Chapter 8

Hayden knew full well that she could afford it, but he was even more certain that the wedding would not take place. If she were to pay for it, he would not be able to keep the two rings for himself.

Thus, he thought it over carefully and came up with a reasonable excuse. "You prepared the wedding dress and the venue, didn't you? I need to be somewhat involved too. Why don't I just pay for the wedding rings?"

"I've already paid for them. You don't need to worry about it. You just need to try the size to see if it fits."

Sylvie ignored what he said. She simply lifted his hand and slipped the diamond ring onto his ring finger.

The silver band fit perfectly around his finger, neither too loose nor too tight, as if tailor-made.

Hayden raised his hand and watched the brilliant diamond shine. The sense of satisfaction in his heart reached its peak.

He was admiring it when suddenly Sylvie spoke. "It's your turn to put mine on me."

He turned and saw her extend her fingers. His gaze sharpened.

Was she asking him to help her put on the ring? This was not like exchanging rings during a wedding. Why was she making it seem so important?

Hayden was surprised and had no idea what she meant.

Hesitantly, he picked up another diamond ring. He was about to put it on her finger when she pulled her hand back to reach for her phone in her pocket.

She got up to answer a call. Although he could not hear what they were talking about, Hayden sensed something was off from her suddenly hurried steps and gaze.

She hung up quickly, offering a single explanation. "Something came up at the office. Keep the ring safe, and have the driver take you home."

He was about to agree when he caught a glimpse of Joshua walking past the door.

Realizing this might be related to him, Hayden quietly followed them, still wearing the ring.

He followed them nimbly in his leather shoes and, when he caught up, saw Sylvie and Joshua arguing on the bridge.

"Didn't you promise me you'd run away from the wedding? Why did you buy him a wedding ring?" Joshua demanded.

"Joshua, calm down. Listen to me," Sylvie tried to soothe him.

"I won't listen! You're lying to me!" Joshua could not calm down at all and forcefully broke free from her embrace.

In a moment of impulsiveness, he climbed over the railing and jumped into the river.

Without hesitation, Sylvie followed suit and leaped off the bridge.

Watching the two figures disappear in an instant, Hayden stood frozen.

Was this a suicide for love?

Hayden hurried to the riverbank and saw Sylvie struggling in the water, pulling Joshua ashore.

Joshua coughed up a mouthful of water, his eyes welling up with tears as he looked at her soaking wet body. "Why did you save me? If I die, no one will stop you from marrying Hayden!"

Seeing him unharmed, Sylvie breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She reached out and hugged him, gently patting his shoulder and soothingly coaxing him. "Don't be so agitated. Let me explain, okay? I won't go back on my promise.

“It's just that Hayden doesn't know I'm going to run away, and I can't let him suspect anything. That's why I prepared the wedding rings."

Joshua's tears stopped instantly, his eyes brimming with tears as he looked at her. "Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Having witnessed everything, Hayden finally understood that Sylvie had been faking it at the jewelry store.

Though he had been deceived, he was not angry. He just felt a little tired.

Wiping his tears, Joshua took a pair of rings from his pocket and offered them to Sylvie with an expectant look. "Sylvie, you said you wouldn't lie to me. You swore and kissed me, so I believed you really wouldn't marry Hayden."