Chapter 1

“Dad, didn't you once mention that my childhood fiancé, the one our families arranged for me years ago, was looking for me? Tell him I’m getting married on the first of next month. I need a groom. Ask him if he’s interested. ”

The other end of the line went silent. “Aren’t you still insisting on marrying Liam Hayes and getting ready for the wedding? What happened? Did he hurt you? ”

“Dad, just ask him! ”

“Alright, if you’ve made up your mind, that’s all that matters. Your happiness is all I care about. ”

My eyes welled up as I replied, “I will be happy! ”

Yes, I had once loved Liam Hayes with an intense passion, convinced he was my soulmate, my destiny. Our wedding date was set, and my heart was bursting with joy, waiting to become his bride. But just a moment ago, I received the shock of my life. An hour earlier. I stood in front of the mirror, wearing a pristine white wedding dress. The gown clung to my curves, making me feel more beautiful than ever. “Ms. Adams, Mr. Hayes had this dress custom-made for you. It’s absolutely stunning! You two are truly meant to be. ”

Despite the sales assistant’s compliments, I couldn’t even manage a smile. My eyes scanned the room until I finally spotted Liam, my soon-to-be husband, in a secluded corner by the window. He was on the phone with someone, his face alight with an adoring smile. The sales assistant, holding a phone, blocked my view. “Ms. Adams, you have a call. ”

It was from the wedding planning company I’d hired. “Ms. Adams… Mr. Hayes’s team said there was a mistake with the bride’s name and that it needs to be changed to Valerie Sterling. Are you aware of this? ”

An indescribable wave of grief crashed over me, and tears threatened to spill. I already suspected Liam’s betrayal, but I had underestimated his sheer audacity. A month ago, when Valerie Sterling, his ex-girlfriend from five years ago, made a grand return from abroad, I had a bad feeling. And just yesterday, chasing after Liam to give him a tie, I followed him to a private club. There, I witnessed him on one knee, proposing to Valerie. Someone asked, “Liam, aren’t you marrying Sera soon? What about her, with you and Valerie like this? ”

Liam answered, utterly unconcerned, “Valerie’s sick, and this is her last wish. As for Sera? As long as you guys keep your mouths shut, she’ll never find out. Even if she does, she loves me too much. She’ll get it. She won’t leave. ”

Valerie snuggled into Liam’s arms, nodding in agreement. “I’m so sorry to put you in this position, Liam, but I don’t have much time left. This is my last wish. I’m sure the kind Ms. Adams will understand. ”

The two kissed passionately amidst cheers from their friends. I scrambled away from the doorway, my heart in pieces. “Hello? Ms. Adams? Are you still there? Should we still change the name? ”

The old Sera would have been devastated, couldn’t have imagined a life without him. But that Sera? She’s dead and gone. “Change it. And while you’re at it, book the hall next door for me too. I’ll PayPal you the deposit in a bit. Just copy everything exactly. ”

“Oh, and make sure to change the groom’s name for this new booking. I’ll send you the name later. ”

The person on the other end paused. “So, the wedding date is still the same? ”

“Still the same. ”

I took a deep breath and hung up. Just then, Liam walked over, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. “Sera, you look absolutely stunning today. ”

“Do I? ”

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Yes, I was beautiful. But why was the man I’d loved for years, the one I was supposed to marry, abandoning me to marry another woman? “Absolutely beautiful. You’re the most gorgeous woman in the world. ”

Liam hesitated, then mumbled, “There’s something I need to discuss with you. I have something important on the first of next month. Could we… postpone our wedding? ”

“Something important? ”

I scoffed internally. His “something important” was marrying another woman! Not only that, he planned to use the venue I’d chosen, the date I’d picked, and keep me completely in the dark! “Fine. Postpone it. ”

My answer clearly surprised Liam, and a flicker of unease crossed his face. “I love you, Sera. I promise I’ll marry you. Just wait for me. I swear I’ll love you forever. ”

“Uh… something just came up at the company. I’ll see you at home. ”

Watching him rush off, I found his vows utterly laughable. He truly believed I loved him so much that I had no boundaries. That even if I knew he was marrying someone else, I wouldn’t leave him. But this time, he was wrong. I wouldn’t just leave. I would marry on the exact same day. Chapter 2

Back home, I started packing my belongings. I was halfway through when Liam returned. “Sera, I came straight home as soon as I finished up at the office. Miss me? ”

He pulled out a large bouquet of crimson roses and handed them to me. “I bought these just for you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay with you at the bridal shop. Forgive me, my love? ”

I nearly laughed out loud, seeing the roses already wilting slightly from lack of water. These were clearly the same flowers he’d grabbed from his proposal to Valerie. In his eyes, was I only good enough for his discarded proposal props? “What are you laughing at? ”

Seeing my smile, Liam looked a little flustered. “Nothing.