Chapter 2

Celine spoke so naturally, as if the stamp by the local county clerk's office could be wiped off at any time.

"He's now your legal husband. How are you going to marry me?"

Celine was silent for two seconds before walking over and placing her hand on my shoulder. "Gabriel, the marriage certificate is just a piece of paper. You're the only person I'll build a life with."

After saying that, she picked up the guest list on the table and turned the pages twice. "Just pretend you didn't see the messages in the group chat. Don't make such a fuss next time. You said the groom wasn't coming, so everyone else had to clean up the mess."

Suddenly, her phone rang, and Dylan's name appeared on the screen. Celine held her phone and walked to the balcony. Through the glass, I saw her frown slowly relax.

"It's not your fault. Don't worry. Gabriel just can't accept it for now. I'll handle it."

After hanging up, she walked back into the living room. "Dylan feels very sorry."

She looked at me, her tone carrying a bit more warning. "I agreed to it. Don't go to him, and don't say anything to provoke him."

She and Dylan had gotten married.

Everyone protected his feelings, trying to make up for his regrets. I, the one who was betrayed, could only remain calm, dignified, and sensible.

The next morning, Celine acted as if nothing had happened. She sat at the dining table, drinking coffee and checking her phone. She instructed, "Dylan's seat is next to my brother's. He just returned from abroad and doesn't know the others."

Before leaving, she picked up her car keys and looked back at me. "My dad is taking you to the cemetery today to tell my mom the wedding date."

"I'm not going."

Her hand hovered over the doorknob. "My dad is already waiting for you."

"Then let his real son-in-law go with him."

Celine's expression darkened. "Gabriel, must you mix these two things? I only registered for marriage with Dylan. You're the one who's really going to build a family with me."

I looked at her. "Celine, I told you, the wedding is canceled."

Celine studied me for a long moment, probably looking for any sign that I was just being spiteful. Finally, she sighed helplessly. "Gabriel, I understand you're upset. It was my oversight for not telling you beforehand, but there really is nothing going on between Dylan and me."

Her tone was frank, as if it was not considered a betrayal as long as they did not live together or sleep together.

"I'll explain to my dad that you’re busy preparing for the wedding and have other plans for today. You can go to the cemetery another time." She paused. "But don’t say what you just said in front of him. He’s not in good health and can’t handle the shock of a wedding being canceled at the last minute."

Even canceling a wedding required considering whether her father could accept it.

Celine picked up her car keys and turned back to look at me before leaving. "Also, Dylan was just dumped by his fiancée, so he's pretty emotionally unstable right now. If he contacts you, control yourself. Don't say anything that will embarrass everyone because of a moment of anger."

The door closed in front of me.

Throughout the entire ordeal, she never asked if I was upset.

My phone lit up at that moment. It was a message from the bridal shop.

[Mr. Steinfeld, the watch you sent has been serviced. Would it be convenient for you to come over today to check if it matches your suit?]

I had packed all the accessories my father had left me into my suitcase, except for a handmade watch, which was the last thing he left before he passed away. Two weeks ago, I sent it in for maintenance, intending to wear it with my suit on my wedding day.

I replied: [Okay.]

An hour later, I arrived at the bridal shop.

The sales assistant looked visibly flustered when she saw me. "Mr. Steinfeld, why are you here early?"

Before I could answer, the sound of camera shutters clicked from the photography studio on the second floor.

Hailey's laughter followed. "Dylan, look at Celine. Get closer. Don't look like you're taking a passport photo."

I went upstairs. The studio door was ajar, and through the crack, I saw Dylan wearing a white suit as he stood in front of a pure white backdrop.