Chapter 4

I opened my suitcase and packed only a few essential clothes. I'd write the rest off as casualties of this relationship.

I stood before the full-length mirror and studied my reflection. Although I didn't have Carmen's perfect figure, I was still well-proportioned.

I suddenly recalled all the years I gave up on my favorite foods just to please Austin. I ate salads every day, clocked in gym sessions, and felt ecstatic whenever the scale showed a lower number.

How pathetic had I been? If the woman he admired was Carmen, then so be it.

Night soon fell. I finished dinner alone and scrolled through short videos for a while before getting ready for bed. Suddenly, thunder cracked outside, and heavy rain began to pour.

I remembered how every time it rained in the last six years, I would worry about Austin.

Even though he had a chauffeur and a secretary at his office, completely sheltered from the storm, I would still insist on taking a cab across the city just to bring him an umbrella.

However, all I got in return was his annoyed scolding. "Couldn't you have stayed home instead? Why do you have to embarrass me by showing up here every time?"

I laughed at myself as I recalled those memories. I really had been foolish enough to bend over backward for someone who couldn't even bother to say a kind word to me.

All those years of chasing his approval, humbling myself over and over, had been ridiculous in hindsight. Fortunately, it would be over soon.

"Mom, I'm coming home the day after tomorrow. Could you tell Frankie to pick me up?" I texted Mom.

As soon as I sent the message, the bedroom door flung open. Austin stood there, drenched from head to toe, water droplets dripping from his tailored suit. He fixed his eyes on me.

"It's raining outside, Maeve."

I hummed in response, barely even tilting my head. Instead, I was focused on reading about Richard Dawson on my phone.

Austin was rooted to the spot, emanating utter coldness. After a long pause, he said dully, "Why didn't you bring me an umbrella today? Didn't you know that I'd get wet?"

I finally looked up at him. This time, I sarcastically smiled at him. "I remembered you telling me that it was embarrassing for me to show up with an umbrella when you're the cool, untouchable CEO. I was just taking your advice."

His expression darkened. Without saying another word, he slammed the bathroom door shut behind him.

The next morning, I woke up to an empty space beside me in bed. Not long after, Austin had Carmen deliver the custom wedding gown.

I didn't even look up and simply said, "Just leave it."

Carmen didn't leave. Instead, she lingered by the dress, running her fingers along the delicate lace, her eyes gleaming with envy.

"This is haute couture, Maeve. Marrying someone like Mr. Cooper is the luckiest thing that could happen to any woman."

I slowly raised my head, and then, I saw the anticipation in her eyes. She tentatively asked, "Could I… maybe try it on?"

I didn't say a single word. Faced with my silence, she turned around in disappointment, ready to leave.

I simply said, "Do whatever you want."

I was leaving tomorrow, anyway. Meanwhile, Carmen could fill in my spot at the wedding.

She was ecstatic to receive my approval. After changing into the wedding gown, she twirled before the mirror, loving every second of it.

"Not bad," I said flatly. "You should be the bride tomorrow."

The next morning, I dragged my suitcase across the airport floor. When the housekeeper noticed my absence, she quickly ran to the wedding venue in search of Austin.

"Bad news, Mr. Cooper! Ms. Dahlman left a note behind, saying that she'll never return!"

Austin was stunned. He refused to believe it and was about to take the note when someone announced, "The bride is here!"

A dismissive scoff immediately replaced the panic on his face. "There's no way Maeve could ever leave me. I can't believe she's putting on another show."

With that, he tossed the note into the dustbin. He simply assumed that my disappearance was a way to catch his attention.

Austin straightened out his bow tie and turned around confidently. A second later, he froze on the spot, as if lightning had struck before his feet.

Carmen, wearing a white veil, walked down the aisle. "Mr. Cooper…"

His face was stormy as he demanded, "Why are you here? Where's Maeve?"