Chapter 2

It was close to one in the morning when Caden finally got home—his friend had just dropped him off.

Usually, I'd be parked on the couch, waiting for him.

But tonight, I turned in early for once.

"Gwen?" Caden called out softly.

He said my name a couple times, then stumbled onto the bed, reaching out and pulling me into his arms from behind.

He smelled strongly of alcohol, and when he laughed, he sounded genuinely happy.

"Aren't you supposed to be busy? Julio and the others said they'd take me on a trip and handle my safety the whole time," he slurred.

I barely breathed, just gave a soft "sure" to let him know I heard him.

He paused, a little surprised.

In the past, I'd never let him go more than three miles from home.

I'd once worn a blindfold to see what it was like, and I knew all too well how scary it was. I was afraid something might happen to him.

But all my efforts and consideration were unnecessary.

"Gwen, aren't you going to stop me?" he asked.

"If you want to go, just go. If you need more money, let me know," I replied.

After all, this was the last time I'd ever lie here in this house peacefully.

Caden couldn't stop rambling about all the places he'd see and the scenery he'd enjoy where he was headed.

He kept going until he finally talked himself right to sleep.

Caden seemed to forget that he couldn't actually see any of those beautiful places. Scenery didn't mean much to someone blind, did it?

I took out my phone and easily found Bridget's social media account.

Her most recent post was a snapshot of her flight details—she was headed to the same destination as Caden.

Her name was Bridget Singleton, and she'd signed up for a ten-day couples' tour package.

Ten days. That was more than enough time for me to get things done.

As soon as Caden and his friends got going, Bridget couldn't stop flooding social media with photos of the two of them together.

On the first day, Caden showed her around the ancient city, and they dressed up in ethnic-style outfits for some couple shots.

Meanwhile, I'd already chosen my arranged marriage candidate—Tyler York.

He was number one on my list, and honestly, the only one I was actually familiar with.

Now that he was back in the country, I didn't waste any time and went straight to the airport to pick him up. He greeted me with, "Long time no see. How about grabbing a meal together?"

I said yes right away.

*****

The next day, Caden held Bridget close as they joined the city's famous couples' kissing contest, locking lips so passionately it was like they couldn't bear to pull apart.

I brought Tyler to meet my folks, and just like that, we made our engagement official.

Our names were printed side by side on the marriage license—everything happened so fast, it felt almost unreal.

The last time our names showed up together like that was back in elementary school on our report cards.

After he left for middle school abroad, we slowly faded out of each other's lives.

Word was, his company overseas was absolutely crushing it.

Now that he was back, he wanted to secure a marriage alliance for the York Group and push their business into new territory.

He was the youngest CEO around, and a total rising star in the scene.

I'd be crazy not to choose him.

*****

For the next few days, Caden showed Bridget a great time.

At the same time, Tyler's and my engagement party was already underway.

Tyler took my hand, his voice gentle and pleasant.

"From now on, we're going to be inseparable partners—in both business and life," he said.

Since we were going to be inseparable, it should be public for everyone to see.

I posted a photo of our marriage license and the engagement invitation on my feed, not hiding it from anyone.

I knew Caden wouldn't see it anyway.

The day before their return trip, Caden proposed to Bridget. Bridget posted a photo online.

Under the glow of the beach bonfire, Caden got down on one knee and offered her a ring crafted from a seashell.

Bridget captioned it: [If I get to be your bride just once in this lifetime, I've got no regrets.]

Not even the delicate veil could hide how in love they were.

It was such an epic scene—like one of the classical love stories.

"Gwen, it's time to pick out your dress," Tyler said.

Tyler personally handled every part of the engagement arrangements, making sure everything was absolutely perfect.

"All my bride needs to do is wait for me to take her hand and make her mine," he'd said.

Yeah, he'd always been the reliable type, even when we were kids.

I thought back to Caden and my wedding.

While I was running around, sweating the details and making sure everything was perfect, he was off partying, almost as if he was saying goodbye to his freedom.

I felt like I was putting on a one-woman show—and honestly, it hurt.

Looking at Tyler, I summoned what little strength I had and hooked my arm around his.

"Let's do this together—it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so let's make it count and leave no regrets," I whispered.

Both our parents stood not far away, watching us with looks of contentment and happiness.

Maybe Caden was never really the one meant for me.

One couldn't force something that didn't fit—it just won't work.

I wondered if Caden would regret it when he finally saw my post.

After I'd finished handling all the engagement party stuff and was about to turn in for the night, I got a message from Caden.

Someone else had snapped the shot—it showed him cradling a ridiculously bright bouquet, but his eyes were dim.

His voice in the audio clip was thick with disappointment.

"These flowers were native here. It's a shame. I wanted to bring some back for you, but there was just no way they'd survive the trip home," he said.

But really, it didn't matter. I'd already seen those same flowers plastered all over Bridget's feed.

Giving the same bouquet to two people made the bouquet no longer unique.

I set my phone down without replying.

If Caden had given a damn, just one tap on my feed and he'd have seen the photos of my marriage license, and Tyler and I together.

Tyler and I stood next to each other, and the comment section was summed up in three words: a perfect match.

One friend even sighed, saying I'd finally shaken off my hopeless romantic phase and started thinking straight.

I guessed sometimes it took being on the outside to see things for what they really were.

I sold the place Caden and I once called home.

I tossed out anything and everything tied to his blindness.

It didn't matter whether there was real love between Tyler and me.

I was set on stepping into this marriage with nothing holding me back—completely clean.

*****

Ten days later, the engagement party came right on schedule.

Today also marked the end of Caden and Bridget's trip.

I looked around at the packed room, and for once, the groom wasn't a no-show.

Tyler had his arm around my shoulders as we made our rounds, toasting all the elders in our circle.

The network between our two families was starting to take clear shape in my mind.

As the engagement party was winding down, my phone started blowing up with calls.