Chapter 5 The Bride Who Chose the Sea

The fake-death agency called me one last time. "Ms. Lane, all of your identity records in this country have been erased. Your new ID, new phone number, and flight ticket have all been prepared."

The representative's voice was calm and professional. "During the wedding vows, you'll jump into the ocean as planned. Our team will be on standby to extract you."

I answered quietly, "When the time comes, make sure my old phone is delivered to my fiancé."

The representative replied, "Of course."

After a brief pause, he added, "We wish you a brand-new life."

The call had barely ended when Adrian came home. He didn't notice how many things were missing from the house.

His attention was entirely on coaxing me.

"Willow, let's use the ring I bought you instead." He took my hand, kissed the back of it, and looked at me with affection. "That's the ring I used to propose to you. It means more to me than something crafted by another designer, doesn't it?"

Then, he smiled and said, "We're getting married so soon! I'm really excited. Willow, soon we'll be husband and wife. No more fighting, alright?"

I pulled my hand away. "Okay."

Adrian lit up immediately.

Then, his phone started buzzing nonstop.

I saw Evelyn's name flash across the screen.

When I saw the hesitation in his face, I did my best to ignore it and say flatly, "Work? Go on. I'll be fine here alone."

His chest flickered with panic at my indifference.

Previously, I always responded in kind whenever he expressed his love to me.

However, I'd become distant for the past two days.

Calls at this hour used to worry me, prompting me to fuss over him. I would go on and on about how he was overworking while I went to the kitchen to prepare some late-night snacks for him. I’d even offer my help.

Now, I asked no questions, voiced no concerns, and offered nothing.

Evelyn kept calling. Based on the glimpses I caught from his screen, I could tell she had already sent more intimate photos.

Adrian's hesitation vanished.

"Willow, I'll finish up quickly." He looked at me guiltily before grabbing his coat. "I'll come right back to be with you."

I watched him scurry out like the rat he was.

A mocking smile tugged at my lips as I thought, 'Thank God we never signed the papers or had any kids. Otherwise, walking away would be so much harder.'

...

Adrian finally came home on the day of the wedding.

He was waiting for me downstairs.

I walked down in my gown and met his gaze; my expression stayed entirely composed, showing no hint of a bride's joy.

Adrian's excited expression faltered.

In his memory, I was always smiling softly at him.

My eyes had always sparkled when I looked at him, but not anymore. Now, they felt empty and lifeless.

He instinctively reached for me, trying to quell his discomfort.

"Willow, you're beautiful." His voice was thick with emotion. "You're the most beautiful bride in the world."

He smiled. "I'm the happiest man alive today."

I wondered, 'Is that so? I wonder… Will he still feel that way when I die at our wedding?'

I stepped away from his embrace.

"You'll ruin my makeup. Don't touch me."

Then, I got into the car.

Adrian froze, a frown pulling at his face before he followed me in.

The wedding took place on a luxury yacht—grand, extravagant, and perfectly polished. However, he had forgotten I never cared about such things.

As I stood on the deck in a white wedding gown, I could see the ocean stretching endlessly around us. Then, I heard the officiant ask, "Ms. Willow Lane, do you take Mr. Adrian Ashford to be your husband?"

Adrian looked at me expectantly.

I smiled genuinely, then I answered clearly, "I do not."

Adrian looked at me in horror, his face turning ashen. "Why?" he asked, his voice trembling. "What happened?"

I gazed straight at him. "Adrian, your love is worthless. I've never been the type to share my husband. We're done."

Finally, I smiled at him.

"In this life or the next, we will never see each other again."

With that, I lifted the hem of my white dress and leaped into the raging sea.