Chapter 5

There were two days to go before Rory and Sienna's wedding.

The villa was decorated with festive ornaments, so much so that even my secluded room seemed to have caught the cheerful atmosphere.

I pushed open the window and looked outside. There was a banner with bold and elegant handwriting on it. I recognized Rory's handwriting, and it wrote, [Hold your hand and grow old together.]

No such things were there when I married him three years ago.

My eyes then landed on Sienna, who was at the far end of the corridor. Her steps were brisk as she walked toward my room. The white wedding gown she wore swirled around her like a patch of cloud.

She stopped at my door and asked warmly, "What kind of necklace do you think I should wear for the wedding?"

She wore the dress she had just tried on. Her hair hadn't been done, and she looked like a naïve girl.

I answered, "You're not a first-time bride. Don't you know it well? Why bother asking me?"

Her smile froze. She wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Rory turned around the corner, happening to hear it.

He huffed, "What's your problem, bringing up the past to hurt her? Sienna wanted to get along with you. That's why she came to ask for your advice. What's the fuss?"

I rolled my eyes, knowing better. Sienna was there to flaunt her happiness, but Rory couldn't see that. He had been blinded by love.

I looked at Sienna with a detached, almost scornful expression.

I said, "Choose whatever necklace you like. There, I've answered you. You can go now."

She blinked back her tears, taking a step back and leaning against Rory's chest.

He frowned and threatened me, "You know what, I can ruin your company any time I want."

My heart sank, and bitterness grew thick in my chest until tears welled up in my eyes.

I forced a smile, but I didn't tell him about the divorce agreement.

He didn't stop there. "If it weren't for the wedding preparations, I'd go with you to the courthouse and divorce you right now."

He had gotten used to speaking cruelly to me. Anything could be said without hesitation.

I leaned against the door frame, silently watching them leave.

Sienna's arm was linked with his, and her face was filled with happiness. The chandelier in the hallway cast a soft glow over them. They were meant to be a couple.

I took a deep breath and turned to the servant. "Get the car ready. I'm going to the courthouse tomorrow."

I went back to my room, pulled the divorce agreement from the drawer, and signed it without hesitation. With both signatures on it, the process would go smoothly.

My family had fallen from grace, and it was only natural for Rory to sever ties with me.

The staff at the courthouse didn't ask much. By the time I returned to the villa, it was nearly noon.

Tomorrow was the wedding, and the entire place was buzzing with activity. No one had the time to pay attention to me.

I went back to my room and packed up what I needed to take. After sending out my suitcases, I texted my parents about the situation.

Our flight was tomorrow morning. My room had been cleaned spotless, as if no one had ever lived there.

In the evening, Rory's assistant brought me an evening gown.

She said, "This was sent by Mr. Lawson. He handpicked the fabric two months ago. He said you could wear this to the wedding."

The fabric was a luxurious silk, shimmering under the warm yellow light. The maid in the room took the dress from her, but the assistant lingered.

She added, "There is one more thing. Mr. Lawson didn't mean his words yesterday. He hopes you won't take it to heart."

He could take back his words, but the pain he caused me was irrevocable.

I was silent for a while before acknowledging her message.

"Is there anything you'd like to say to Mr. Lawson?" she asked tentatively.

The wind was cold, stinging my eyes. I shrugged. "No. You can go back and report to him."

She left quickly after that.

That night, I tossed and turned on the bed.

On the wedding day, I woke up early. The sky was just beginning to brighten as I put on a simple dress and donned a pair of sunglasses.

"Ms. Bernard, where are you headed? The wedding starts in an hour," the butler said.

Sienna was to marry Rory, and my divorce from him was already a done deal. To distinguish between us, he addressed me by my family name.

"I'm going to the airport to see off my parents. No need to tell Rory," I replied.

He nodded. "Alright."

I got into the car and drove toward the airport.