When the Roses Withered

Adrian stood outside Isadora's house, the soft glow of the streetlamp casting a golden halo around him. He looked dashing in his tailored navy-blue suit, his smile gentle but strained. A bouquet of fresh roses rested delicately in his hands, the petals trembling slightly in the night breeze. His brows were slightly furrowed, as though something heavy pressed on his chest—but all of that vanished the moment he saw her. Isadora stepped out of the house, her smile radiant and effortless, lighting up the darkness between them. She wore a flowing wine-colored gown that mirrored his outfit perfectly. Her beauty wasn't just in the way her dress hugged her curves or how her hair danced in waves over her shoulders—it was in the joy that gleamed in her eyes when she saw him. Adrian’s lips curved upward. For a moment, he let himself pretend everything was perfect. "Thank you," he said, offering her the bouquet. Isadora admired the flowers, inhaling their scent, her face glowing. "They're beautiful, Adrian. Just like you." He chuckled and gestured towards the car, opening the door like a gentleman. "Shall we?" She nodded, slipping into the passenger seat. He closed the door gently and circled around to the driver's side. --- The night road sparkled under the headlights of passing cars. Inside Adrian’s car, there was warmth, laughter, and the kind of silence that only existed between people who were deeply in love. Isadora turned to him, her eyes misty. “I love you so much. Thank you for being an amazing man. I don’t know what my world would be without you.” Adrian glanced at her briefly, his heart tightening. “I love you too, Isadora. And I mean it.” She leaned her head back with a dreamy sigh. “I bless the universe for bringing you into my life. I can’t wait to see how beautiful our kids will be.” He coughed sarcastically. She turned quickly. “Why did you do that?” “Nothing,” he said with a smirk. “But… what if we end up not getting married?” She gasped. “Hey! Watch your words. I have the ring right here on my finger.” She lifted her hand, admiring the sparkling engagement ring. It gleamed under the dashboard lights like a symbol of forever. Adrian gave her a small smile. “Not everyone who’s engaged ends up together.” “Stop it, babe. Ours won’t be like that.” Her voice held confidence, hope, and love. Adrian laughed, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Okay, okay.” They gazed at each other, still smiling, the world outside passing in a blur. --- The restaurant was everything out of a romantic fantasy. Rose petals covered the floor. The tables were set with glittering glasses tied in red ribbons, and candlelight flickered gently, setting the mood. Adrian held Isadora’s hand as they walked in. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wow,” she whispered. “What’s the occasion, boo?” Adrian grinned. “Don’t worry. You’ll find out. Let’s eat first.” He signaled the waiter and whispered something into her ear. The waiter smiled and walked away. Isadora stared at Adrian, her eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. “You’re being mysterious tonight.” --- Later, the plates were empty, save for bones and crumbs. Adrian took a sip of his wine while Isadora dabbed her lips with a napkin. The meal had been perfect, just like everything else that evening. “So, then what?” she asked, clearly expecting more surprises. Adrian pulled out a small envelope and handed it to her. “A love note?” she smiled as she opened it, reading the sweet words with soft laughter. “What’s going on, babe? Why all this special treatment? If we weren’t already engaged, I’d have sworn this was a proposal night.” Adrian’s expression shifted. The lightness faded. He cleared his throat and sat upright. “There’s something very important I want to talk to you about.” Her smile faltered. “Okay...?” He looked into her eyes. “Do you believe in fate and destiny?” She tilted her head slightly. “Sure, I do.” “I think fate is playing tricks on both of us,” Adrian said softly. “I was convinced we were meant to be. I really was. But ever since I met Thelma, I’ve realized… she’s the one I’m supposed to be with.” The room spun. Isadora blinked, unsure she heard him correctly. “What?” “I postponed our wedding plans because I wasn’t sure,” he continued. “I needed time to think… to know who I truly wanted. And it’s Thelma, Isadora. It’s her.” Her chest rose and fell as she stared at him, her smile frozen. “I… I don’t understand.” “I wanted to tell you here, where everything started. Where we fell in love. It’s almost poetic, isn’t it?” He sighed deeply, as if the weight of his confession relieved him. “I’m sorry, Isadora. But it’s over between us.” She stared at him, her lips parted, her world suddenly upside down. Then, she laughed—a weak, uncertain chuckle. “What a beautiful prank, Adrian. But come on, you didn’t get me.” Adrian reached into his jacket and pulled out a wedding invitation card. “This is not a prank. My wedding with Thelma is next week.” He held it out. Isadora didn’t take it. Her hands remained on her lap, frozen. Her heart pounded in her ears. She looked at him again—but the man before her was no longer the Adrian she knew. And as the light around them slowly dimmed, so did the spark in her eyes.