The Abandoned Bride

Selena's Pov.

I stopped and looked at the fancy frames on the walls they were as big and strong as Arthur's arms.

The paintings were beautiful, they carried with them the most exquisite artistic value possible.

It wasn't just the painting though, our house was full of expensive things, like a fancy art museum, the air itself left off a scent of wealth. But money isn't a problem for either of us.

I had my business of decorations which has a target customer base of only the wealthiest. That's right, I'm very rich.

But so was Arthur, the CEO of a large business. We were the perfect couple.

"Everything is perfect, Selena," cooed a guest. They came to see the house that will soon be our new home.

Arthur and I were engaged. And this beautiful expensive house is going to be our new home.

"You and Arthur are the picture of happiness."

A polite smile danced upon my lips, but it did not reach the green pools of my eyes.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice a melody played on the strings of propriety.

The guests basked in the warmth of our supposed bliss, oblivious to the chill that had settled between Arthur and me.

After all, we were the perfect couple. A power couple who share immense respect for each other. The headlines featured us a lot. I was living the dream.

Arthur walked towards me and the guest, he wrapped his hard yet slender hands around my waist and our eyes met.

There was nothing but love in them. I couldn't wait to get married to him.

"Good evening," He greeted the guests. "Thank you for coming to check out our new home."

Everyone present saw the love between us, it was enough for them to envy it. Who wouldn't want a love life like ours?

"Selena, darling, how do you manage it all?" another guest asked in marvel. He gestured to the splendor that surrounded us.

"What can I say?" I threw my hands in the air.

"Careful planning I guess, we planned a lot of things between us. We are both incredibly busy but we found a way to equally split time for ourselves."

I turned to face Arthur. "But most importantly, we trust each other. We are one."

The guests could only watch us in awe as we shared a sweet yet short kiss.

"Selena." His voice, a familiar melody amidst the raucous symphony of celebration, pulled me from my reverie.

"Arthur," I replied, turning to face him. My eyes met his, and for a moment, we stood silent, two souls conversing without words.

"Are you... are you alright?" he asked, his gaze searching mine, perhaps for a glimpse of the girl he had once vowed to cherish 'til death did us part.

I nodded, clasping my hands together to still their betrayal. "Of course. Tonight is perfect."

"Almost as perfect as us," he added, a smile playing on his lips, though it did not reach the depths of his brown eyes.

"Almost," I echoed, allowing myself a small smile in return. In that instant, I clung fiercely to the shards of hope that pricked at my heart. Hope that whispered sweet nothings of love conquering contracts and deadlines.

"Selena, you know that..." Arthur began, his voice trailing off as he glanced at the opulent crowd that swirled around us, oblivious to the silent battle we fought.

"Shh," I hushed him gently, laying a finger upon his lips. "Let's just enjoy tonight. We can outrun time, even if just for a moment."

As I withdrew my hand, I felt the ghost of his kiss upon my fingertips. It was a specter of affection, but it fueled my hope, nonetheless. The belief that the love which once burned brightly between us could defy the constraints of legalities and documents-that it could be more than just a beautifully crafted illusion.