Valentine Fling

[Violet] I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. My palms were sweaty from holding the bouquet for so long. I placed the white roses on the couch and wiped my hands on my wedding gown. Tears fell on my cheeks, realizing I wasn't getting married. I waited for my father to escort me to the altar, but it was over half an hour past the scheduled blessing. I couldn't believe that my happy day had turned into a shitty day. “Assh*le!” Orlando cursed, entering the waiting room. My brother moved the phone away from his ear. “He didn't answer my calls twice. What's he doing out there?” “He might have had an accident,” Mom worriedly said. “I've sent people to check if there's been an accident around here,” Dad added. He closed the door and took a deep breath. “We have to calm down. Everything will be fine. Trevor is looking for his son. I'm sure he's just stuck in traffic.” “Trust me. He won't answer his phone.” Orlando crossed his arms over his chest. “I'll kill him if he shows up before me.” “Calm down a bit, Son. Anger only makes your sister freak out,” Mom reminded him. Orlando rolled his eyes. “That bastard didn't have an accident. Tell Uncle Trevor not to look for his son. I know what happened. He must be with his best friend. I'll bet you a million dollars that woman was in an accident,” he swore. “Orlando!” Mom admonished. “Don't talk badly about other people.” “You're always defending those two lovebirds.” Orlando clucked in annoyance. “Andy's right. Vaughn won't come,” I muttered. They turned to me. “Lettie,” my family said in unison. I shook my head slowly. “We don't have time to discuss it. The guests must have been so restless that we didn't start the ceremony. Dad, please move on to the cocktails.” I looked at him pleadingly. “I'm sorry this happened.” “Bullshit! That assh*le is at fault, not you!” Orlando exclaimed. “Dear,” Mom said with concern. “Please calm the guests down, Mom. They must have left money and gifts as my wedding present. Don't let them go home disappointed and hungry. I'll be fine,” I urged. I looked at her and Dad. “All right. You stay here. We'll take care of our guests,” Mom consoled. She hugged me, then let me go with a heavy heart. “Thank you, Mom, Dad,” I said. “Lettie,” Orlando murmured when our parents came out. “I know. Vaughn must be with his best friend.” I felt my eyes heat up. That betrayal hurt so much. Orlando sighed. “Do you need anything? Are you hungry?” he asked. “Would you do some things for me?” I requested. I looked at him pleadingly. Orlando was a good brother. He annoyed me a lot, but he would be the first one to retaliate for others' evil deeds against me. His threats were no joke. So, I knew he would kill Vaughn. My best brother proved the power of his influence by fulfilling my request. Vaughn and I were supposed to leave for our honeymoon on Sunday afternoon, but Orlando had gotten tickets to Hawaii that night. I didn't want to stay in our city any longer and feel sorry for myself. I needed a vacation to heal my broken heart and get over that jerk. I'd never felt so ashamed in my life. Luckily, Orlando helped me leave the hotel without running into anyone. “s**t!” Orlando swore as we stopped for a red light. In front of us was a large billboard with my and Vaughn's faces. It was our wedding announcement. Our parents were so happy with the union that they had put our pictures in several strategic locations. “Do you think he loves me?” I muttered. “Maybe, but he loves another woman more,” Orlando replied angrily. “A man who loves a woman won't hurt her repeatedly. Moreover, he won't disappear on his wedding day.” “What happened between him and Paris that he couldn't say no?” I asked in confusion. “Only they know. Even his parents disapprove of their strange relationship. I told you, their relationship is a bad omen. Had you listened to me, none of this would have happened,” he grumbled. I didn't reply because he was right. Vaughn had missed several of my important days and preferred to be with his best friend. Paris was so good at manipulating Vaughn that he couldn't deny her. “Are you sure you'll be okay?” Orlando handed me my suitcase. “Go home. You must be tired. I'll let you know when I'm in the cabin.” I gently pushed him. Orlando held my hand and pulled me close. He hugged me tightly. “Please take care of my wife and kids if I go to prison for life because of that assh*le,” he growled. “Stop, Andy,” I warned him. “I don't want my niece and nephew to be orphaned.” “Find a nice guy there.” Orlando let go of the hug. “Run away to Vegas and get married. I'm happier for you to marry any guy as long as it's not Vaughn.” “You're crazy.” I smacked his chest. “I'm serious. The best way to get over that assh*le is to find a new, better guy. Lettie, you'll meet rich men at the hotel. Open your eyes and open yourself. Do you understand?” He caressed my cheek and glanced toward the entrance. “Go.” “Thank you.” I kissed his cheek. I turned around and dragged my suitcase. After checking in and giving my suitcase, I walked to the lounge. The airport was crowded on the weekend. People from all over the world seemed to be in the same place. My phone vibrated, so I took it out of my bag. “Hello?” I greeted the caller without checking who was calling me. “Today's incident wouldn't have happened if you had listened to me,” a woman said. I stopped walking at that irritating voice. Damn. I should have checked who was calling before answering. I took a deep breath and looked around me. I strolled to the corridor near the toilet. “What did you do in that room? Did you cry and feel sorry for yourself? Vaughn didn't come to your family's Christmas dinner. You should have canceled your wedding. Why did you go through with it? “Vaughn would rather be with me than stand at the altar waiting for his unloved bride. He finally realized who he needs most in his life,” Paris said smugly. I clenched my fists as my temper boiled over. That selfish woman was deliberately provoking my anger. I wouldn't satisfy her by cursing at her on the phone. After all, there were plenty of people around me. “Vaughn being by your side doesn't mean he doesn't love me. He's just sorry for you. What are you doing this time? Did you whine like a child or threaten to kill yourself? None of that will make Vaughn fall in love, let alone marry you,” I retorted. “Vaughn loves me. Once he gets away from you, he will realize his feelings. You are an obstacle between us. Just watch. My darling is going to propose to me. Don't worry. I'll send the invitation,” she stated haughtily. “No need. I won't come.” “You're afraid you'll whine and beg him to come back to you?” Paris taunted. “I won't ask him back. You want my second-hand man so badly. Go ahead and take him. I won't snatch him away from you. Enjoy,” I concluded. “He's not your second-hand—” she protested. I ended the call and put my phone in my bag. My eyes heated up at the thought of them together. My chest burned, remembering all Vaughn's promises and words of love. What a liar. And how stupid of me to believe him after being hurt so many times. I took a deep breath and sighed loudly, shaking off my anxiety. I was trying to get away from those two crazy people. I had enough of the painful experiences between Vaughn and me because of Paris. I must not cry. “Find a nice guy there.” Orlando's words rang in my ears. That was right. I didn't need to cry over Vaughn. If he came and asked me to return, I would refuse. The way to repay them was to find a better man than that worthless one.