Valerie Marquez
She woke on her birthday to sunrise and roses
A red velvet box whispering her name, waiting beside her tea
A ring glimmered on her finger…already there
As though love had already chosen her in her sleep
He smiled, rehearsed warmth in his eyes
The kind that flickers only when watched
For months he had plotted the perfect surprise
Each gesture measured, each sigh a step closer
She, a single mother with her own small kingdom
A home built on blood sweat and tears
He came with nothing…except empty promises
Not even a conscience
He saw not her laughter… but her walls
And counted the bricks as blessings to inherit
He wooed her with words dipped in promise
Until her heart softened, her doors unlocked
She let him in…believing in new beginnings
Soon vows were made…they were married
Papers signed and the deal was sealed
All soon became clear - The truth began to surface thin
The roses withered first - Then the ring lost its shine
Love turned ledgers - Kisses turned keys
Serendipity had mistaken him for fate
But he was only the opportunist - wearing devotion like a disguise
