Chapter 4

A few days later, a video popped up on my phone.

It was filmed in my bedroom.

Lauren sat straddling Zach's waist, dressed in the cosplay outfit he loved most. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke in a soft, flirtatious voice.

"Zach, don't you just want to nibble at my collarbone?"

In the video, she looked much thinner—exactly the type Zach preferred.

And just as she intended, Zach leaned in and bit down on her collarbone. She let out a satisfied, breathy laugh.

"Zach," she giggled, "what if Jen fails to slim down? What should we do?"

With his face buried in her neck, he mumbled absentmindedly, "I gave her a chance. If she can't manage, I'll just switch brides."

"Oh? And who would be the most suitable replacement?"

Zach naturally heard the implication in her voice.

He laughed, flipped her beneath him, and growled, "If Jen fails, then I'll just pick you, little temptress."

They rolled around wildly in my room.

Watching them fornicate in my space, I felt no anger at all. I simply ate the fried chicken in my hand, calm as ever.

Let them enjoy themselves while they still had the chance. Soon enough, they wouldn't even have the luxury to be arrogant.

…

One month later, it was finally the wedding day. The wedding proceeded on schedule.

I arrived wearing the same wedding dress I had tried on before.

The moment Zach saw me, the anticipation in his eyes died instantly.

He rushed forward and began turning me left and right, scrutinizing me from every angle.

His face twisted with disbelief, as if he were staring at a ghost.

"Jen, why haven't you lost a single pound? Did you just ignore everything I said?!"

Because I looked exactly the same as the day he told me to slim down.

His parents—who had rushed in from their rural hometown—also shook their heads.

"I thought you said she was shapely," his mother muttered to Zach, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "A good, strong girl for bearing grandchildren. She just looks… heavy."

"Like one of those hogs we used to raise back home," his father grumbled, shaking his head. "An embarrassment."

It was my first time meeting Zach's parents. Before the wedding, Zach constantly told me they were simple, honest, kind people who'd had a hard life. That was why I agreed to take no betrothal gifts.

In reality, they were mean, petty, and rotten to the core.

And suddenly, I felt grateful—thankful I hadn't actually married into their family.

I was done pretending. I shot his family a cold look and lifted my hands in a shrug.

"What can I say? That's life."

My indifference only enraged Zach further.

He glared at me, spitting each word with contempt. "Jen, you think this is a joke? Fine. You want to be humiliated? I'll give you a show you'll never forget."

He snatched the microphone from the emcee and shouted to the entire venue, "I have an announcement! I will NOT be marrying this… this disappointment standing here today! I'm switching brides!"

Gasps erupted throughout the room.

Whispers spread like wildfire as people stared and pointed at me.

I remained expressionless, like an outsider watching a show. "Go ahead. Just don't come crying back later."

Zach spat at me. "The only thing I'd cry about is being stuck with you! I'm marrying the bridesmaid instead! I'm marrying Lauren!"

The crowd buzzed again. Heads turned, searching for the bridesmaid.

But no one came forward.

"Where's the bridesmaid? Didn't she come?"

"I heard she's the bride's best friend. Tsk, tsk… stealing the groom—what a sin."

"She must be really pretty. Otherwise, who would dare replace the bride on the spot?"

Even Zach froze. Holding the mic, he called out desperately, "Lauren? Lauren, where are you? Come out!"

At last, under everyone's urging, the doors of the wedding hall opened.

And when the guests saw the person standing there—

They were so shocked they screamed.