Travier's chest clenched. He wanted to run after her, to explain, to swear it meant nothing. But Vanessa's voice cut in behind him, light and oblivious.
"She's... intense," Vanessa said with a small laugh. "I mean, she's just your makeup artist, so why does she act like she's something important?" Vanessa continues, before looking at Travier.
"But I can't blame her; she must be imagining that she's dating you. Luckily, I was here and cut off her imagination, geez, she's so weird," Vanessa said and chuckled, feeling proud of herself.
Travier's jaw tightened, his eyes still fixed on the direction Saphirra had gone. He didn't laugh. He didn't answer. He just felt the weight of guilt settle heavier on his shoulders.
Because deep down, he knew he was the one who pushed her to walk away.
Travier stood frozen for a moment, watching Saphirra's figure disappear into the crowd. Guilt twisted in his gut like a knife, sharper with every step she took away from him. He had to go after her. He needed to.
Suddenly, Vanessa felt the sudden change in Travier's Demeanor, which made her frown in realization.
"Wait, don't tell me... You're actually dating her?" Vanessa suddenly asked, and her face turned into a scowl.
Travier gritted his teeth; he knew that Vanessa already understood the situation, but she didn't look like she was taking the situation seriously.
But he doesn't know, Vanessa's voice cut through again, softer this time, almost confused.
"Travier... why are you chasing after her? We both know it's not her. You saw it, didn't you? Our marks... they match."
He turned slowly, his expression darkened by something heavier than anger-it was disappointment. "Vanessa."
She blinked, frowning at the tone in his voice.
"This... whatever this is, it has to stop," he said firmly. "We shouldn't be meeting. We shouldn't even be talking like this. I'm married."
Vanessa's eyes widened, taken aback. Not only is he dating Saphirra, but they are also married.
Her brows knitted together, a mix of hurt and disbelief flashing in her eyes. "But you can't just ignore it. We're soulmates, Travier. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Travier clenched his jaw, silence stretching between them. He didn't know how to explain the storm inside him-that strange pull he felt toward her, that instinct that made him shield her on the Ferris wheel. But none of it mattered. Not compared to Saphirra.
Finally, he let out a heavy breath. "What it means is that you need to stop throwing yourself at me. Stop putting yourself between me and my wife. Because all it's doing is hurting her."
Vanessa's lips parted, as if the words had struck her harder than she expected. For the first time, her bright energy dimmed. "So... that's it?" she whispered. "You're really choosing her?"
Travier didn't answer right away. His silence was sharp enough, but then he added quietly, "It was obvious from the beginning. I chose her long before I ever saw you."
Without waiting for her reply, he turned on his heel and walked away, the tension in his chest only tightening the faster he went. Every step carried the same thought, pounding in his head like a drumbeat: 'Find Saphirra. Don't lose her.'
_________________________
Saphirra walked quickly, the lights of the amusement park blurring as her vision grew watery. She clutched the stuffed bear tightly against her chest, as if it were the only thing holding her together.
'Why does it feel like I'm the outsider in my own marriage?'
'Why didn't he choose me, even for a second?'
'Why is there always hesitation in his eyes?'
She slipped into the quieter part of the park, away from the laughter and music, her steps slowing. Finally, she sank onto a bench near a dimly lit path, pressing her hand to her chest where the half-moon mark rested. It felt heavier than ever, like a cruel reminder.
Tears slid down her cheeks. She hated that she was crying in public, and hated that she felt so small. But most of all, she hated how much it hurt to love someone who seemed drawn to another.