Chapter 2

"Okay," I said calmly before putting down the glass.

Relief flickered in Jessica's eyes. She ruffled my hair.

"I knew you'd be reasonable. The doctor said Chris has been extremely emotionally unstable lately. He's frequently showing signs of self-harm.

"As my future husband, please be a little understanding."

She praised me for being mature.

It was as if the custom suit I'd poured my heart into meant nothing at all.

"Let's go to the ballroom for the rehearsal." I stood up and avoided her touch.

Jessica assumed I was simply grumpy after waking up and paid it no mind.

She walked into the dressing room and returned with a backup suit.

"Wear this one. You'll look just as handsome, Mr. Solomon."

I accepted it and changed right in front of her.

The suit was plain, and I would go as far as saying it looked boring, but none of that mattered anymore.

Outside the suite, the tropical island sun was blinding.

There was a massive swimming pool in front of the ballroom.

Jessica's friends had already arrived and were gathered together smoking.

The moment they saw me in the backup suit, several of them exchanged glances.

"Zac, this outfit is much classier. It looks way better than those fancy custom suits."

The sarcasm in their voices was obvious. Jessica frowned and shot them a warning look.

"Shut up. One more word and you're all flying back home."

The group immediately fell silent, but amusement still lingered in their eyes.

At that moment, I heard footsteps approaching. Chris walked over in a burgundy suit and a champagne flute in hand. He smiled brightly at Jessica.

"Jessica, don't I look sharp today?"

"Not bad." Jessica nodded absentmindedly.

Chris turned around and looked at me.

Only then did I notice the antique brooch pinned to his lapel.

It was a family heirloom passed down from my maternal grandfather.

I'd imagined wearing it at my wedding countless times. It felt like my mother would be there watching me get married.

To keep it safe, I'd locked it in the suite's safe. Only Jessica and I knew the combination.

I felt a chill down my spine.

"Who gave you permission to touch that?" My eyes locked onto the brooch. My voice was ice cold.

Chris adjusted the crooked brooch.

"Come on, Zac. Don't be so stingy. I just wanted to borrow it for a little while."

"Take it off." I stepped forward. My gaze was harsh.

Chris immediately backed away in fright.

"Jessica, look how scary he is. I only borrowed it. It's not like I'm going to break it."

He grabbed Jessica's sleeve. His eyes welled with tears instantly.

Jessica frowned slightly and stepped in front of him before staring at me.

"Zac. That's enough.

"It's just a brooch. You'll get it back tomorrow exactly as it is. He can't handle being upset."

I stared at her face. The absurdity of it all was unbelievable.

"I'll say it one more time. Take it off and give it back."

I wasn't shouting hysterically. I was simply giving an instruction.

Chris hid behind Jessica and smirked.

He suddenly let go of her and backed toward the edge of the pool.

"Fine. I'll give it back. Just stop pressuring me. I already don't see much point in living anyway."

As he spoke, he began fumbling roughly with the brooch.

"Chris, stop!" Jessica's expression changed as she reached toward him.

Chris slipped.

"Ahh!"

With a cry, he toppled backward into the deep end along with the brooch. Water splashed everywhere.

"Chris!" Jessica's expression darkened. Without even removing her jacket, she dove into the pool.

Immediately, her friends started talking.

"Zac, are you out of your mind? If something happens to Chris, it'll be on you!"

I stood at the edge of the pool and watched Jessica struggle through the water to save Chris.

I watched my mother's heirloom glimmer faintly at the bottom of the pool. In the end, it sank into the drainage grate.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I could barely breathe.

Jessica dragged the soaking-wet Chris back onto the deck. Someone immediately handed her a towel.

She took it. She then left the trembling Chris behind and walked directly up to me.

Her expression was grim. She wrapped the towel around my shoulders that were cold from the ocean breeze.

Looking at my pale face, disappointment filled her eyes.

"Zac, when did you become so aggressive?

"It's just an object. Did you really have to push things this far?"

I looked into her eyes. Feeling the towel draped over my shoulders, I suddenly laughed.

"If you keep obsessing over this, I may have to reconsider tomorrow's wedding," Jessica warned coldly.