Chapter 3

He didn't get angry.

Instead, there was a hint of reproach in his voice.

"Miriam, I treat Laura like my own little sister. Your attitude just now was way out of line."

"But I already spoke up for you. She said she won't hold it against you."

Seeing my face stay dark, he came over and looped his arm through mine.

"I'm not even mad anymore. You're not still upset, are you?"

Now wasn't the time to turn on him. I pushed the feeling down and gave him a small smile.

"No. I was just thinking about the wedding."

At the word wedding, his eyes lit up.

"Miri, you said once we're married, you'd add my name to the property deeds. That wasn't just talk, was it?"

I said mildly,

"Of course not."

He tightened his arm around me and edged closer.

"Then... then if we're going to do it eventually anyway, why not go ahead and take care of it in the next day or two?"

My head snapped toward him, my gaze cold and dim.

The look startled him.

I gave a faint smile.

"No rush. There's still the wedding to think about these next couple of days."

"I said I'd add your name after we're married, so I will."

He smiled along with that and turned to go shower.

For a while after, I stayed busy.

Maybe afraid I'd catch on to something, Gabriel didn't stay so close to Laura either.

Three weeks later, the wedding drew near.

When it was time to go try on the wedding dress, Gabriel spoke up out of nowhere.

"Miriam, Laura figured you wouldn't have the time, so she already tried the dress on for you."

The words had barely left him when Laura smiled.

"Miriam, you're so busy with work. I thought I'd take some of the load off you."

"We're about the same build. It'll fit you perfectly."

The smile on her face carried a sneer, like she was toying with me, mocking me.

"Bring the dress here."

My voice came out cold.

They both froze. Gabriel frowned and was about to scold me.

But Laura stopped him.

"Gabe, maybe Miriam wants to try it on. I'll go get it."

A moment later, she brought the dress over.

The next second, I threw it straight into the trash can.

Fruit peels and scraps stained it on contact.

Gabriel flared up at once.

"Miriam, are you insane!"

I stared at him.

"I don't wear things someone else has already worn against their skin."

His face was full of anger.

"If you don't like it, I can get you another one. Why throw it away!"

"Such a waste of all Laura's good intentions."

My face was cold.

"If you like it so much, then let her hold the wedding with you."

Hearing that, Laura jumped in to smooth things over.

"Miriam, don't be angry. Gabe only wanted to save you the trouble."

"Since you don't like it, we'll just pick another one."

I gave a cold laugh.

For the sake of my property, she really did have patience.