Chapter 3

3: 3

Harvey didn't reply for a long time.

All I saw was the typing dots appearing and disappearing.

At last a single question came through.

"Nora, what do you mean?"

Just then, Leona called me over to try on the gowns.

I switched off my phone and didn't answer.

I tried three of them. The first two were heavy and elaborate.

But I still preferred the third, lighter and easier to move in.

The whole time I was trying on gowns, Simon looked after me down to the smallest thing.

He noticed when I was thirsty and poured me water, and he kept a dry towel in hand to dab the sweat from my skin.

If he sensed I was uncomfortable, he'd call a shop assistant over at once to adjust the dress.

All of it was affection I had never once felt from Harvey.

Once the gown and the suit were settled, we talked it over together and picked next week to shoot the wedding photos.

Everything moved along smoothly. Colin and Leona helped book the venue.

Simon was helping my parents look at suitable formalwear.

Only then did I have a moment to pick up my phone, and I saw that Harvey had called several times because I hadn't answered him.

I scrolled back up through the messages.

"Are you angry? Because of what happened with Minnie today?"

"Nora, I know it makes you uncomfortable, but you can't be so petty."

"Minnie didn't do it on purpose. She just can't control her emotions."

"Don't sulk. It'll upset Minnie if you're like this, and she doesn't want to come between us."

"Minnie already lost me because of you. Do you really want her miserable on top of that, over us fighting?"

I gave a cold laugh, not knowing where Harvey found the nerve to blame me.

Since he was questioning it and wanted another engagement party.

Then I'd give him one.

"Fine. I'll pick a new place. You just show up."

I sent Harvey the time and location where Simon and I were shooting the wedding photos.

Harvey was finally satisfied.

"I knew it. You've always been reasonable."

"I'll bring the ring I had made for you. I said I'd marry you, and I don't go back on my word."

A few minutes later, Harvey added one more line.

"I can't get away these next few days, though. Minnie just got better and needs someone with her."

I switched off my phone and didn't respond.

Because I knew Harvey wouldn't come.

Soon enough, the day of the photo shoot arrived.

Five minutes left before the start time.

And Harvey's last message was still the one from fifteen minutes ago: "Almost there."

The stylist fixed my hair one last time.

The photographer led us to the spot he'd chosen.

"All right, we're starting now!"

"Bride and groom, come a little closer, a little more intimate!"

Simon glanced at me, then carefully slid his arm around my waist to draw me in.

I laughed softly and leaned naturally against his chest.

Simon's breath went ragged all at once, his ears turning red.

The photographer was pleased and clicked the shutter a few quick times.

"Yes, that's it! That's the feeling!"

The shoot with Simon lasted two hours.

At the end the photographer even took a big group photo of both families.

I took off the dress and the headpiece, and finally the shoot was done.

But there was still no message from Harvey on my phone.

He never showed up either.

A pity. I didn't get to see the look on his face.

And Harvey, too, had missed his chance to know the truth.

That evening, both our families had a meal together again.

Only then did Harvey send me a message.

"I'm sorry, Nora. Something came up on my end and held me up."

I typed with no expression.

"Did Minnie try to kill herself again?"

It was a long while before the other side replied, as if he were very busy.

"Don't blame her. This time it was a car accident, and it was really serious."

I raised an eyebrow. I hadn't expected a new trick.