Chapter 1

"Edison, wait for me. I'm on my way. I'll be there soon." Katherine Winston ended the call before I finished speaking.

I looked at the hotel staff awkwardly. "My girlfriend will be here soon. Could I have a little more time? Once she gets here, we'll go through the wedding rehearsal as soon as possible."

The hotel staff smiled courteously at me and said hesitantly, "Apologies, sir, but your reservation for the hall has already gone ten minutes over.

"The next couple is waiting to use the hall for their wedding rehearsal. I'm really sorry about this."

My gaze drifted past him to the couple behind him. Seeing their impatient expressions, I forced an awkward smile and apologized.

"It's my fault for holding things up. I'll pack up and go."

A staff member from the wedding planning company followed me out of the hotel. "Mr. Jackman, just like the previous nine times, we didn't complete the rehearsal. However, the deposit is non-refundable."

I smiled bitterly. "It's fine. I'm the one who held you up."

This wedding planning company was the most sought-after in Bawton, and their schedule was really packed. I had paid twice the deposit just to have them run rehearsal after rehearsal.

"Of course, Mr. Jackman. You're now one of our valued clients. If you need another rehearsal, just contact me on WhatsApp."

His words left me deeply embarrassed. I sped up and left the place.

It was already the tenth time Katherine had missed the wedding rehearsal. After skipping rehearsals the previous nine times, she would use a sudden business trip as an excuse to convince me to postpone the wedding.

Even though we had sent out the invitations nine times, I still went along with what she said.

But this time, I really wanted to see what excuse she had come up with.

I leaned against a birch tree across from the hotel. I waited all day before Katherine finally showed up at night.

"We had a last-minute meeting today. I came as soon as it ended and sped all the way. I'm still in time for the rehearsal, right?"

Her story had too many holes and didn't quite add up.

I lowered my gaze to her tight denim skirt and let out a chuckle. "It's too late."

Katherine, who had been leading me toward the hotel, suddenly stopped and looked at me apologetically.

"It's all my fault for expanding the company too much. As the CEO, I can't just walk away from my work. It'll be no different next time we do the rehearsal."

I looked at her quietly, waiting for her to continue.

As expected, Katherine said awkwardly, "But I'm going on a business trip to Torsia next week. We need to postpone our wedding."

Seeing the hurt in my eyes, Katherine tried to comfort me. "Don't be sad. Our wedding will take place on time next time.

"By then, I'll have a fortune teller pick the perfect date for our wedding. Come along. I got you a new suit for the wedding. You'll look incredible in it."

Whenever Katherine postponed our wedding, she would give me an expensive custom-made suit. I already had nine of them hanging in my closet, so I didn't need a tenth.

I took out my phone, pulled up the details for a suit order, and showed it to her. "Gavin's suit is ready too. Remember to have him pick it up later."

Katherine's expression shifted, but she quickly regained her composure.