Roses And Thorns

WENDY'S POV "Wendy," my boyfriend began just as I fastened my seat belt. "Yeah, honey," I respond in a loving tone, wanting to give him a peck on his right cheek, but surprisingly, he shakes his head and prevents me from my attempt. I threw a perturbed look at him, "Honey, what's wrong? Your girlfriend can't kiss you anymore?" "Wendy," he sighs, raking his hand through his hair, "... how do I put it?" The silence lingers for a while before he resumes speaking. "Honestly, Wendy, it's been wonderful being your boyfriend. I appreciate the good times we’ve had together, but I’m sorry... you’re not the right woman for me." My brows immediately knit as I fixed a bemused gaze at him, "W-what are you saying, Liam?" "My heart is with someone else, Wendy," he admits, “…and I’m... I'm marrying her in two days. I don’t want to hurt her and I know you’re kind…” "I'm kind?!" I say in a deep tone, with rage surging through my veins. Tears form in my eyes, but I will them not to roll down my cheeks. This scum doesn't deserve to witness me looking vulnerable. He isn't worthy! "You've been taking me for a fool, saying sweet words, making fake promises of a wonderful married life together in the future, but you..." I point a trembling right index finger at him, "…you go behind my back and propose to another woman? "Great!" I nod sagely, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You're excellent at your game, William," I sarcastically applauded before unfastening my seat belt and getting out of the car, slamming the door hard. "Leave," I say in a low tone, but it doesn't hide my simmering fury. My hands are rolled into fists on my sides and my entire body shakes as I shoot a sizzling gaze at him. Instead of doing as I had asked, William gets out of the car and ambles over to me. He even had the nerve to try handing me a golden invitation card, "I hope you can make it to our wedding. My fiancée, Cassandra and I... we could really use your blessings," "Oh, really?" I accepted the card and immediately ripped it to shreds while staring at him hard in the eye. "Leave! "DON'T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF, WILLIAM MILLER!" I seethe, pointing to my right. He exhales, "Alright. Just don't think of making a scene at the wedding. Cassandra won't mind letting you check into jail for at least half a year," As if I would ever want to witness the union of a scumbag and a b***h! "I never want to see you again!" I pivot, planning on heading towards my apartment building. "Oh, and one more thing, Wendy!" His words stop me in my tracks. "Shoot!" I say through clenched teeth. "You don't need to report to your workplace on Monday. My fiancée has long seen you as an eyesore, so she convinced her father to terminate your employment. One of the reasons I came was to give you some money out of pity..." I swiftly turned on my heel and hurled my handbag at him. He dodges it and still has the nerve to shrug,"I just wanted to warn you, to save you from embarrassment. It is saddening that you don't appreciate my good intentions, Wendy. " He takes out his phone and, after opening the screen, looks up at me. "Cassandra wants me back, I have to go. I hope you find the right man for you though". He heads back to his car, and soon drives away. Just like that, a supposed romantic meet-up between lovers turned into an infuriating breakup. My chest heaves rapidly as I watch the car disappear out of the street. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and bent over to pick up my bag. I returned to my apartment building, soon charging up the stairs, the clatter of my heels jarring. ….. Almost two weeks have elapsed since the breakup and the loss of my job. I've applied to a number of firms, yet the feedback I received—whether through emails, phone calls, or in-person discussions—was consistently: ‘We are sorry, but we cannot offer you this position.’ Today is no better— another rejection. I'm trekking back to my apartment; it's still almost an hour away on foot. I've walked so much that my feet are sore, but I can't really manage the expense of a bus. I'm low on funds, so I can't afford to spend recklessly. Today, I'd also decided that since no company wanted to hire me, I would find a job outside my comfort zone. As I walk, I keep my eyes open for any job vacancy; at this point, I wouldn't be against taking a role as a waitress in a night bar. The civil registry is close by and for a moment, the thought of my ex being married to my former employer's shrew of a daughter makes my stomach churn. I sniffled and furiously wiped the tear that had sneaked down my cheek, increasing my pace, so I could get past the structure. Maybe I wasn't looking properly, but I don't know when I crashed into what felt like a perfumed, well-cushioned wall. I fell back and looked up to see it was the sturdy chest of a man— one who looked like the creator's bias. Sporting a dark gray suit and branded accessories, he has sunny-blonde hair, hazel eyes, a sharp jawline and built like a linebacker. If attractiveness was a crime, this man would be the top criminal. And his lips… "Done staring?" His euphonious voice draws me back to reality. I took another step back, shyly clasping my hands in front of me, "Uhh.. I-I'm sorry, I wasn't looking. I guess I zoned out a little. P-please, don't be offended, sir," I bow my head slightly to show my sincerity. "It's alright," he replies to me with a small smile which I almost got lost in. Chiding myself softly, I tore my gaze away from him and made to continue my journey. However, his next words freeze me in my tracks. "Miss, are you single?" I slowly turned to him with an incredulous gaze. "I am. Is there any issue, sir?" ‘Why is he asking me such a question?’ I muse in befuddlement. ‘It can’t be that he's taken a fancy to me, right?’ Although I find the idea humorous, I quickly dismiss it from my mind. How could a person of his caliber be attracted to me, especially given my current sweaty appearance? "Then, would you..." He steps closer to me, inclining his head and surprisingly lifts my chin with a finger. “...do me the honor of becoming my wife?