I had imagined us walking hand in hand along the shore, receiving the blessings of our family and friends.
I had pictured our children laughing as we played together in the sand.
And I had even taught myself a bit of architectural design, sketching a seaside villa that would be our secret hideaway, just for the two of us.
Now, every one of those dreams lay shattered, the fragments turning into sharp blades slicing into my heart.
Rhea had been waiting for a while, impatience already written across her face.
She slipped her arm through Justin’s and gave it a light shake, her tone sweet but tinged with complaint.
"UV rays cause aging, you know. I’ve been baking in the sun all this time—you owe me."
"Put the villa in my name and buy me that Hermès bag I’ve been wanting."
"Just in case you ever change your mind—consider it my insurance."
Her playful manner drew a laugh from him almost instantly.
"Change my mind? That won’t happen until I’m dead."
"You’re too late anyway—the bag and the property deed are already on your bedside table. You’ll see them when you get home."
"Next time, try asking for something I don’t already know about, or you'll ruin the surprise."