A Shattered Anniversary

she wore, the fabric cool against her skin, and checked her reflection one last time. Everything was perfect. The low light from the candles flickered

g magnificent structures, but building intimacy w

k, always had an excuse. Ava had tried everything. Lingerie, romantic dinners, surprise getaways, heartfelt conversations. Each attempt was a meticulously plan

tself on her face. Mark walked in, loosening his tie. He looked handsome, charming, eve

?" he asked, his tone

her voice a little shaky. "I thought

the quiet room. "I had a brutal day. Can we not do this tonight?" His words were a familiar blow,

she said, her smile falter

upstairs, leaving Ava standing alone amidst the dying romance of her own creation. The smell of the rosemary now felt cloying, the jazz music

"How' s the big anniversary night going? Hope you' re finally getting some action! ;)" Ava stared a

tio and paused, her heart clenching. Maybe he felt bad. Maybe he was coming to find her, to apologize. She moved closer t

never used with her. "She had the whole place set up, candles, a big dinner. It was so suffocating." A pause

e cooed, her voice dripping with fake sympathy that was sharp with malice. "Having to deal with my desperate best friend. It mu

wo people she loved and trusted most in the world. She pushed the door open, her body moving on pure, unthinking instinct. Mark spun around, his eyes

ng to process the depth of the betrayal. "What... wh

step toward her, his face hardening. "You were eavesdropping?

sudden, it felt physical. "You' ve been sleeping with my

at her. "You' re irrational! You' re hysterical! You' re imagining things!" He was turning it all on her, paint

old indifference that was somehow worse. He wrenched the front door open and slammed it shut behind him, leaving Ava to collapse onto the cold kitchen floor, the beaut