Chapter 4
I threw away all the wedding supplies I’d carefully chosen.[]
This home that was never really mine now held no trace of me.[]
The only thing left was my precious collection of my own plane tickets—a diary of our love story–just in my pov.[]
After a moment’s hesitation, I fed them into the fire one by one.]
Each ticket consumed by flames represented a version of me that had loved Caspian.]]
When it was over, only ashes remained, along with acrid black smoke.]
Just like my ten years of devotion.[]
The next morning, the smell of food woke me up.]
“Posey, go get ready–breakfast is done.“[]
“You eat first. I’m taking something to Ruelle, so you don’t need to come.“[]
“Okay.”
Caspian’s hand froze as he packed the thermal container.]
“Don’t feel guilty about it–Ruelle doesn’t blame you.“]
“After breakfast, let’s go pick out a new diamond ring for the wedding. The custom one has some issues and won’t be ready in time.”
“Okay.”
If he loved his little performances? I’d play along.
Maybe sensing my detached mood, Caspian guiltily grabbed the first aid kit to treat my scraped knees:
“Posey, we’ve been together for years–everything I do is for your own good. I don’t want you to have no family at our wedding.”
“Didn’t you say you couldn’t find a maid of honor? I already asked Ruelle to do it.”
“Okay.”
Caspian spoke carefully, and when I agreed so readily, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Then he pulled my palm to his lips for a warm kiss.]
After delivering breakfast to Ruelle, he didn’t come back.
I was scrubbing my palms raw when he called:]
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:“0
“Posey, just come straight down to the garage when you’re done eating. I’m waiting in the car.‘
When I got to the garage, I automatically went for the passenger seat but found Ruelle already sitting there.]
I slipped into the back without a word.]]
Caspian glanced at me a few times, clearly pleased with my compliance:]
“Posey, Ruelle’s a jewelry designer, so she’ll definitely help you pick out something perfect.“[]
I nodded and closed my eyes, pretending to nap.[]
When I opened them briefly, I caught Caspian gently pinching Ruelle’s cheek.[]
Our eyes met in the rearview mirror, and he immediately scrambled to explain:]
“Ruelle had something on her face–I was just wiping it off.“]
I remained silent, closing my eyes again until we got out of the car.[]
When the three of us walked into the jewelry store, the sales associate immediately focused on Ruelle, who was pressed close to Caspian’s side:
“What would you like to buy for your girlfriend today, sir?“]
Hearing this, both Ruelle and Caspian blushed.]
Caspian quickly pulled me forward:[]
“Why are you standing so far away? Come pick out a ring!”
The embarrassed associate hurried to show me diamond rings.]
But Ruelle immediately started critiquing each one:]]
“That one’s too small.”
“This one’s poor quality.“]
…(
Compared to the ring on her finger, nothing measured up.]
The associate glanced at me awkwardly, wanting to say something.]
Ruelle pretended not to notice and finally settled on a mediocre option:[]
“Posey, let’s go with this one. It’ll do for the wedding, and I’ll design you something even better later.“[]
The saleswoman awkwardly complimented her excellent taste.[]
But Ruelle smugly shoved her ring right in front of my face: “Of course–I got my good taste from my fiancé.“[]
Chapter 4
Caspian just stood there watching her show off, not stopping her or looking guilty–just smiling like sunshine.]
“We’ll take the one Ruelle picked!“[]
Without even trying it on my finger, Caspian had already paid.[]
He took out the ring and slipped it onto my finger with zero expression.]
No kneeling, no roses, no proposal.]
This time, the ring was too small–I had to force it on.[]
I knew Ruelle had done it on purpose.]
As a jewelry designer, she could estimate sizes perfectly. She wouldn’t make such a basic mistake.[]
I didn’t bother calling her out, just yanked the ring off.
The associate kindly suggested we could exchange it, but I declined:[]
“Just going through the motions. Don’t worry about it.“]
Hearing this, Caspian was annoyed by my sarcasm:]
“If you’re not happy, we don’t have to buy it. Ruelle can make you something custom.“]]
I shook my head.
“This one’s fine.“]
But Ruelle looked stricken, tears welling up again:]]
“Posey, I’m going to the studio right now to work overtime on a design. I’ll make sure your wedding is perfect!“]
With that, she rushed out before Caspian could call her back.]
“Posey, what the hell is wrong with you? It’s just a ring–what’s your problem?“]
“What’s my problem?“]
His lips pressed into a thin line as he dragged me outside:[]
“I’ve got work stuff to handle. We’ll do the wedding photos later.”
“Or maybe you could get solo shots done, and I’ll have someone photoshop my suit onto them for the wedding.“[]
“Okay.”
Caspian’s explanations died in his throat.
He studied me for a long moment, then pulled me into a gentle hug:[]
Chapter 4
“Posey, when I’m done with work, I’ll take you on a honeymoon. We can do destination wedding photos.“]
His half–hearted honeymoon promise felt like an insult.[]
He’d never had time to visit me in Cambridge, but he’d found time to take Ruelle to Antarctica to see penguins and the Arctic to see northern lights.
Watching his avatar on the location app hurry toward Ruelle’s studio, I went back into the store and gave the ring to the sales associate.
