Chapter 3

"No, you're overthinking it." Even if last night didn't happen, I had already booked the haircut in advance.

Terrence clearly didn't believe me. His eyes swept over me from head to toe. "You should know I don't like women with short hair. If this is some stunt to get my attention, it's a pretty stupid one."

I ignored him and went back to my room and changed into a red dress I hadn't worn in ages. Its bold color was striking and attention-grabbing.

When I walked out, Terrence was leaning against the railing. He cast me a glance that was neither welcoming nor dismissive. However, I noticed his grip tighten around the railing, the veins on the back of his hand bulging.

Just then, Anna hugged him from behind. "Terrence, Mabel's changed so much lately. Do you think she's still upset? Maybe she hasn't forgiven us for getting engaged?"

Terrence looked away. "Let her act out all she wants. Once she realizes her little trick doesn't work, she'll go back to her old self."

I left without looking back and met the date my mom had set up for me at a cafe. It was supposed to be our first time meeting, yet it felt like we'd known each other for years.

The conversation flowed easily. We really hit it off.

…

That evening, I came home humming a tune. To my surprise, I found Terrence on the living room couch, hunched over and seeming to be in pain.

We had been married for three years in my previous life. I knew he suffered from a serious stomach condition. He was probably forcing himself to sit there so Anna wouldn't worry.

Initially, I hadn't planned on getting involved, but I was in a good mood. Besides, I didn't want anything to happen to him in my house, as it would reflect badly on my parents.

After a brief hesitation, I said, "The medicine kit is in the second drawer of the white cabinet."

Terrence glanced up, his eyes meeting mine. He stayed where he was, probably thinking I would get it for him. His lips curled into a subtle, teasing smile.

"What now, Mabel?" He sneered. "Trying to use this as another chance to make me feel indebted?"

I turned and walked back to my room before he could say more. I didn't notice him stiffening slightly or the way his eyes darkened.

…

For a few days, everything had been peaceful. That was, until Terrence barged into my room, his face twisted with rage.

Throwing a piece of lace lingerie at me, he asked, "Mabel, how can you be this cheap?"

I stood frozen, feeling utterly shocked. Instinctively, I grabbed and stared at it. It was undeniably mine.

Shame washed over me. "W-What… what's that supposed to mean?"

He sneered. "For a second, I actually thought you were over me. Turns out you're just playing hard to get."

He continued, "Acting like you don't care, but secretly leaving your lingerie on my bed to seduce me? Are you really that desperate for a man?"

I rushed to explain, "There has to be some kind of mistake. I didn't—"

"Spare me the excuses, Mabel. You honestly disgust me." He looked at me with pure disappointment in his eyes.

He took Anna by the hand and strode out. "I'm taking Annie back to the Fletcher residence. When we meet next, keep in mind that I am her husband."

Their wedding date had been set. Since Anna didn't have many friends in Newenport, my parents asked me to be her bridesmaid.

They returned just in time for the wedding. Holding my hand, they spoke with heartfelt sincerity. "Annie's getting married. If your Uncle Geoffrey and Aunt Alice could see this, they'd be at peace. Now, it's just you left."

I touched the couple's bracelet on my right wrist, my cheeks growing warm. "Mm… I'm seeing someone too."

Mom looked surprised. "Since when? Where did he come from? You didn't even make it to the date we arranged for you."

I was puzzled, wondering who on earth I had met and talked to that day.

Terrence overheard the conversation and smirked mockingly. He probably didn't take it seriously, assuming I was just making things up.

However, when he noticed my unwavering confidence, his brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of irritation flashed in his eyes.

Later, when no one was around, Terrence cornered me at the bathroom entrance and whispered, "If you can control your fantasies, I'll treat you like I used to, like a younger sister. I'll even spend time with you sometimes."

I looked him in the eye and replied seriously, "I have a boyfriend now. I'm not going to cling to you anymore."

Terrence scoffed and grabbed my wrist. "Then tell me. Why does your bracelet have the letter 'T' engraved on it? Isn't that my initial?"

"It's not!"

Nearby, Anna observed the unfolding scene, jealousy burning in her eyes, a hint of resentment flickering within them.

…

Just before the ceremony began, chaos broke out backstage. The bride's wedding dress had been cut haphazardly, and there was a long slash on it. On the vanity mirror, the words "DROP DEAD" were written in red lipstick.

Anna sobbed miserably. Once everyone rushed over to comfort her, her eyes locked straight onto mine.

"Mabel, I know you've liked Terrence for nearly ten years, but you can't blame me just because you couldn't have him. You were fine with the engagement when it was announced. So why are you trying to ruin the wedding I've been dreaming of?"

The room erupted. Everyone knew how hard I had pursued Terrence, so if anyone had a motive, it would most likely be me.

Terrence burst in after hearing the noise.

Anna collapsed into his arms, crying as she spoke. "Terrence… maybe I should give you back to Mabel. I don't even dare to imagine what else she might do…"

Terrence slapped me hard across the face. Although it wasn't the first time he had humiliated me in public, it was the first time he had been so angry that he hit me.

I looked at his furious expression, and my emotions faded quietly. "Terrence… have you never, even once, been willing to believe me?"

"You think you deserve that?" He looked down at me coldly as I fell to the floor, his voice cruel and merciless. "If you insist on being shameless, then don't blame me for showing no mercy."

He then addressed the room, "I'll explain everything to Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Go ahead and do as I say."

He ordered his groomsmen to tear my dress and to scrawl "BITCH" on my face with lipstick. He claimed to punish me the same way I had supposedly bullied Anna.

I screamed, cried, and fought with all my strength, but it didn't stop them.

Then, a cold, commanding voice exclaimed, "Enough!"

A pair of familiar arms lifted me off the floor. I buried my face against the man's chest, trembling.

I vaguely heard Terrence's voice become low and irritated as he asked, "Who are you? What's your relationship with Mabel?"