Chapter 3

Rafael and Averie pulled their hands apart the second they saw me.

Averie gave me a sweet, almost nervous smile before explaining, "Eleanor, please don't be mad. I didn't mean to wear your clothes. Mine got ruined yesterday, and I had nothing else to wear. Rafe told me I could just grab something from your closet."

Rafael always marked special occasions with gifts—exclusive pieces, limited editions, things specially chosen because he knew I hated anything ordinary. Now, the things he swore were just for me were on someone else.

Seeing that I didn't respond, Rafael's expression darkened. "It's just a dress. Why the attitude? You've got plenty of clothes. What's the big deal if Avie borrows a few?"

I didn't react, just nodding before replying calmly, "Sure."

His eyes narrowed, irritation flickering behind them. "Cut the act, Eleanor. Do you think acting like you don't care will make me come running?"

I met his gaze, my voice calm but sharp. "Maybe I just don't care anymore. Has that ever crossed your mind?"

He clenched his jaw and, without a word, pulled Averie toward the bedroom.

I knew he was angry, but I wasn't about to fix things. After all, I was leaving soon anyway.

Rafael had been sulking for days, probably hoping I'd come running like I used to. He hadn't said a word to me since.

However, I wasn't about to baby him. I had bigger things to focus on—like getting ready to leave the country.

A year after graduation, Ryan Hudson, a mentor overseas, offered me the chance to join his research team and continue my studies. Back then, I was so wrapped up in Rafael that I didn't even give it a second thought and turned the offer down without hesitation.

Looking back now, I realized how foolish that was.

Meanwhile, Averie treated my house like a hotel—coming and going as she pleased, helping herself to my things as if she owned the place.

I kept my head down and focused on what mattered. I couldn't figure out why Rafael still wouldn't end the engagement. I didn't believe him when he claimed he only loved me.

When Rafael heard about the wedding, he couldn't hide his satisfaction. He came straight to me, a smug grin on his face. "See? I knew it, Eleanor. You're never getting away from me. All that talk about calling it off. What was the point?"

Then, like it was nothing, he added, "Oh, and Avie wants to be your bridesmaid. She's curious about the whole wedding thing. You're okay with that, right?"

He didn't even look at me when he said it.

In my past life, I'd poured everything into that wedding. My bridesmaids had been my closest friends, not someone like Averie, who'd become tangled up with Rafael in all the wrong ways.

However, this wedding was nothing more than an act. Keeping that in mind, I nodded, unfazed. "Sure."

He paused, clearly taken aback. His gaze lingered on me before his voice turned cold. "I'm warning you, Eleanor. Don't mess with Avie. Don't try anything underhanded."

Of course, I wouldn't.

A few days later, the bridal company we'd booked called about a gown fitting. I agreed without much thought, and of course, Averie came along.

"Eleanor, this gown is gorgeous! Could I maybe try it on?"

Her voice was full of awe as she stared at the diamond-encrusted mermaid gown at the center of the boutique.

It was truly breathtaking. I was also stunned the first time I saw it.

Rafael had commissioned a world-renowned designer for me, sparing no expense. 99 South African diamonds were sewn into the gown by hand. Each detail was an extravagant declaration of luxury.

He'd insisted that only I was worthy of it. In my past life, I let myself get lost in that happiness, and it led me straight to my death.

This time, I didn't even flinch before nodding. "Go ahead. You've always wanted to be a bride, haven't you? Might as well let you have that moment."

Seeing how calm I was, Rafael frowned, his voice tightening. "Eleanor, I had this dress made just for you. It's one of a kind. And you're just letting someone else wear it?"

I raised an eyebrow. "It's only a fitting. Unless Ms. Lancaster plans to stand in for me at the altar?"

The words drained the color from both their faces, especially Rafael's. His expression darkened as he slammed his fist on the table. "What the hell are you talking about?"

I shrugged, a faint smile on my lips. "Just a thought. If Averie wants to try it on, why not? You've known each other forever. I've got no reason to be petty."

His eyes locked onto mine, his frown deepening. I could see the questions and the frustration in his eyes.

In the end, he let out a cold snort. "Fine. Do whatever you want."

Eventually, Averie got what she wanted. She slipped into the gown and asked Rafael to pose for photos with her, eager to capture the moment.

Yet, his gaze kept drifting toward me, distracted and unsettled.

I knew what he was thinking. He was probably wondering why I wasn't clinging to him like I used to, desperate for his attention.

Given another chance, all I wanted was to live my life.

The wedding day arrived quickly. With the first look canceled, Rafael stood at the altar alone, waiting. Amid the cheers of the guests, he seemed strangely nervous. He adjusted his bow tie and stared at the doors ahead.

The officiant announced that his bride awaited him behind the doors. However, when it opened, the bride he expected was nowhere to be seen.