Chapter 3

I didn't sleep at all that night.

I downloaded every photo and video the unknown number had sent me, then cut them together with screenshots from Jade's secret account into a single video.

I dug up Preston's information, found his wife's phone number, and called to invite her to the ceremony.

Then I reached out to the most-followed local livestreaming platform and paid them to broadcast my wedding live.

By the time I finished, the sky had gone fully bright.

I drove to the hotel. When I arrived, Jade was already in hair and makeup.

Her face looked awful, like she hadn't slept.

The moment she saw me, her expression turned cold. "What took you so long? Do you have any idea I didn't sleep a wink last night, all because of you?"

Because of me?

I said nothing.

I didn't even feel like exposing her lie.

She must have sensed something was off, because her tone softened.

"Why aren't you saying anything? I know I snapped at you just now, but I'm just really nervous; it's my first wedding and everything."

I gave her a thin smile. "I won't be looking after you anymore, starting now."

Jade froze for a second, then shot up out of her chair, glaring at me.

"What is that supposed to mean? I said a few words to you and now this? You do remember this wedding was your idea, right? You're the one who pushed for it."

She was blaming me. Blaming me for forcing her to marry me.

Except it had been her idea in the first place. She'd suggested us building a future together.

And now she'd flipped it around, making it sound like I'd forced her hand, while letting another man provoke me over and over without a shred of shame.

Did she really think I couldn't survive without her for the rest of my life?

She was wrong.

I was still willing to go through with this wedding, but only because I wanted her to understand there was a price for what she'd done.

I wasn't some toy she could summon and dismiss on a whim.

Jade's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Is this about not appreciating something once you've already got it?"

I looked back at her, calm, and held out the large bag in my hand. "I brought the dress."

Her expression eased a little. "Good, at least you're not completely useless."

She opened the bag, and her face went stiff. "What's this?"

"There wasn't enough time. I couldn't find anything else that fit."

Jade was quiet for a moment. "Whatever. It's your wedding, not mine. If you're not embarrassed, why should I care?"

The ceremony began soon after.

Soft music drifted through the hall, and the crystal chandeliers scattered light everywhere.

I stood on the platform, watching Jade walk toward me, feeling nothing at all.

This was a scene I'd imagined a thousand times before.

I used to feel nothing but pure joy at the thought of marrying her, so happy I could barely put it into words.

Now, all I felt was disgust.

Jade's father placed her hand in mine.

"Jade is a good, well-raised girl. You're lucky to have her, son. You'd better treat her right from here on out."

He kept going, offering more heartfelt advice, and Jade looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

She played the part so well.

Anyone who didn't know better would think she loved me desperately.

It reminded me of a conversation we'd had once, dreaming about the future together.

I'd told her that when the wedding actually came, I probably wouldn't be able to hold back tears.

Jade had scoffed. "You should feel lucky to be marrying me. Crying would be normal. But I'll never let you live it down."

Well, Jade, the man standing here now wasn't going to cry. Not a single tear.

I only hoped that in a few minutes, she wouldn't either.

We joined hands and walked into the ceremony.

The officiant's voice rang out. "Mr. Tony Thelen, do you take Ms. Jade Bruckner to be your wife, to love and stay by her side through sickness and health, poverty and wealth?"

I didn't answer right away.

Jade's face darkened. "Why aren't you saying anything? Do you not want to get married anymore?"

I smiled at her and let go of her hand.

Then I took the microphone from the officiant and spoke, loud and clear.

"I don't."