Chapter 2

I brushed Philip's hand off lightly and climbed into the backseat.

On the road, I stared out the window, then suddenly called his name. "You'd already reserved that dress for her, hadn't you?"

Philip's hand trembled ever so lightly on the steering wheel.

After a moment of silence, he replied without denying it. "Actually, the one you originally picked wasn't really suited for you. It would only highlight your figure's flaws. You're much better suited for a mermaid cut. So, there's no harm in letting her have the dress, right?"

When I didn't respond, Philip sighed. "Elyse, it's just a dress. If you're not happy, we can go pick another one later. You can choose whatever you like. Be the bigger person. Don't sweat the small stuff."

That same line again.

I should be the bigger person and overlook Jane ruining my engagement party.

I should be the bigger person and ignore her openly challenging me in front of my friends.

I should be the bigger person and let her have my wedding dress.

I sat up, my eyes falling on Philip's face in the rearview mirror. "I won't have time to pick a new dress, Philip."

The wind rushed through the window, brushing against my slightly red eyes.

"My mom won't be around for that long."

The first year Philip and I were together, Mom's condition suddenly worsened, and she was admitted to the ICU.

The doctors issued a critical warning, and I was completely lost. Sitting in the hospital corridor, I cried until I couldn't breathe.

It was Philip who arrived first. He held me tightly and told me not to be scared because he was there.

He dropped his work and moved mountains to bring in the best specialists in the country for her.

He even personally arranged her ward and hired caretakers. Every day, as soon as he finished work, he'd rush straight to the hospital. He'd bring me food and stay by my side to watch over Mom, never even stopping to take a single sip of water.

During those days, his eyes were bloodshot from exhaustion, but he never complained. He'd always stroke my head and say, "Elyse, your mom will get better. Don't worry. I'll take care of both of you."

At that time, I looked at him and thought I was the luckiest person alive to have him. He was all I needed in life.

It was because of that favor that I kept excusing his neglect and forgiving his indifference.

Even when he showed favoritism toward Jane, I told myself I was just overthinking it. He was simply being compassionate for his employee.

But now, everything he had done felt like a hammer, slowly breaking all my expectations and fantasies.

In the heavy silence, Philip gripped the steering wheel tighter and tighter.

Finally, he seemed to give in and nodded. "We'll go tomorrow, okay?"

His tone was colder than usual. "Tomorrow, I'll go with you to pick a new one. We'll make sure you like it."

He didn't speak after that, and the car fell into complete silence.

But the car sped up. When we turned a corner, we nearly scraped past another vehicle.

I was exhausted too. I leaned back in the seat, not wanting to say a word.

After dropping me off downstairs, Philip made an excuse about work and drove off.

I went up to my room, unpacked the wedding dress I had reluctantly chosen, and hung it in the guest room closet.

Staring at the white fabric, I felt a deep emptiness within me.

Suddenly, my phone rang. When I saw the caller ID, I took a deep breath before answering. "Hey, Dad."

"Elyse, how's the wedding planning with Philip going?"

I pressed my lips together. Just as I was about to voice the hesitation I'd been feeling, I heard a soft sigh on the other end.