Chapter 3

In an instant, panic flashed across Mabel's face. She turned to me and said, "Carter has night blindness. A blackout is dangerous for him. I have to go."

This had happened more times than I could count. No matter how hard I tried to stop her, it had always been pointless.

This time, I wasn't going to put myself through that again.

"Just drop me off at the next intersection," I said evenly.

Mabel pulled over, and I stepped out with my suitcase. Guilt was etched across her face when she looked at me. "Aiden, it's hard to get a ride out here. Wait for me. I'll be right back."

Wait for her? Hadn't I learned my lesson already?

Still, I smiled and nodded.

As soon as her car disappeared into traffic, I opened an app and booked a ride.

…

That night, Carter posted on Instagram. The caption read, "No matter what happens, as long as you're by my side, I feel safe."

In the flickering candlelight, two silhouettes leaned against each other.

I knew he had posted it just for me to see. In the past, I would've called Mabel right away, demanding an explanation.

But now, after looking at the photo, I even gave it a like.

The next morning, I woke to two missed calls and a message from Mabel. "Aiden, I'm back. Where are you?"

The timestamp was 5:00 am. Luckily, I had seen it coming and silenced my phone the night before.

…

Over the next two days, I busied myself getting ready to leave.

My parents had been living in New Bastia, and once I left this time, I had no intention of coming back. So, I made sure to pack everything I'd need.

…

The day before the wedding, Mabel showed up at my place. Without a word, she grabbed my arm and pulled me outside.

It wasn't until she got me into the car that I finally managed to ask, "Where are you taking me?"

"Carter's house," she answered, starting the engine.

"Why?"

"You'll see when we get there."

Before long, the car came to a stop outside Carter's house. Mabel dragged me inside, where the living room was packed with his friends.

At that moment, Carter walked toward me. He wore a crisp shirt and slacks, exuding confidence.

"Aiden, you're finally here. After I accidentally ruined your suit last time, I felt terrible. So, I made you a new one myself to make up for it."

Accidentally? Felt terrible?

Those words sounded strange coming from him. Besides, it had only been two days. Could he have really made a suit?

One of his friends wheeled out a mannequin draped in a white cloth. Carter pulled it off, revealing a mannequin dressed in a green suit.

The sight was strangely unsettling.

Then, Carter looked at me. "Aiden, I spent two nights making this. I hope you'll wear it tomorrow."

I couldn't help but laugh at the sheer audacity of it.

Carter's face fell instantly, and he added, "I know it might not look that great, but I put my heart into making it."

"Do you want me to wear it too?" I asked as I turned to Mabel.

She hesitated, clearly torn. Looking at Carter's increasingly pitiful expression, she said, "He really meant well. And compared to all the black-and-white suits, it's… kind of different."

I smiled and nodded. "You'll see it at the wedding tomorrow."

As soon as I finished speaking, Carter's friends looked at me with disdain and mockery.

"Carter's right. Aiden's just a simp," one spat.

"As long as he gets to marry Mabel, he'd wear a sack if we told him to."

Another remarked, "He's seriously an embarrassment to men everywhere."

Amid their jeers, I folded the suit and turned to leave.

Mabel, however, followed me out. She grabbed my wrist, then said, "Aiden, I didn't know they'd say things like that. Don't take it to heart."

I brushed her hand away. "Don't worry. I won't take a single word of it seriously."

At my words, she reached up and lightly touched my hair. Her voice softened as she said, "I know this hasn't been fair to you lately. But don't worry. Once we're married tomorrow, I'll cut off contact with Carter."

"Alright. See you tomorrow." I smiled faintly.

…

Third-Person POV

Beneath glittering crystal chandeliers, the hall was packed with guests. Mabel, dressed in a pure white gown, stood on the other side of the doors.

Just then, the doors to the hall swung open.

With everyone watching, a delivery driver wheeled in a mannequin dressed in a green suit.

Mabel's expression darkened instantly. Through clenched teeth, she demanded, "Where is Aiden?"

The driver took out a voice recorder and handed it to her. "Ms. Jones, Mr. Coleman asked me to pass this along to you."

She grabbed it and pressed play. In an instant, Aiden's voice came through the recorder.

"Mabel, I'm leaving. I'm done playing this game. I wish you and Carter a lifetime of happiness. I hope you're stuck with each other for good."