For His First Love, He Destroyed My Wedding Gown

Lisa Shaw's depression flared up again. At this moment, she was trembling in the arms of my fiancé, James Cook, right in front of me. "James, can you not get married, please?" she pleaded. James froze for a moment before pulling her closer, his eyes full of tenderness. "Alright, we’ll do whatever you want." A sharp pain stabbed my chest as I clenched my fists, my knuckles turning white from the pressure. I had lost count of how many times he had crossed the line. Lisa and James had been childhood friends. During an elevator accident, she pushed him to safety. After being rescued, she was diagnosed with depression. When I was bedridden with a fever, she had a hysterical breakdown, threatening to take her own life. During our anniversary, she claimed she was too scared to be alone. When I sprained my ankle going downstairs, she had recurring nightmares. Every single time, when I needed James by my side, Lisa managed to pull him away. I understood the bond they shared

I froze for a moment, completely at a loss for words. This man was insane.Shaking my head, I instinctively rejected him outright."Please don’t joke with me."Steve didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned in slowly, closing the distance between us. His gaze was piercing as his fingers brushed against my arm, stopping at my wrist and gently caressing it."I’m not that free to be joking around," he murmured in a low voice, his breath warm against my ear. His lips curved into a faint smile."After all, marrying me would only benefit you. Not only would it silence your family, but I could also help keep your father’s company afloat. So, Ruby, what do you think? Care to consider it?"The warmth of his breath and the tingling sensation that followed made me close my eyes and turn my head away. My heart raced uncontrollably at that moment."No, it’s not appropriate," I stammered, unable to meet his gaze. My head hung low as I waved my hands dismissively.Noticing my reaction, Steve lo

James’ expression froze instantly, as if struck by lightning. He stood there, rooted to the spot. "W-what did you just say? Stop joking, Uncle. What’s the point of a prank like this?" Steve let out a derisive laugh, his demeanor calm as he pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to James. "Make sure to attend the wedding," he said smoothly, his tone composed but laced with cold amusement. I glanced at the envelope and realized it was an exquisitely designed wedding invitation. James stared blankly at the neatly printed words on the invitation, his hands trembling as veins bulged along his knuckles. "Uncle… are you serious?" Steve shrugged, the corner of his mouth curling into an even colder smile. "Do I look like I have time to joke around?" Whatever composure James had left snapped, and he grabbed Steve by the collar, swearing loudly. "Steve, are you out of your mind? Of all the women you could marry, why Ruby? You know she was my fiancée!" He raised his f

I knew my father too well. Whether it was James or Steve, as long as the company’s cash flow could be secured, he was easy to placate. Who I married or whose child I carried was irrelevant to him. As expected, when I turned back, I noticed his stern expression had softened. After all, Steve’s connections and influence far surpassed James’. Sure enough, he cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "James, you see, this is a complicated family matter, and it’s hard for me to intervene. Plus, with Ruby pregnant, we wouldn’t want her to get stressed and harm the baby." James’ face turned even darker at those words. His attitude shifted sharply, his voice cold and threatening. "I said, go to the hospital and get rid of it!" Then he glared at my father. "Mr. Warren, think carefully. Are you ready to lose my financial support?" Before anyone could respond, the sudden ringing of my phone cut through the tension. I had barely answered the call when James snatched the phone f

After giving my statement, a light drizzle began to fall from the sky. I stood under the overhang, feeling as if everything around me was surreal. Steve’s car pulled up once again, stopping in front of me. He rolled down the window and gestured for me to come over. I smiled faintly and got into the car. This time, he took me to his home. Steve’s house was easily twice the size of James’, but the decor was stark and devoid of any warmth. He sat on the sofa, pulling out a pack of cigarettes, but after a moment of hesitation, he tossed them into the trash without lighting one. I sat next to him, trying to appear calm, though I couldn’t bring myself to speak first. The silence stretched between us, heavy and tense. Finally, he broke it, asking cautiously, "Are you… pregnant?" I nodded uncertainly, bitterness welling up in my chest. I didn’t dare guess how Steve would react to the news. Would he want the child gone, just as James had said? My palms grew damp with swe