ManyWriters

On the day of our wedding anniversary, I stumbled upon an unusual display of azure-colored pyrotechnics on Abigail's secondary Instagram profile.
The accompanying text stated: [Fireworks may be temporary, but our bond is everlasting.]
Through a live broadcast, I caught snippets of their dialogue.
"Who do you prefer, me or your spouse?"
"You, without a doubt," Simon, my husband, promptly replied.
Shortly after, the post vanished, and Simon initiated a video call to showcase the fireworks in real-time.
"Happy anniversary! I arranged this surprise just for you!"
His words left me feeling hollow inside.
After concluding the call, I calmly dialed another number. "Brian, I've decided. I'm going to take that overseas job offer."

Love's Ash

Simon returned home two days after Valerie's departure, having spent that time persuading Abigail, leaving him completely drained.


Upon entering, he called out, "Valerie, I need some soup for my hangover," as he shed his coat, massaged his head, and sank into the sofa.


When no response came after a considerable wait, he noticed the unsettling quiet in the house.


Fighting his tiredness, he searched every room for her but found no one.


An odd sensation came over him, as if something crucial was vanishing.


"Where could she be at this time?" he wondered, reaching for his phone to contact Valerie.


As he walked past the study, he glanced in—and instantly became alert.


Simon stood motionless, his complexion draining.


He dashed to the bedroom, bathroom, and study, finding all traces of her gone from the photo wall.


Everything related to her had vanished.


For a moment, he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing.


Chapter 6