8#08

8

"Sweetheart, I've heard there are numerous blood tests scheduled for today. I know you're not fond of pain, but don't fret, I'll be right beside you," Dave reassured, embracing her snugly, seeming more anxious than Kate herself.

Kate stood silently in the queue, clutching her paperwork. After the initial blood sample was taken, Dave's expression creased with worry as he observed her. His face mirrored his concern, clearly empathizing with her discomfort.

He softly consoled Kate, asking, "Is it painful? Don't be scared, I'm here with you."

Previously, when Dave uttered these words to Kate, they would have filled her heart with warmth and reassurance.

Now, however, she felt nothing. She nodded slightly. The discomfort from the blood draw paled in comparison to the anguish caused by his actions with Leona.

Suddenly, a familiar melody rang out. Kate instantly recognized it as Leona's personalized ringtone.

Dave answered the call behind Kate's back, his voice tinged with urgency.

"What's the matter?"

"Hold on, I'll be there right away."

Concern was evident in his eyes, though he tried to mask it. He pressed his lips together before speaking. "An issue has arisen at work. I need to go there now. I'll return to find you later."

Kate didn't inquire further. She was well aware of Dave's intentions. But the constant deception had become wearisome.

Kate was left on her own, having undergone six blood draws.

Typically, she was most fearful of pain. Her menstrual cramps would often reduce her to tears. But now, as she watched the needles pierce her skin repeatedly, she felt no fear.

Her nose tingled and the fire in her heart flickered and died, yet she remained silent. In the end, only numbness remained.

She returned home alone, where more torment awaited her.

Viewing Leona's latest post, she saw multiple flower arrangements in an upscale dining establishment, with the caption:

"Today, all my loved ones are by my side."

In the images, her parents were smiling brightly, while a figure sat quietly in the corner, almost unnoticeable. Even without seeing the face, Kate knew it was Dave.

It dawned on her that her entire family had been deceiving her all along.

Kate's hands quivered slightly and as she reflected on recent years, her eyes involuntarily began to water.

She understood it all too well.

This family had never truly accepted her.

Despite being her parents' biological child, it seemed her words held no weight.

They only cared about their own desires.

She no longer wished to endure these joyless days. So, she silently wished them eternal togetherness.

Dave didn't return home that night, sending only a message to Kate: [Honey, I have to work late at the office. Get some rest.]

Even on the night before their wedding, he was still with Leona.

Kate could only see the irony. Keeping him close at this moment aligned perfectly with Leona's nature.

She couldn't be bothered to confront them. Rather than engaging in a heated argument, she preferred to leave as soon as possible. Each additional moment here filled her with revulsion.

"Your vessel departs at dawn. Will you arrive during the day or...?"

Before the speaker could finish, Kate interjected, "I'll be there at dawn."

"Very well, we'll await your arrival."

With Dave absent, it simplified matters considerably.

She packed up everything and sent it away, leaving only Dave's possessions behind.

News of their impending nuptials had spread throughout their social circle, and she watched as congratulatory messages poured in.

"Wishing you a joyous marriage!"

"Congratulations on your wedding! May you find abundant happiness!"

"I've always thought you and Dave were meant for each other."