3#03

3

"Maliah's always pulling these stunts for attention. Don't mind her, she's just acting out. If she can text, she's probably back at work already. No need to fret," Altair said, ruffling Saoirse's hair before taking the dishes to wash.

I trailed behind, observing his familiar dexterity as he cleaned the plates effortlessly. My feelings churned within me like a tempest.

During our relationship, he'd claimed incompetence with household chores, leaving me to handle everything. For eight years, he'd finish eating and retreat to the bedroom, abandoning me with the cleanup. I'd believed he was incapable, but watching him now, I realized the truth—he wasn't unable, he simply didn't care.

Saoirse's condition improved quickly after some hydration, and she was ready to depart. Altair helped her dress, mentioning he'd already purchased train tickets back to Neotopia City.

"Altai, shouldn't we wait for Maliah?" Saoirse inquired, worry lacing her voice.

"No need," Altair replied promptly. "She knows her way and has legs. She'll manage."

In Neotopia, Saoirse's video submission earned her a swift promotion. Beaming, she turned to Altair. "I couldn't have done this without you, Altair. Thanks to your help, I got promoted. Let me treat you to dinner tonight."

"Certainly," Altair agreed, reaching for his phone to make a reservation. He noticed a message from one of my coworkers but dismissed it without hesitation.

An anchor spotted the diamond on Saoirse's finger and exclaimed, "Saoirse, are you engaged? That ring is stunning!"

Saoirse flushed, glancing shyly at Altair with a subtle smile.

She nodded, her heart racing.

Altair and I had been together for eight years. Just a month ago, we were planning our wedding, with our families discussing details. Five days prior, I'd found a diamond ring in Altair's pocket. My spirits soared; I thought he was about to propose.

But days passed without a proposal. Then I saw Saoirse's social media post.

"Thanks to my childhood sweetheart! I finally got my dream diamond ring."

The very same ring.

When I confronted Altair, he claimed Saoirse had asked him to purchase it, insisting I'd misunderstood. Seeing my distress, he promised we'd get our marriage certificate the following week. I wanted to believe him, if only for a moment.

"Keep it quiet. The station staff are too nosy," Altair warned Saoirse.

"I'm just ecstatic! You kept your word, and I'm finally where I've always wanted to be. Of course I want to tell everyone!" Saoirse clung to his arm, radiating joy.

Altair didn't push her away. Instead, he embraced her waist, chuckling softly.

After their meal, Saoirse claimed intoxication and needed rest. Without hesitation, Altair escorted her to what was supposed to be our marital home.

This house was a gift from my parents, part of my dowry. Recently renovated, it was meant to be our home after obtaining our marriage certificate.

Upon entering, Saoirse leaned weakly against Altair.

"Altair, can you wait for me..." She inched closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Altair tensed, his breath catching as their faces neared.

Suddenly, a phone's shrill ring interrupted. Annoyed, Altair answered.

It was Ravenna, my colleague, informing him that my body had been returned to Neotopia and my family needed to sign for it.

Altair laughed coldly. "I must say, Maliah's coworkers have too much free time. She must've worked hard to get you all to participate in this charade.

Tell Maliah if she persists, I won't marry her."

The line went silent briefly. As Ravenna began to speak, Altair ended the call.

Saoirse appeared more sober now. She leaned against him, her voice soft and uncertain. "Altair, are you really not going to marry her anymore?"

Altair paused, his gaze momentarily distant.