However, Orson never showed up.

Two hours later, Maude's phone rang.

"Honey, the company just sent me on a sudden five-day business trip to Aerisport. I won't be able to go with you."

By chance, the wedding photos they'd scheduled were also supposed to be taken there.

"Unless… I can ask someone else to go in my place. I'm willing to take full responsibility for whatever happens."

Orson's voice was heavy with regret. "Honey, I know you've been dreaming about visiting Aerisport for so long. I don't want to be the one to let you down."

Maude paused for a moment before replying, "Work comes first. The wedding photos can always be rescheduled."

"Alright, honey. I'll book the flights. Right after the wedding, we'll go to Aerisport."

After hanging up, Maude sent a message to one of Orson's coworkers.

Not long after, she got a response.

As it turned out, Orson had indeed been sent on a last-minute business trip.

Maude flipped her calendar to the next page and unfolded the sheet of paper tucked behind it.

She had stayed up for two sleepless nights, filling both pages with detailed plans.

Half was devoted to their wedding photos, and the other half to exploring the city she had always dreamed of with Orson.

Though the wedding shoot was canceled, Maude was determined to visit Aerisport before leaving the country.

After tucking the calendar into her suitcase, she took one last look around the room to make sure nothing of hers was left behind.

Without turning back, she lifted her luggage and stepped out the door.

Three days remained until the wedding.

Maude followed her itinerary, exploring every corner of Aerisport.

Meanwhile, Orson sent her message after message.

"I asked Immy to stay at her friend's place. I didn't want her to make you uncomfortable."

"I've arrived at Aerisport. It's every bit as incredible as you imagined. After the wedding, I'll bring you here for a few extra days."

"The cherry blossoms are beautiful. I really wish you were here to see them with me."

There was no need for his wish. Maude had already seen them.

Maude closed the photo of the cherry blossoms Orson had sent and raised her gaze.

That very spot was on her itinerary.

At that moment, Orson stood in the center of the cherry blossom grove. He put his phone down and stretched his arms wide.

Clad in a wedding gown, Imogen ran into his embrace.

Their eyes met, brimming with longing. Together, they seemed like the perfect match.

With a gentle smile, Orson pulled Imogen closer. "Are you happy now? Have I ever refused you anything? You're the one I love. Don't you know that better than anyone?"

Maude's footsteps froze. A cold wind swept past her, its chill sinking deep into her bones.

The photographer capturing the scene was the very one Maude had painstakingly selected.

For four long hours, she trailed behind them at a distance.

She observed as they visited every spot on her itinerary, repeatedly posing for their wedding photos.

With every new location, Maude received another message from Orson.

"Honey, being here only makes me miss you more. I wish I could drop everything and come back to you."

"Only three days remain until the wedding. Time has never felt this slow."

"There are countless couples making wishes at the Heartstone of Amoria. When we visit, we have to leave our names too."

"Maude, let's be by each other's side forever."

Before she realized it, the sky had darkened.

As the tourists slowly dispersed, Maude made her way to the Heartstone of Amoria.

At the very top, two names were carved side by side—Orson and Imogen.

His flattering words turned out to be nothing but a bitter lie.

Maude chuckled quietly, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Her phone kept buzzing nonstop with incoming messages.

They were from Imogen, sharing photos from her wedding shoot with Orson.

"If there's something I want, he'll make sure I get it, no questions asked."

"Thanks to you, the photos turned out absolutely breathtaking."

Maude turned off her phone, ignoring every message.

The day before the wedding arrived all too quickly.

After returning from Aerisport, Maude went straight to her best friend, Rosamund Tolliver.

"I'm so sorry. You worked so hard on everything… and now you won't even be my bridesmaid. Orson and I…"

Before Maude could finish, Rosamund pulled her into a tight hug.

"You've been through so much, haven't you?"

Maude had loved Orson with all her heart. If even a flicker of hope remained, she wouldn't have ended things so decisively.

Her eyes reddened as Rosamund escorted her inside.

Her phone kept buzzing nonstop with endless well-wishes.

"Orson is total husband material. With a man like him, you'll be the happiest bride tomorrow."

"Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness."

"I've been rooting for you two since college. You made me believe in love again. Maude, you deserve all the happiness in the world."

…

Among the messages was one from Orson.

"Honey, I'll be home by 8:00 pm. Please wait for me, okay?"

However, before 8:00 pm, Imogen sent her a location.

Maude knew Imogen wanted her to come.

A flicker of curiosity stirred inside her.

She followed the address and reached the place.

The door to the private lounge was left slightly open.

Inside, Imogen was about to grab a bottle of wine when Orson stopped her.

"You're allergic to alcohol. Don't be reckless."

"Aren't you in a rush to get back to her? I don't need you watching over me."

"Immy…"

Tears quietly traced down Imogen's cheeks.

Orson's tone softened right away. "Alright, alright. I'll stay with you. I'm not going back."

Maude looked down. Among all the congratulatory messages, a few new ones had come in.

"Honey, the project's nearly finished. I have to put in some extra hours tonight."

"Only one more long night, then I can take some time off to be with you at Aerisport."

"Honey, I've waited for so long. Just one more day, and I'll finally get to marry you."

Maude couldn't help but laugh, amused by how he still pretended to love her.

Orson put his phone down, his gaze tinged with helplessness. "Is that better?"

Imogen shook her head firmly. "You're not going to the wedding tomorrow."

Orson fell silent.

"She gets to have you for all the years to come," Imogen choked out. "Can't I at least have this one last day?"

After a long pause, Orson finally answered, "Alright."

Imogen broke into a smile and threw herself into his arms.

Through the narrow gap in the door, her smug gaze met Maude's.

Maude's eyes gradually hardened, growing colder with every passing second.

If Orson truly intended to skip tomorrow's wedding without a single word, did he ever pause to think about the anxiety it would cause her?

Did he consider how she would explain his absence to his family and friends?

No, Orson knew exactly what he was doing.

However, for Imogen, none of that mattered.

He was even ready to let Maude shoulder all the humiliation alone.

At first, she had planned to send a mass message announcing the wedding's cancellation after she'd apologized to Rosamund.

After five years together, she still wanted to protect whatever dignity Orson had left.

Now, there was no reason to.

Maude stepped outside and climbed into Rosamund's car.

"Rosamund, I need your help with something."

By 10:00 am the next day, Rosamund stood at the airport, tears welling in her eyes as she watched Maude leave.

Before the plane lifted off, Orson's family group chat blew up with messages.

"Orson's phone is off. What's going on, Maude? Where are you?"

"All the guests have arrived. We're waiting for you two!"

"Orson, the wedding's about to start. Please behave and don't get distracted by Maude's antics."

"Maude, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?"

Just as Maude had expected, Orson's family and friends had never truly accepted her. And now, all the blame was falling squarely on her shoulders.

After exiting the group chat, she blocked everyone connected to Orson.

She switched off her phone as the plane soared into the sky.

Leaning back, Maude whispered under her breath, "Goodbye, Orson. Goodbye forever."