On the day I was scheduled to try on wedding dresses with my boyfriend of seven years, I rushed to the bridal shop, filled with excitement. Instead, I overheard a conversation between my boyfriend and his friend. "You got married to Serena yesterday, and today you're bringing Summer to try on wedding dresses? Aren't you afraid Summer will find out and confront you?" He looked helpless, his voice hoarse. "My brother died in a car accident. Serena is pregnant with his child. If I don't step up and marry her, how will they, an orphan and her child, survive?" "I'll spend my whole life making it up to Summer. Keep your mouth shut; she absolutely cannot know about this." My heart turned to ash. I immediately made an appointment for an abortion at the hospital. If he couldn't give me and our child a complete home, then it was better not to have the child at all. 1 Their conversation was like biting winter frost, instantly extinguishing all the joy I had felt after receiving my pregnancy test results. This morning, I had woken early to collect the report from the hospital, intending to personally deliver the good news to him at the bridal shop. I never imagined he would deliver such a crushing blow first. If he had already married someone else, why was he still going through with a wedding to me? Before I could find an answer, the bridal consultant approached. "Miss Sterling, Mr. Ashton's specially custom-made gown for you has arrived. You can try it on now." Hearing this, I was momentarily lost in thought. Liam Ashton valued this wedding more than anyone. Both the wedding ring and the gown were personally designed and overseen by him, according to my preferences. The inner band of the ring was even engraved with a few words: "Two hearts bound, love unfailing." I felt for him, having to deal with wedding preparations after work, and suggested hiring a designer to handle everything. But he shook his head, refusing, saying, "Designing it myself shows more sincerity. I want you to think of me whenever you see these things." Everyone who knew about it praised him, saying he would surely be an excellent husband and that I was lucky to have met him. But who knew, his love for me would become so ironic? I composed myself and walked towards the fitting room where the wedding dress hung. There, I saw a familiar figure. Serena Davies, hearing the assistant directing me, turned and smiled. "Summer, you're finally here. Come see how beautiful your wedding dress is!" Her expression was perfectly natural as she spoke, the picture of a caring older sister. When Liam's brother was alive, we had met for dinner a few times, and I had interacted quite a bit with Serena. I used to think of her as my future sister-in-law, sharing good things with her, all to foster a good relationship with my future sister-in-law. If I hadn't just overheard Liam and his friend's conversation, I never would have imagined she would become an insurmountable obstacle between Liam and me. Remembering their words, I instinctively glanced at her still-flat stomach, a surge of bitterness washing over me. No matter what happened, she had a harbor to rely on. My child and I, however, had none. My expression dimmed as I looked at the exquisitely beautiful wedding dress. "It truly is beautiful. Would you like to try it on?" A disbelieving voice followed. "Summer, what are you saying? This is your wedding dress; how can someone else try it on?" Liam approached, a hint of annoyance in his voice, his eyes filled with disapproval. My expression remained unchanged, perfectly calm. "What's the harm? I heard Serena didn't wear a wedding dress when she married your brother. Trying it on now could fulfill her past regret." Their wedding was rushed; they just got their license and didn't have a ceremony. Now, Liam had given her the title of wife. So, I would help her fulfill the regret of not having a wedding. 2 Serena was visibly moved by my words. After all, no woman had ever not fantasized about being a beautiful bride. Perhaps Liam also felt my words were fitting, his expression softening slightly, and he said no more. Seeing his mood lighten, Serena's eyes flickered with hesitation, and she tentatively asked, "Can I really try it on?" I nodded, and an attendant helped her into the gown. Liam had already donned his groom's suit. Seeing Serena go to try on the dress, he thought about changing out of his suit. But I reached out and stopped him. "Serena is pregnant; doing anything is inconvenient for her. If you leave, what if something happens to her?" Hearing this, he abandoned the idea and quietly stood by my side, waiting. A hint of worry, however, flickered in his eyes. Catching his shift in emotion, a mocking smile touched my lips. Before long, Serena emerged, guided by a staff member. She wasn't visibly showing yet, and her figure was similar to mine; the wedding dress fit her perfectly. A barely concealed delight on Serena's face, she feigned modesty and asked, "Liam, do I look nice in this?" Hearing her, Liam, whose gaze had been fixed on her, snapped back to attention and softly hummed. The next second, another staff member walked over. Seeing this, they exclaimed, "The wedding dress looks truly beautiful on you, you really are the most perfectly matched bride and groom I've ever seen!" The words hung in the air, and everyone present's expressions shifted. Serena glanced awkwardly at Liam, then, forcing a smile, began to explain, "No, you misunderstand…" Before she could finish, I clapped my hands, genuinely marveling, "You truly look perfect, Serena! This wedding dress is simply made for you!" So beautiful, how could everyone not appreciate it? As I spoke, Liam looked at me with a hint of disbelief in his eyes. After all, I had always been very particular about others touching my belongings, especially a wedding dress of such significance. And now, not only had I given her the right to try it on, but I was also praising her without reservation. "Summer, you…" I blinked, looking at him. "Alright, I was just making conversation. I suddenly remembered I have some unfinished business at work. I need to rush back to the office now, so I won't bother you two." With that, I walked directly towards the bridal shop entrance. Liam, seeing this, tried to follow. But Serena held him back. As I reached the door and looked back inside, I saw Liam supporting her, walking towards the fitting room. His support was careful, his gaze fixed on her. It was as if with her there, he had no room in his eyes for anyone else. At that moment, I felt a flicker of uncertainty. Was he truly marrying her out of this so-called responsibility? Or did he genuinely love her? I couldn't get an answer, nor did I want to humiliate myself further. The next day, I arrived at the hospital as scheduled for my pre-operative check-up. When the doctor asked about the child's father, I said, "He's busy with work; he doesn't have time to accompany me." When I woke up that morning, I thought about telling him. But I called him several times, and not once did he pick up. After the surgery, my face was drained of color, and I weakly supported myself against the wall, walking out of the hospital. As I reached the hospital lobby, I saw Liam, accompanying Serena for her prenatal check-up. Both were startled when they saw me. Liam's eyes flickered with surprise, and he asked, confused, "Are you not feeling well, Summer? Why are you at the hospital alone?" 3 Before I could speak, Serena interjected, "Summer, don't take your health for granted just because you're young. No matter how busy you are with work, you must take care of yourself. Don't make Liam worry about you." Her tone was earnest, yet I could detect a subtle aloofness in her words. I pursed my lips, hummed, and said, "I'm done with my check-up. I'll get my medicine and leave. You two go for your prenatal check-up." Liam's eyes were filled with concern. He was about to walk towards me, but Serena pulled him back. "Liam, it's almost our turn. Let's go now." With that, she feigned discomfort, rubbing her stomach. "I don't know if I've been worrying too much lately, but my stomach feels a little uncomfortable. I hope it doesn't affect the baby." She emphasized the word "baby," and the worry in Liam's eyes dissipated. He said with an apologetic expression, "Summer, you go home first. I'll come find you after I accompany Serena for her check-up." In the past, when his brother was still alive, he always referred to Serena respectfully as 'sister-in-law.' Now, he called her so intimately. Watching them, a family of three, I clearly realized that I had become the true outsider between them. The man who once said he would love me for life no longer had me in his heart. Remembering how he used to prioritize me no matter what happened, my eyes welled up with bitterness, and I choked out, "Okay, you two go." On the way home, I gazed at the familiar scenery flashing past the car window, and images of our past together flashed through my mind. Liam and I had known each other since high school. Back then, he was my deskmate. He was a quiet bookworm, while I was lively and active. My parents were busy with work, afraid I couldn't take care of myself, so they made me live in the dorms. I hated the cafeteria breakfast, so I always pestered him to bring me breakfast from outside. He was reluctant, yet always indulged me. And this went on for three years. After high school, we, with unspoken understanding, chose the same university. As old classmates of three years, in an unfamiliar environment, I always sought comfort in him. I was used to coming to him with any problem, and he tirelessly helped me solve them. Many times my mom would say I shouldn't bother others like that. I didn't care and relayed her words to Liam. At that time, he put down his pen, saying nonchalantly, "Do you really think I'm just some soft-hearted guy? Summer, if I didn't like you, I wouldn't bother with you." His affection for me was always apparent; I knew that from early on. So I uninhibitedly enjoyed his kindness. After we got together, his love for me became even more undisguised. As long as he was there, I could always be carefree. My mom knew of his devotion to me and always teased me, saying the hardest thing I'd ever experienced in life was going to work. But now I think she was wrong. The hardest thing I'd ever experienced wasn't going to work. It was that the man I loved married someone else. And I was the last to know. Remembering the past, my eyes were red from crying. The driver, seeing this, handed me a tissue and advised, "Young lady, there's no obstacle in this world you can't overcome. Look forward; good fortune awaits you." I took the tissue, choked out a thank you. After getting out of the car and paying, I was about to chat with a friend when I inadvertently clicked into my social media feed. There, I saw Serena's new post from five minutes ago. She had posted an ultrasound image and a photo of Liam looking down at the scan report, with the caption: "Baby, hurry up and come out. Daddy and Mommy can't wait to see you." Scrolling down, the first comment was from Liam's mother. She wrote: "Grandma can't wait either. I'm so excited to see my first grandchild!" 4 The comment section was filled exclusively with Liam's family. From their comments, it was clear they all knew about Liam marrying Serena. Remembering my visit to his family's home a few days ago, and how kind they were to me, I found it incredibly ironic. I couldn't help but wonder if, when I discussed our wedding at their house, they were all secretly laughing at me. My own boyfriend had married someone else, and I was still eagerly anticipating a fraudulent wedding. I wiped away the tears from my eyes and returned home. Before Liam and I set our wedding date, his family had already given me the customary "five metals" and dowry. I returned home and packed all the items they had sent into cardboard boxes. On the day of the wedding, I would return everything they had given me. From then on, I would have no further ties to the Ashtons. After the abortion, my body was very weak, so I took a few days off to rest at home. One day, as I was dozing, I vaguely felt someone approach. When I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar face. Liam gently touched my cold hands, his face anxious. "Summer, are you not feeling well? Should I take you to the hospital for a check-up?" If it were before, I would have whined and thrown myself into his arms, seeking warmth. But now, I pulled my hand from his, hid it under the covers, and mumbled, "It's just a small cold, no need to go to the hospital." Liam didn't notice my resistance, shaking his head helplessly. "Why didn't you tell me you had a cold? We're getting married; why be so polite with me?" Hearing the word "married," my groggy mind gradually cleared. Married? Yes, he was indeed married. I glanced at the cardboard boxes in the corner and quietly said, "Yes, we're getting married. You can take your things back today." We didn't live together, but he occasionally stayed here, so he had many personal belongings in the house. The day I returned from the hospital, I had packed all of them. Liam didn't notice anything amiss, a smile on his face. "Okay, we'll be moving to our new home after the wedding anyway." I didn't reply to his statement. That evening, Liam made me a bowl of warm century egg and lean pork congee, then prepared to leave with his things. Watching his departing back, I softly said, "Don't come again for a while. I have a cold, and I don't want to infect you. You just stay home and prepare to be the handsomest groom." He was deeply helpless by my words but complied. For the next few days, he didn't come over but still sent me messages from time to time as usual. I always gave vague replies. Time flew by, and soon it was the wedding day. I didn't wear the wedding dress Liam had personally designed, nor did I rush to the future I had once fantasized about. Instead, I bought a high-speed train ticket to Yunnan for a trip. The moment before boarding the train, someone from the hotel called me, asking when I would arrive. I immediately sent her Serena's photo and told her, "This is the real bride. Before, I was just helping her with a rehearsal. Find her, help her change, and do her makeup."
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