Pale Flames

Charlotte anxiously waited by the window, her eyes fixed on the darkened street outside. It was their one-year anniversary, a milestone she had eagerly anticipated, envisioning a romantic evening filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. But as the hours ticked by, her anticipation transformed into worry.

She had meticulously prepared a special meal, adorned the table with candles, and donned her favorite dress, hoping to surprise David upon his arrival. Yet, the minutes turned into hours, and still, there was no sign of him.

The quiet of the empty house only amplified Charlotte's growing unease. She clutched the delicate necklace he had gifted her, her fingers tracing its contours. Doubts crept into her mind, whispering insecurities she had long suppressed. Did David truly care for her as she cared for him? Was their love strong enough to withstand the test of time?

Torn between hope and despair, Charlotte's gaze shifted to the clock on the wall. Its hands seemed to move agonizingly slow, each passing minute deepening the ache in her heart. She fought back tears, determined not to let her emotions overwhelm her.

With each fleeting sound outside, her heart skipped a beat, only to be met with disappointment as she realized it wasn't David returning home. She tried to dismiss the nagging thought that perhaps he had forgotten their special day or, worse, chosen to ignore it.

As the night wore on, Charlotte's anticipation turned to resignation. She wondered if her dreams of a happy, fulfilled marriage were nothing more than illusions she had created. The emptiness of the house mirrored the growing void within her.

Finally, the front door swung open, and Olivia stepped inside, accompanied by David, whose stumbling steps revealed his intoxication. Charlotte's smile froze on her lips as her heart sank. The vibrant anticipation she had held for their anniversary withered in an instant. The undeniable scent of alcohol hung heavy in the air, casting a cloud of disappointment over the room.

Olivia's gaze swept across the elegantly adorned room, landing on Charlotte, who stood there dressed to the nines. A wicked grin curved Olivia's lips as she took in the scene, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. In a cold and taunting voice, she sneered, "Well, well, Charlotte. Seems like you went through a lot of trouble for this special day. Too bad David had other plans at the company event, where he got carried away." Her words dripped with venom, amplifying the disappointment and betrayal that enveloped Charlotte.

As Olivia guided David into their room, Charlotte stood there, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She felt invisible and dismissed, as though her efforts were inconsequential. It was a stark reminder of the growing distance between her and David.

Charlotte forced a smile, desperately concealing the pain that welled up inside her. "It's alright, Olivia. Thank you for taking care of him. I can take over from here," she said with a faint tremor in her voice. Guiding David to the bed, she steadied him and then made her way back to Olivia.

As Charlotte approached her, she spoke with a small and concerned tone. "Olivia, it's late. I'll call a cab for you so you can get home safely."

However, Olivia dismissed Charlotte's concern with an air of dismissiveness, a coldness in her eyes. "Don't worry about me, Charlotte. I can handle myself. I have my car here," she retorted, her words carrying an undertone of defiance.