Chapter 15
There was an old town near the hotel, right by the lake.
Every night at 8, a fireworks show lit up the shoreline for half an
hour.
It reminded her of the Mirik River in Rivermond- fireworks
every night. The best view was from the rooftop of the
Riverspire Bistro.
Bethany had always wanted to see the fireworks. Vespera Villa
was only a half–hour away, but in seven years, Terrence had
never taken her.
Back then, she thought it was something married couples did.
But he wasn’t interested, so she let the small wish stay quiet.
Watching them alone just seemed boring.
Now, with time running out, she decided to give herself this one
thing.
She got up, washed up, pulled on a jacket, and went out.
The lakeside was packed.
Chapter 15
Couples held hands and leaned in close. Some kissed without
hiding it.
Street vendors moved through the crowd, offering roses to any
couple they spotted.
Southmount was a city where spring lingered, perfect for
growing roses. Most of the country’s roses came from here, in
every color and kind.
Bethany had never had that kind of love–no roses from Terrence,
and always alone.
Finally, she looked away from those roses.
The fireworks show was about to begin.
The first firework lit up the sky with a boom.
Ripples of light shimmered across the lake.
Then came another–twin lotus blooms, bright and perfect in the
dark. People raised their phones to capture it.
For anyone watching with someone they loved, this would have
felt like magic.
No wonder couples loved watching fireworks.
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Bethany watched for about fifteen minutes, then suddenly lost
interest.
She just felt out of place.
The breeze felt cool against her skin.
She turned to leave just as another firework lit up the night. In that flash, her eyes met Terrence’s.
He stood not far away, his suit jacket around Krista’s shoulders. Krista was holding Emery, beaming.
Terrence thought he saw Bethany and took a step toward her.
But then the light faded, and he wasn’t sure anymore.
“Terrence,” Krista called out.
He turned. Another burst of fireworks lit up the sky. He looked back at where Bethany had been, but she was gone.
She had already slipped into the crowd.
Terrence blinked and scanned the crowd, a faint frown on his face.
Krista noticed. She looked around, too. “Did you see someone you know?”
Chapter 15
“Nah,” he replied.
Just then, a flower vendor came up, holding out some Floyd
roses.
“Fresh roses, sir! These are Floyd roses, all about that one–of–a-
kind kind of love. Get one for your wife, show her she’s one of a
kind.”
Krista stárted to say no, but Terrence pulled out his wallet and
handed over the cash for one.
More fireworks followed. To Bethany, they felt too bright and
made her eyes sting.
It wasn’t the romantic moment she had imagined.
If there was anything magical about it, it wasn’t meant for her.
She turned and walked off.
Terrence handed Krista the rose.
Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled. “Terrence, you sure this is
okay?”
“It’s fine. Just felt like helping the guy out.”
Her smile wavered for a second, then came back. She took the
