Chapter 3

Riiip—

The skirt of the wedding gown tore straight open at the small of the back.

The stitching snapped clean through.

The next second, Simone lost her balance and fell straight to the floor.

The staff on hand panicked in an instant.

She hurried over, her face full of alarm.

"Miss Carter! I warned you about this earlier!"

"This size was custom-made for Miss Swanson. It's far too tight on you..."

"And with the gown torn across such a large area, it has to be sent back to headquarters for repairs—that'll take at least two weeks!"

This gown that carried seven years of my love.

Ruined in an instant.

Simone's eyes flushed red at once, and she looked panicked and helpless.

"I'm sorry... Mercedes, I really didn't mean to..."

"I never thought it would turn out like this..."

She bit her lip and looked at me timidly.

"If there's really no other way, let me pay you back."

"Don't worry, I'll cover it, however much it costs."

But before I could even open my mouth, Raymond had already strode over.

He steadied Simone firmly.

"Pay her back for what? It's just a wedding gown, nothing to make a fuss about."

"Simone, are you hurt anywhere?"

Simone shrank back timidly and said softly:

"I think I twisted my ankle... it hurts a little."

Raymond panicked instantly.

Without another word, he scooped Simone up into his arms.

And rushed out of the shop.

He never once looked back at me the whole time.

In that huge, elegant bridal shop.

I was left standing there all alone.

Looking at the mess on the floor, I suddenly laughed.

Just as well.

This way there was nothing left to hold on to.

I took a cab home by myself.

When I pushed open the door, the parrot was still repeating the same thing over and over.

"Simone, I love you! Mommy, Mommy!"

I no longer had the strength to feel sad.

Instead I went straight back to the bedroom.

And began packing my clothes, piece by piece.

Seven years side by side, day and night.

And in the end it all fit into a single suitcase.

By the time I had everything in order.

Raymond was back too.

The moment he walked in, the parrot got agitated.

"Daddy, hungry, hungry!"

Raymond immediately glanced at the empty food dish.

His brows knitted tightly.

"Mercedes, didn't you feed Caicai?"

"How can you be so petty, taking it out on an innocent bird!"

Hearing that, I couldn't help but go cold.

"It's your parrot. Feeding it is your responsibility."

"You can't dump everything on me."

Raymond frowned and looked at me with disappointment.

"When did you turn into this?"

"Do you have any idea—Simone was so terrified by you that she came back and spiked a high fever."

I was so angry I laughed.

"Raymond, what did I do?"

"Simone was the one who insisted on wearing my wedding gown, and you're blaming me instead?"

Raymond wouldn't hear a word I said.

"It's just a wedding gown. If it's ruined, it's ruined."

"Worst case, I'll buy you another one."

At that, I froze.

Ruined and that's that?

Three months of my heart and effort meant nothing to him.

"Mercedes Swanson, we're getting married soon."

"If you keep making these unreasonable scenes, I really am going to consider replacing you."

Hearing that, I felt nothing at all inside.

"Of course you can. That's your right."

This wedding, anyway.

I hadn't been planning to go through with it in the first place.

Raymond stared at me blankly, as if he had never known me at all.

"Mercedes Swanson, are you determined to be stubborn with me to the very end?"

Then he drew a deep breath, forcing down the anger inside him.

"I don't want to waste time on all this pointless talk right now."

"Simone's fever won't break, and she keeps talking deliriously. She's in really bad shape."

"I remember you have a protective charm. Give it to Simone for now."

Hearing that, I looked at him in disbelief.

"Raymond, do you know this is the only thing my parents left me?"

This protective charm was one my parents specially prayed for before they passed away.

It's been my only keepsake all these years.

"I know."

Raymond spoke flatly, not caring in the least.

"Name your price. I'll buy it."

"Any amount is fine."

My face went completely cold.

"Not for sale."

"Give it up."

Raymond's patience was completely spent.

"You scared Simone into this state."

"You're the one who should save her!"

I was shaking all over with rage.

"What exactly frightened Simone?"

"Use your head and think it through—she's obviously faking it!"

Raymond was truly furious now.

"Mercedes Swanson, when did you become so heartless?"

I glared at him hard, not giving an inch.

"Yes, I'm that heartless."

"Raymond, let me tell you—you'll get this charm over my dead body!"