Chapter 3

Celine stood beside Dylan. She was wearing the white dress she had worn on the day of her marriage registration. On her left ring finger, she wore the wedding ring I designed.

Isaac was helping Dylan with his bow tie.

Jennifer Harris, the person in charge of the wedding photography, was holding the camera with a somewhat stiff expression.

Dylan was wearing the watch my father had given me on his wrist.

I pushed the door open. The click of the shutter stopped abruptly, and everyone turned to look.

Isaac was the first to react. "Gabriel, why are you here?"

He instinctively stood in front of Dylan. "Dylan is going to go abroad again soon. Hailey suggested taking a few commemorative photos since they've registered their marriage. The watch just happened to be in the store, so I thought I could borrow it for the photoshoot and return it right away.

"You asked me to help liaise with the bridal shop, so the staff thought it was your arrangement."

Borrowed again. My wedding ring could be borrowed; my fiancée could be borrowed. Now, even the memento left by my father could be borrowed.

I looked at Dylan. "Take it off."

The smile on Dylan's face froze. "Gabriel, we only have one last set left. I'll return it to you after we're done."

"I said, take it off."

Dylan raised his hand to protect his wrist, his expression stiff. "I didn't know it was so important to you. Isaac only said it was an accessory you'd wear at your wedding."

I looked at Celine. "He didn't know. Didn't you know either?"

Celine frowned slightly. "It's just a watch. Dylan will only wear it for a few minutes more. It won't cost anything. You don't need to embarrass him in front of so many people."

I suddenly laughed.

When they got the marriage certificate, she said it was just a piece of paper. Now, she said it was just a watch.

It did not matter as long as what was taken belonged to me.

I walked up to the store manager and opened the maintenance receipt on my phone. "Please remove the watch. From now on, no one except me has the right to touch it."

The manager immediately called over a staff member.

Dylan's face paled, and he finally raised his hand to unfasten the clasp. The watch was put back into the velvet box. I took it, my thumb slowly tracing the dial.

The year my father passed away, Celine stayed with me at the hospital for seven whole days. She saw me clutching this watch, sobbing uncontrollably. She knew; she just felt that Dylan wanting to wear it today was more important.

"Also..." I looked at the store manager. "I'm cancelling the order for the wedding dress."

Celine's expression finally changed. "Gabriel, have you had enough? The photos can be deleted after they're taken, and the watch has already been returned to you. Are you really going to cancel the wedding over this?"

"It's not because of the watch." I closed the box. "It's because I've finally realized that you're taking advantage of me with the excuse of making up for your past regrets."

The white dress was something I had ordered for Celine, the wedding ring was mine, and the watch was also mine. Even the photo studio they were standing in was booked by me for the wedding.

Celine was silent for a moment, and she softened her tone. "Gabriel, I'll explain to you after Dylan leaves. Go home first. I'll accompany you to try on your suit tonight."

I looked at her, suddenly feeling exhausted. "I've already gotten back what I wanted. I don't want the rest anymore."

I turned and left.

Not long after leaving the bridal shop, my phone vibrated. Jennifer sent several screenshots. It was the complete chat history of 'After-Sales Service for Our Youth at 18'.

Hailey: [They've already gotten the marriage certificate. It'll be a waste not to take wedding photos.]

Jordan: [Dylan's leaving the day after tomorrow. Let's arrange a three-day trip to wrap things up completely.]

Isaac: [Wouldn't that be too much? Gabriel won't accept it.]

Hailey sent a smiley face and replied: [At most, he'll be angry for a few days. The wedding preparations are already this far ahead. How could he not marry her? Don't spoil everyone's fun for his sake.]

A few minutes later, Isaac replied: [Then return it as soon as we're done taking the photos.]

Finally, Celine said: [Don't tell him about the trip beforehand. I'll handle it when we get back.]

It turned out she had already made plans for everything—the marriage registration, the wedding photos, and a honeymoon with only the bride and a few other people.