Chapter 3: Unbelievable

When we finally arrived at the bridal shop, I rushed out of the car and threw up into a nearby bin. One hand clutched my stomach tightly.

My face was pale as paper, but Anton did not even look at me.

It was with great difficulty that I pulled a pill out of my bag and popped it into my mouth. I was about to go inside and ask for water when the name of the bridal shop made me freeze.

It was the same shop I had talked about countless times. Often, I would come over here alone. I had always imagined that the wedding gown from this place would be the one I wore on my wedding day.

Anton was always busy, though, so the wedding photoshoot kept getting delayed.

I walked into the store. Inside the display cabinet was the gown I had stared at countless times. I let out a quiet breath and reached toward it. But Anton said, "Take the gown in the cabinet. I'm giving it to Lina."

I looked at him in disbelief. The shopkeeper stood beside Anton, praising him for his good eye. "It's this year's latest release. A lot of celebrities love it too. There was one lady who kept coming here just to look at this gown, but her fiance never had time to come with her, so nothing came of it."

Anton turned around and glanced at the gown. Then he strode over. "When we get back, tell her you bought the gown as compensation. That should keep your friendship intact."

I took a step back and put some distance between us. "Thank you for being so thoughtful."

Anton froze. Then, resignation filled his eyes. "Just think of it as a rehearsal for our wedding. I picked the gown from the shop you like. You and Lina have similar builds. She can try it out first, and if it fits, you won't have to waste your time picking something else."

The pill in my mouth was bursting with a wave of bitterness. To him, I was only good enough to wear used goods.

The shopkeeper served us water. Curious, she asked, "Who's this lady, Mr. Schreier? Where's Ms. Kingston?"

My heart sank. "They were here? Together?" It was then I realized my voice had become raspier than I could imagine.

"Yeah, many times. They were in the VIP room, though." The shopkeeper's eyes spoke of longing. "He really loves Ms. Kingston. Tried out a ton of gowns and held eight weddings for her. It's hard not to be jealous. Of course, Ms. Kingston always smiles. Anyone would, if their husband were so perfect."

I looked at him silently. I asked no questions, and Anton said nothing. He accepted the praise without any explanation.

…

After we got into the car, he was the one who broke the silence for once. "There's still time before the wedding. You love that cake shop, right? I'll get you something."

"No. I don't like that place anymore," I said coolly.

Anton sighed. He thought I was still throwing a tantrum.

…

When we got back to the hotel, our mutual friends were already there.

"Oh, another wedding with Lina? Congratulations, Mr. Schreier."

Anton paused. "I thought you were friends with the ladies? You know this is an act more than anything."

That friend of ours choked on himself. "Oops, sorry. Given the sheer number of weddings held, I thought you were actually married to her."

Their gazes went past Anton and met me, then they exchanged awkward looks. "Let's get inside, Emilia. It's scorching out here."

I nodded and looked back at Anton. He was still standing where he was, as if something had finally crossed his mind.

But after a moment of hesitation, he still walked into Lina's dressing room.

I lowered my eyes and checked my phone. There was a new message. "My fleet's almost there, Emilia. Wait for me."