“Alright,” I responded calmly.
He looked bewildered, unable to comprehend why I’d snap over a bowl of soup but agree so easily to let Zolenn be part of my wedding. But in reality, I was just playing along, biding my time while I planned my escape.
Satisfied, Yzail gently patted my head. “I’m glad you’ve come around. All my efforts to patch things up between you two haven’t been for nothing.”
He continued with a soft smile, “Once the wedding is over, I’ll take you to see a good doctor. He’s amazing at treating menstrual pain.”
He looked at me with hope. “After that, we’ll get you healthy again, and then we can have our own child.”
I quietly watched him lie, not saying a word. He leaned in and pressed a warm, wet kiss on my cheek.
“If you’re not feeling well, just stay home and rest. I’ll take Zolenn to pick a bridesmaid dress, then come back to keep you company.”
“Okay.”
He left with a thermos of chicken soup, looking all concerned and thoughtful.
Once alone, I stared at myself in the mirror. The spot where he kissed me felt tainted, so I scrubbed at it until it turned red. Only then did I feel slightly less disgusted.
A short while later, the bridal shop owner called me in secret.