Chapter 3

I studied fashion design in college—it had always been my dream.

I'd won the Young Designer Award and had job offers lined up.

But breast cancer treatment turned everything to dust.

Now I plan to return to design.

Travis might be waiting to see me cry for him, so he moved up the wedding date.

He took me to look at wedding dresses.

Staring at the dazzling array of gowns, I once thought marrying for love, wearing a dress I designed myself, would make me truly happy.

But that was too much of a luxury now.

At this point, the dress didn't matter—after all, I was marrying Travis.

Meanwhile, Travis fussed over everything, taking forever to choose.

"This one looks good, but it's too revealing. Do you like a train? The sleeves on this one are too big, you wouldn't like it. Bring out all your haute couture pieces..."

"Sarah, what should I wear? How about this one?"

The way he was putting effort into the wedding, you'd think he genuinely wanted to marry me.

"You look handsome in anything," I said, both dismissive and truthful.

Perhaps noticing my low spirits, he turned to look at me.

"Are you nervous about getting married? Don't worry, pre-wedding anxiety is normal. I'll be with you through it."

Just as Travis finished speaking, a woman walked in.

She gazed at Travis with longing, her wavy blonde hair cascading down to her waist.

I loved long hair too, but mine had only grown to my shoulders.

The atmosphere turned strange, with Travis constantly checking my reaction.

"Travis, why didn't you tell me about getting married? Don't you even have the courage to tell me yourself that you're marrying someone else?"

Elaine looked quite hurt, and Travis couldn't bear to see her pain.

"Elaine, why are you here? It's windy today, and aren't you running a fever?"

Travis took off his jacket and draped it over Elaine's shoulders.

Terrified the wind might knock over the love of his life.

"It's just a fever. What could be more painful than finding out the man you love is marrying someone else?"

At this moment, Travis suddenly remembered me.

He held Elaine's hand tightly, reluctant to let go, and said to me, "Sarah, keep looking at dresses. She's upset, so I'll take her home and be right back to help you."

Travis didn't even wait for my response before grabbing Elaine's hand and leaving.

He was just informing me, not asking.

Travis rushed back just as the bridal shop was closing.

By then, I'd already chosen a dress.

Travis asked me, "Don't you dislike this style?"

I replied flatly, "It's just for one day. If I don't like it, I can return it."

I wasn't just talking about the dress.

Travis held my hand and apologized.

"She's my ex-girlfriend. I was worried she might say something to make you misunderstand, so I took her aside to resolve things. Don't be angry.

"Sarah, no matter what I do, you're the one I'm marrying. I want to give you security through marriage."

I smiled and nodded.

Travis finally relaxed and continued choosing his wedding attire.

He took his time, being meticulous.

As if he really wanted to build a life together.

But if he hadn't said, "If she had just died, problem solved. But she didn't."

I might have believed him.

Maybe he saved me at first, but he used my pain to get what he wanted.

So we're even now.

He deceived my feelings and played with my dignity, so my revenge is perfectly justified.