I watched as Anna placed one ring on Charles' finger and then slipped the other onto her own.
"Cora, with hands that ugly, aren't you afraid of embarrassing yourself by wearing a ring?
"Such delicate jewelry is meant for someone like Anna to wear!"
Charles looked at my hands and mocked me.
I had taken on all the household chores for Charles, serving him so he never had to lift a finger.
And now, he was disgusted by my hands, worn from all the work I had done.
I looked down at my hands. The once smooth skin had become rough.
Anna pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth.
"Cora, you don't mind, right?
"I only see Charles as my brother!"
Charles glanced at Anna helplessly, as if this scene was all too familiar to him.
"What are you talking about? Cora doesn't compare to you."
A sharp, stinging pain rose in my heart, and I couldn't help but choke out, "Charles, I rushed back early today just for this anniversary.
"How could you treat me like this? How could you do this to Tommy? Do you even have a heart?!"
After days of traveling, dark circles had formed under my eyes.
I had hurried back home, all in an effort to surprise Charles on our fifth anniversary.
I had even planned for Tommy to be my little ring bearer at the wedding.
Instead, I was greeted by Anna's blatant provocation and Tommy's cold, lifeless body.
It felt like I was invisible as I watched Charles flirt openly with Anna right in front of me.
A wave of deep sorrow surged in my heart.
I was supposed to be his fiancée, and Anna was the one who should have meant nothing to him.
As if hearing a joke, Charles let out a laugh.
"I've known Anna for years, and you think you can compare to her?
"It's been five years, Cora. You should know better than to ask such foolish questions."
He wrapped his arm around Anna's shoulders and walked past me, his expression full of disgust.
Seeing the devastated look on my face, Charles kicked me hard.
"You're trying to manipulate me with that pathetic look, all because of a dog?
"Cora, you truly disgust me!"
He left with Anna by his side. I sat there, powerless, even hearing Anna's triumphant laughter.
The blood on Tommy's fur had long since dried, and the table was littered with leftover food.
Looking at the mess in front of me, I couldn't help but curl my lips in bitter self-mockery.
It was always like this.