Chapter 5

Jessica finally opened her eyes.

Seeing that it was Abby, she reached out, snatched the medical report from Abby's hands, and stuffed it into her bag without a word. Then, without looking back, she walked away.

Abby stood there, watching her retreating figure. After a few seconds of silence, she pulled out her phone and dialed Jack.

"Jack, I really don't understand what Jess is thinking. She actually went to the doctor and got a fake medical certificate saying she has late-stage stomach cancer..."

…

Later, Jessica met with the buyer. The transaction went smoothly.

She didn't feel like going home to cook, so she grabbed a bite outside before heading back.

For the next few days, they were all at the hospital, "taking care" of Abby.

Every day, Abby updated her social media, posting photos, writing captions filled with poetic melancholy. Occasionally, she would send private messages to Jessica, subtly flaunting her condition.

And, of course, she added a few mocking remarks about Jessica's terminal illness.

Jessica never replied. Instead, she took screenshots—one by one, carefully saving them.

One day, all of this would come to light. She would make sure everyone saw Abby for what she truly was—the faker who had fooled them all.

…

In the blink of an eye, there were only two days left before her departure for Paris.

Most of her preparations were complete. The 250 thousand dollars for her parents was nearly secured through her recent design transactions.

She still needed to set aside another 125 thousand for herself—to cover expenses in Paris. It was Europe, after all. The cost of living was high, and she needed to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

As for the gifts Jack had given her over the years, she packed them all away, leaving nothing behind.

Maybe she had grown cold. As she sorted through everything, she felt nothing—not anger, not sorrow. Just a quiet, detached calm. Like she was simply tidying up before moving house.

…

The next day, Abby and the others finally returned.

She was carried into the bedroom by Jack, while their parents trailed behind, carrying the luggage.

Jessica watched them enter, then called out to Jack, "When you're done, I need to talk to you."

It was time to make things clear. There was no need for this wedding anymore.

Jack glanced at her briefly. "Good. I have something to tell you too. I'll come find you later."

Jessica sat on the couch, waiting. Ten minutes later, he emerged from the room.

He looked at her for a moment. She seemed thinner. Worn out. But he didn't dwell on it. He got straight to the point.

"I wanted to talk to you about our wedding."

She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Jess, this morning Abby made a request. She wants to be my bride on the wedding day."

Jessica lifted her gaze.

Expected, yet somehow still absurd.

She didn't object outright. Instead, she asked, "And you? What do you think?"

Jack hadn't anticipated her composure. He had expected anger, tears, or at least a sharp retort. But her calmness made him relax slightly, as if his choice had already been justified.

"Abby isn't in good health. Let's just grant her wish. The wedding will proceed as planned the day after tomorrow, but the bride will be Abby instead."

He continued, "Don't worry, it's just a fake marriage. The one I truly love has always been you. It's just… she kept begging me not to marry you. She wants to be my bride so badly. And she's your sister—how could I turn her away, right?"

Hearing such a noble-sounding excuse, Jessica wasn't sure whether she should laugh.

She thought back to everything that had led to this moment…