Chapter 4

Two days later, I received a call from the bridal boutique.

"Miss Bennett, your custom gown has reached the end of its complimentary storage period. Please drop by this week to pick it up."

I had almost forgotten about it.

We had chosen that wedding dress two years ago. Ethan had gone with me.

Back then, he sat on the plush sofa in the showroom, watching me try on dress after dress. When the stylist complimented how stunning I looked, he smiled and nodded, saying, *This is the one.*

I truly believed I would be walking down the aisle in it shortly after.

Looking back now, that was probably the last time he ever showed any genuine excitement about marrying me.

I took a cab to the boutique.

The stylist recognized me immediately, warmly bringing out the garment bag. "Miss Bennett, would you like to try it on one last time? If there are any slight changes in your measurements, we can do quick alterations."

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

The velvet curtain pulled back, and I stood before the full-length mirror.

Two years ago, when I wore this, my eyes had shone with hope.

Now, looking at my reflection in the white satin, it felt completely foreign.

Just as I was about to change out of it, the front doors chime rang.

In walked Scarlett, browsing for an evening gown—with Ethan by her side.

When Ethan saw me standing there in the white veil, his eyes darkened instantly.

Scarlett didn't notice the tension. She looked at me with an appreciative smile. "Why are you here trying on wedding dresses all alone? Didn't Ethan come with you?"

I instinctively glanced at Ethan.

My boyfriend was busy escorting his widowed sister-in-law. How could he possibly have time for me?

Ethan looked at me with open wariness, terrified I would expose his secret.

In his eyes, I was always the volatile problem that needed to be kept in check, while Scarlett was the delicate flower that needed protecting at all costs.

"He was busy," I said calmly. "He couldn't make it."

Scarlett gave a soft laugh. "Next time I see him, I'll definitely scold him for you. What kind of man leaves his fiancée to try on wedding gowns by herself?"

Then she added, "Have you two set a date yet?"

"Yes," I replied, looking directly at Ethan. "On my birthday."

The moment the words left my lips, Ethan’s face turned ghastly pale.

A moment later, a stylist called Scarlett over to look at some fabric swatches. The second she turned her back, Ethan grabbed my wrist and dragged me into an empty corner.

"Nora, what the hell are you playing at? Are you doing this on purpose? You knew Scarlett was coming here today, so you wore a wedding dress to parade in front of her?!"

"I didn't know she was coming."

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that? Are you really that desperate?!" His voice was a harsh, furious whisper. "I told you I'd marry you eventually! Why do you keep pulling these petty stunts? If you trigger her relapse, can you take responsibility for her life?!"

Listening to his accusations, the deep-seated distrust radiating from him finally snapped the last thread of my patience.

"Ethan, I've already accommodated her more than enough! I handed my own boyfriend over to her! What more do you want from me?!"

Right as the words left my mouth, a soft gasp came from behind us.

Scarlett stood just a few feet away, her face drained of all color, staring between Ethan and me in horror.

"What... what does that mean? You're... you're not Julian? Who are you?! Julian is dead, isn't he?! Julian died!"

It was as if reality crashed through her delusion all at once. She clutched her head, screaming hysterically.

Ethan’s face went entirely wild. In a blind panic, he shoved me violently out of the way.

Caught completely off guard, I lost my balance and crashed hard against the glass display stand.

"Are you happy now, Nora?!"

Ethan scooped Scarlett into his arms and glared back at me, his eyes burning with pure disgust. "You knew she couldn't handle any shock, yet you deliberately said that! How can you be so vicious?!"

I sat frozen on the cold marble floor, my head ringing.

It wasn't until the boutique staff rushed over, screaming in horror, that I realized what had happened.

A jagged shard of shattered glass had sliced deep into my forearm.

Dark, crimson blood was pouring out, staining the pristine white wedding gown beneath me.