A Reconciliation Coupon Stole My Bride

The wedding continued, and the emcee's enthusiastic voice rang out from the stage, "And now, the bride may embrace and kiss the groom!"Before the words had even faded, Ruby Clark lifted her veil and leaned in to kiss Steve Lane. Her movements were so natural, as if they had been rehearsed countless times.I watched quietly without saying a word.The expression of my childhood friend, Cameron Reilly, darkened.I grabbed him just as he was about to rush onto the stage and shook my head. "Don't."He turned back and asked indignantly, "Ivan, how could Ruby do this to you? You had been looking forward to this wedding for seven years. You personally designed the venue and purchased all the materials."Even her bouquet was something you finally chose after visiting more than ten florists. How could she just turn around and give it to Steve because of a Reconciliation Voucher?"He was right. I had indeed been looking forward to this wedding for seven years.Even Cameron, who was far a

Soon, a notification popped up on my phone."Your application has been received. Processing is expected to be completed within six hours."I turned off my phone and went straight home. Then, I started packing my things.The large house was filled with gifts from Ruby everywhere I looked—luxury car keys, rare figurines, bespoke suits, and so on.To be fair, Ruby hadn't treated me badly. She would meticulously prepare for our anniversaries, remember when I had a stomachache, and even bring me supper when I stayed up late working overtime.Five years ago, when Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, I spent sleepless nights worrying about the exorbitant surgery costs.After Ruby found out, she went behind my back and pretended to be a charity organization to transfer Mom to a premium hospital room and even covered the surgery costs.But then, Steve came back, and Ruby's love began to shift.No, perhaps it wasn't a shift but simply a return to where it belonged.I shook my head, pulli

"What's wrong?" Steve asked.He had been waiting for ages, but all Ruby did was play that video. He had just moved closer, about to make a move, but the look on Ruby's face startled him.Ruby's hand trembled slightly as she gripped her phone. She stared at the message on the screen, barely able to believe her eyes."Your marriage registration appointment with Mr. Ivan Turner has been canceled."How could it be canceled? She wondered if I was the one who had canceled it.The moment the thought crossed her mind, her immediate assumption was that I was just throwing another tantrum. A surge of anger welled up inside her.She yanked the door open and shouted furiously, "Ivan, what the hell are you playing at now?"However, no one answered her.There was no one in the living room.After a few seconds, Maria emerged from the kitchen and reported timidly, "Mr. Turner just left with his suitcase."Ruby's furious look froze in place. She instinctively wanted to go after me, but Steve

Outside the city hall, I looked at the marriage certificate and felt an inexplicable sense of peace.My parents had divorced when I was very young. I'd followed Mom, drifting from place to place, always yearning deeply for a home of my own.I quietly read the names printed on the marriage certificate—Ivan Turner and Madeline Goldstein. The two names sat closely together, looking perfectly harmonious.Madeline was my childhood neighbor. We had grown up together, as close as could be. It was only in high school, when we ended up at different schools, that we slowly drifted apart.On the day we graduated high school, Madeline suddenly came to find me and confessed her feelings. She said her father, Joshua Goldstein, was making her study abroad, and she didn't want to leave without any regrets.But by then, I was already with Ruby. I didn't want to hold Madeline back either, so I turned her down. She smiled bitterly but handed me a Reconciliation Voucher."No matter when you come to

After that day, Madeline didn't want to leave anything to chance, so she set our wedding for the very next week.I initially thought she was joking. After all, a wedding was no small affair.Normally, one would need to book the venue, the date, and the arrangements at least six months to a year in advance. But as it turned out, Madeline had already prepared everything long ago.The diamond ring was one she had spent three years bidding for at auction. The hotel was Sky City, the venue I had tried and failed to book three times.The tuxedo was something she designed herself. She flew overseas with her sketches and had a world-class designer bring it to life, a process that took an entire year.She'd even taken care to note that the drinks for the reception should not include orange juice.On the day of the wedding rehearsal, Cameron showed up once again. He patted me on the shoulder, unusually sentimental. "Ivan, now this is the kind of wedding that's worthy of you. You deserve no