Chapter 4

After Michael gave a half approval, Serena turned her gaze back to me.

She flashed a fake smile and said, "Joliet, hope you don't mind how I'm dressed.

"Relax, I'm not some scheming bitch.

"I just wanted to say goodbye to Michael's bachelor days in my own way.

"After all, you keep him on such a tight leash. Once you two are married, he won't be able to hang out with us anymore."

Lauren shot me a worried look.

Despite the suffocating atmosphere, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Go ahead. Wear whatever you want."

With that, I grabbed a tissue and wiped off the lipstick I'd just put on.

After tossing the tissue into the trash with a heavy thud, I turned to Michael, my voice icy. "No one in my family died today, so there's no need for anyone to be dressed for a funeral.

"Michael, we're not getting married today."

Michael's brows furrowed again. "Joliet, what's this about now?

"It's almost time for the wedding procession. The guests are almost here, and you decide to call off the wedding?"

Still wiping off my makeup, I shot back, "That's right. If I say it's off, it's off."

Seeing how decisive I was, Michael took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

He softened his tone and said, "Joliet, don't be like this. It wasn't easy for us to get here. Don't say that just because you're upset."

I shot him a cold look through the mirror. "Michael, so you also know it wasn't easy for us to get here.

"Then why do you keep letting Serena cross the line in front of me, over and over again?"

"Cross the line?" Michael looked at me, genuinely thinking Serena hadn't done anything wrong.

He sighed, sounding a bit exasperated. "Serena just got her makeup done before you, that's all.

"It's just makeup. Why make such a big deal about who does it first?

"Does it really matter? Everyone's getting their makeup done anyway."

Of course, he completely brushed off the fact that Serena had him zip up her dress and secretly switched her gown.

I didn't waste any more breath on his excuses. I made my decision, clear and final. "Michael, I've decided. The wedding's off."

Just then, the bridesmaids I'd invited started trickling into the dressing room.

They immediately sensed the tension in the air, glancing around with puzzled looks.

Michael spoke up again. "The wedding's about to start, and now you suddenly call it off? Won't people laugh at us?"

I couldn't care less if people laughed. All I cared about was making sure I cut my losses.

Being laughed at wouldn't cost me anything, but marrying someone like Michael? That would truly wreck my life.

Some of the bridesmaids, not really sure what was going on, came over to comfort me. "Joliet, what's up? If something's wrong, just say it. Don't let it ruin your big day."

After that, they gave Michael a meaningful look, clearly hoping he'd come over and talk me down.

With everyone watching, Michael softened his attitude again.

He stepped forward, took my hand, and said, "Come on, honey, don't be mad. Let's go through the ceremony first.

"Let's deal with everything else after the ceremony, alright?"

I shook off his hand, my voice cold. "No, thanks. My family isn't having a funeral."

With that, I started packing up my stuff, ready to leave.

Seeing that I wasn't budging, Michael finally lost it and showed his true colors. "Seriously, Joliet, why are you being so extra?

"Just over something so small, you're blowing it way out of proportion.

"Most of the guests are already here. You haven't even done your makeup, and I haven't even gotten dressed yet.

"Now you say we're not getting married? Why are you making such a scene?"

I stopped in my tracks, turned around, and looked at Michael, almost laughing. "Michael, you've actually got the nerve to blame me?"

"Why haven't I done my makeup? Isn't it because your so-called 'female friend' cut in line and got hers done before me?

"And you're saying I'm making a big deal out of something so small?

"Let me ask you—your 'female friend' ignored the bridesmaid dress I picked out, insisted on dressing up like that, and even said she was here to mourn the death of your freedom. You really think that's just a small thing?"

When I exposed everything right in front of everyone, they were all stunned. Even Michael, who'd been all impatient just moments ago, suddenly had guilt written all over his face.

Seeing the tables turn, Serena, who'd been waiting in the wings for the drama to unfold, smirked.

The next moment, she sauntered over in that heavy black gothic wedding dress, putting on her best innocent act. "Joliet, don't be mad at Michael, okay?

"I know I messed up today. I just wanted to say goodbye to Michael's past in my own way.

"I didn't mean to upset you.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have changed my dress without asking you first."

I stared at her ridiculous, black gothic wedding dress, thinking she was such an idiot.

And the worst part? She thought everyone else was as clueless as she was.