Chapter 4

I was in disbelief. I was surprised that Cillian even remembered me at all.

After all, our only interaction since he helped me that one time had been the occasional nod whenever we bumped into each other.

When he went abroad, we never saw each other again. I expected him to have forgotten about me.

My heart was beating restlessly.

I was confused by what was happening. All I knew was that becoming his wife was a pipe dream that I never imagined would come true.

“I will.”

Later, the makeup artist who was doing my makeup told me about how Cillian's fiancée had fled the wedding.

The only thing she left behind was a note explaining how she did not want to get married so soon and that she wanted to pursue her dreams overseas.

Suddenly, everything made sense. The esteemed Newberrys could not suffer the humiliation of having a runaway bride.

Therefore, my convenient appearance helped to fill in Beau’s absence.

Despite that, I chose to play my part and walk down the aisle.

When we exchanged rings, the ring ended up being a size too large for my finger.

Cillian paused for a moment, then promised me, “I’m sorry to have to put you through this. I'll buy you a new one after the wedding.”

I whispered to him that it was alright.

With that, I put on a ring that was not meant for me, and married someone who did not love me.

I waited for four years after that.

I received many pieces of jewelry befitting the title of Mrs. Newberry. I wore expensive gowns to banquets with Cillian and carried expensive bags…

However, the ring was never adjusted for my finger.

“What?! You had a crush on him for so many years, and were there for him when he was dumped by his fiancée!” Anna's voice was seething with rage after hearing my story. “He’s unbelievable! He said that he’d get you a new ring, but ended up forgetting about it! So much for you saving him!”

I looked at the ring which shone brilliantly, even in the dim light.

I was no longer interested in finding out whether he truly forgot or if he was simply unwilling to get rid of the ring meant for Beau.

I pulled my gaze away from the ring, and put it in my pocket.

For the past four years, I had to be constantly vigilant of the ring slipping off since it was a size too big.

I no longer had to worry about that.

Anna, who was still young and naïve, continued to hold her fantasies about an idealistic love.

“Still, your story sounds like something out of a novel.” She reflected with wonder in her eyes. “This is a classic trope in romantic stories! The female protagonist is disheartened after the original lover returns, only for the male protagonist to realize who he truly loved all along. Maybe your husband does love you, but he just doesn’t know it yet?”

I chuckled at her innocent remark.

In the first year of our marriage, Cillian and I treated each other with respect. Life was uneventful.

Back then, like Anna, I believed our love would grow over time. I believed that one day, Cillian would fall in love with me.

That was, until Beau returned in the second year of our marriage.