Chapter 25: Chapter 25

I felt my heart beat racing faster as I saw the names written in gold. It was as if a dagger had been pushed through my heart and the pain was just unbearable. Even more painful than the heart break.

How could you do this to me Mark? I sobbed. What did I ever do to you? I cried. The wound which I thought was beginning to heal in my heart was rather opening deeper at that instant. I took as second look at the words with my vision blurred with tears. Mark & Tilda's wedding ceremony. I didn't only feel a knife stabbing my heart but also hatred. Hatred for myself. For ever trusting him. I thought my heart was healed and I could take anything but this was different. It would have been easy if I had heard the news from elsewhere but not from him.

"I'm sorry Maya, I thought you saw my text messages. He said with regret. Did he take me for a kitten. I mean, he clearly proposed to a girl he claimed not to love right in front of me and now, he seems like an innocent soul but I won't allow my self to get fooled again. I yelled at him as I kept a firm hold on the collar of his shirt.

So you even have it in you to tell me through text that you were getting married to her?

"I was merely asking for your permission." He said in a tear filled voice.

Shut up Mark? What difference will it make? Did you tell me before proposing to her? That is what I am to you right? A joke. I was just a joke to you from the onset. I cried releasing his collar. I sat back in the chair covering my face with the palms of my hand

"No Maya, you got it all wrong. I didn't know how to...." He tried to continue as he got closer to me and held me in the shoulder but I shoved him away.

Enough Mark, you have done enough. Keep your explanations to yourself. I screamed heading to the door but he quickly blocked the door and locked it, keeping the key in his pocket.

"Maya, you have to hear my explanation before you get out of this office." He tried to talk again.

I said I don't want to hear it. Now open that door, this minute. I said with visible anger in my voice.

"Fine if you won't hear my explanation, then let me drop you home. I can't let you go like this please". He said with a miserable look on his face.

I would have appreciated it you just had the courage to break up properly with me. I would have felt respected enough. But what you did, was an insult to my personality. I said in a soft but serious tone and instantly took out my phone and sent a text message to Tom.

"Please pick me up. I'm locked up in Mark's office." I pressed the send button before he whisked the phone from my hand.

Did you message someone? He asked nervously like a scared cat. I wonder what he was hiding because the Mark I knew was never scared. I mean, he scared the hell out of people but I didn't care to know anything else.

None of your business, I said.

"You messaged Tom?" He said with a look of disappointment.

So? It that  a problem for you? We have nothing to talk about. Just stay away from me. I said.

"Maya you must listen to me this minute. Before Tom's gets here." He pleaded

I loved you Mark, you told me to trust you and I did. How could you do this to me? Is it because I am an orphan and don't have the kind of wealth Tilda has? The last word kind of choked in my throat because I didn't know if I should blame Tilda. From the onset, they were going to get married eventhough they claimed not to love each other so if I have to blame someone, it has to be my stupid heart, for believing a fantasy.

"Maya, you don't understand. It's very hard for me to take this decision. God knows that all I ever want is you and what I did, I -."

Stop it, stop lying to me. I screamed before he had the change to complete his statement.

"Maya, are you okay", was Tom's voice behind the door.

Please get me out of here Tom, I pleaded.

"Open this door, you asshole." Tom yelled.

"Stay out of this Tom," Mark yelled back.

"Don't worry Maya, I'll break down the door." Tom said boldly and was interupted by Mark.

"No need, You may go but just remember that you are mine." Mark said before opening the door.

You seriously have no shame, I said just as Tom walked in with anger and rage evident in his face and voice.

He looked at me and his eyes followed my gaze. The wedding invitation card was on the floor. Tom picked it up and looked at it. His expression was unreadable. He looked at Mark with disappointed look but his gaze softened immediately he looked at me again.

"It's okay Maya, I got you. He said.

"Tom," Mark wanted to speak but was stopped by Tom.

"Stay away from her Mark. You have hurt her enough. How can you be so cruel?" Tom said sadly.

"This is none of your business Tom, it's between Maya and I. She is mine. She will never love you." Mark responded with anger.

Tom ignored him and dragged me along. As we sat in his car, I burst into tears ones again. Knowing that it's really over between us and I will never see him again. Tom pulled me into a gentle but warm embrace. It felt comforting and was all I needed. I was very grateful to Tom. The drive home was smooth with so many thoughts in my head. I had to find ways to forget about Mark. I thought of relocating, then completing my EMBA and also starting my own company.

I wanted to fill my mind with things to take my mind off him. I will no longer be a cry baby. I will be strong. I needed that much for myself anyway.

Weeks passed and I continued in prayer and the peace returned as before. Tom and Tracy's friendship was priceless. They were always there for me. Jude will also call sometimes and I met with him once in a while. Sir Max also called but I didn't tell him anything about my short relationship and heartbreak.

Mark called like twenty minutes everyday and also sent text messages which I never read and never did I answer his calls.

Despite how much I wanted to avoid him, the date of his wedding was fast approaching. I was looking forward to it so much. I don't know whether deep down, I was hoping it doesn't come on or I really wanted it to.

After our surprised party for Tracy's kid brother, I decided to inform Tracy about my plans. I was going to graduate from my EMBA program in a week so I suggested we move into a condo I had eyes on for sometime now. It was insanely expensive but I didn't mind spending on anything the will help me forget about Mark.

Tracy was thrilled with the idea but then again started thinking of the cost. I told her it was nothing but she insisted on contributing forty percent so I accepted.

I also decided to start a consultancy firm which Tom was ready to invest in.

I started getting busy everyday with the hope of forgetting Mark but everytime I found myself alone, I ended up thinking about him.

Please don't blame my stupid heart but as the idiot I am in love matters, I couldn't stop my heart from doing what it wanted.

Finally, the day came for Mark's wedding and I decided to go. Tracy and Tom strongly advised against it but I didn't know why I always went where I knew I was going to get hurt.

I mean, if I have moved on, then it shouldn't bother me right? But it did. The mere thought of seeing him with somebody else was something I couldn't fathom.

You are stronger than this Maya, I kept encouraging myself when I got dressed for the big day.

Tracy helped me to curl my hair into small waves which made it look shorter and gorgeous. I decided to wear a floor length white dress which hugged my curves perfectly. I didn't have to put on a lot of make up. I looked stunning.

On arrival at the venue, I realized who ever planned this wedding must have planned lots of royal weddings. The trend of different specialties of flowers was endless with works from the world's best florists.

Soon, Mark was walking down the aisle. I sat five rows from the front seat, somewhere in the middle so our eyes don't meet. I don't know why I came here when I didn't want to see him. He looked handsome as always. He looked around nervously. His father seemed to be the happiest person at the wedding. After all, he got want he wanted right?

The next was Tilda in a pure white backless princess wedding gown. I must admit it was the most beautiful gown I have ever seen in my life. She looked like an angel descending from heaven. They really suit each other, I thought. I watched on as they exchanged vows, and rings and ofcourse the inevitable part, kissing the bride. Yes i felt that stink of jealousy but it no longer hurt as it did before. I don't know if it was because I already knew it was going to happen or if I was gradually beginning to get over Mark.

Finally, the bride and groom had to take their first dance and this is where my jealous heart couldn't continue to endure so I wandered off to find a place to drown my sorrow. Before then, I decided to go to the washroom first which I regretted. Before reaching to the washroom, I felt a hand cover my mouth as the other hand pulled me into a room. God, just kill me was my only prayer.