
Family? What kind of family? How was I, the supposed wife, not informed about this?
Then again, he’d sold our shared home without telling me–why would I expect him to ask permission for anything else?]
“She can save the fake tears for someone who buys it. If she wants to leave, she can just go. No need for the whole dramatic performance.”
Both of them froze, clearly not expecting me to be so direct.[]
Luna looked like she was about to burst into tears again.[]
“Tine, I’ll go. I don’t want to cause problems for you two.“]
But Kieran pulled her closer instead.
“Quinn, we’re getting married in a few days. Could you please act like an adult?”
“Since we got engaged, have you given me a single pleasant moment? And now you’re dragging Luna into it?”
Luna tugged at his arm weakly while pressing closer to him.]
“Kieran, don’t say any more…“]]
Seeing her pitiful face, Kieran completely lost it.]
“No, I’m going to say it–I’m sick of this!”
“Quinn, keep throwing your tantrums! Just don’t come crying to me when you stress yourself so much that your old wound opens up again. Don’t say I didn’t warn your”
The store went dead silent, sales associates awkwardly looking away as they rearranged merchandise.]]
And my heart felt like it had been thrown into an ice pit.]
So that’s what my sear meant to him–just a tool I used for attention and manipulation
And I’d actually thought he’d remember the promises he made, the way that knife wound would always be part of my body.
How many times had Luna called saying she was “feeling down” or “couldn’t sleep,” and Kieran would drop everything to be with her?
But when my wound got infected and I had a fever so high I passed out, Kieran was taking Luna to a midnight movie. All I got was a text: “drink some water, I’ll come by when I’m free.” Yet I didn’t see him all night.]
Every time I complained, Kieran would frown and lecture me.]
“Why are you so selfish? Luna’s all alone–she needs mel“]
On our three year anniversary, Kieran promised to visit the little town where we first met.[]
I planned the whole trip excitedly, but he completely forgot.
“It’s just an anniversary–we can celebrate next time, right?“]
But for Luna’s random birthday, Kieran spent half a month planning, booking the most expensive restaurant, buying limited edition gifts, and posting about it on social media.]
[Happy birthday to the most important princess in my life.]]
All those memories crashed together with what I was seeing now.
I was exhausted.
Maybe I should have let go a long time ago.]]
I turned to leave, and heard Kieran’s gentle voice behind me.]
“She’s probably just having pre–wedding jitters. Don’t stoop to her level…”
Ha! How thoughtful of him, even making e
excuses for me.
Through the glass window, I watched him tenderly take Luna’s hand and lead her to look at that expensive crystal chandelier.
The sight was so painful I couldn’t keep watching.
That night, Kieran sent me a voice message.
“Quinn, quit being such a drama queen.“]
I’m busting my ass out there every day, and then 1 come home to your attitude–do you know how miserable that makes me?“]
“We’re about to be family. I need you to be more understanding.”
His voice sounded a little drunk, and he kept rambling about something.
But I didn’t want to hear:
rany more.
He was the one working hardest, the one who needed understanding.
Fine.
I’d make him happy. I’d give him what he wanted.
