Chapter 2

"That's alright, Edmund," I said, trying to sound upbeat. "Wait for me at the bridal shop. I'll be there soon."

"Okay, just take it easy. No rush," Edmund said, his voice full of gentle affection.

After hanging up, I took one last look back at the window of that café.

In the hazy reflection, his silhouette seemed to linger, still sitting there.

I turned away and blended into the flow of people on the street.

Goodbye, Orville.

Goodbye, my stormy ten years.

*****

"Mr. Nichols, could you move a little closer to Ms. Blaine? That's it, perfect. Now, look this way," the staff said.

The luxury bridal boutique was flooded with bright lights, almost as if it were midday. The air was thick with the scent of high-end fragrance and the crisp freshness of new fabric.

I stood before a massive floor-to-ceiling mirror, dressed in a wedding gown fresh off the plane. It was custom-made by a top designer.

Layers of pure white tulle gathered around me like clouds, with hand-set crystals on the dress catching the light in dazzling bursts.

Edmund stood behind me, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit. His arms wrapped gently around my waist, his chin nearly brushing the crown of my head.

In the mirror, we looked every bit the perfect couple, a match made in heaven.

He gazed at my reflection, utterly captivated, unable to hide the awe and satisfaction in his eyes.

"Harley, you're beautiful," Edmund murmured, his deep voice in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

I offered a small smile in reply, but my gaze wandered to the mirror, where the woman staring back at me felt both familiar and strangely distant.

Was this what beauty really is?

Maybe so.

But the beauty was crafted by designer gowns and sparkling jewels. Right now, it all felt like a fleeting illusion.

The sales associate and the store manager stood nearby, their faces plastered with fawning, envious smiles as they showered us with compliments.

The sales associate said, "Ms. Blaine and Mr. Nichols are truly a match made in heaven."

The store manager echoed, "This wedding gown is tailor-made for Ms. Blaine. It's absolutely perfect."

The sales associate added, "Mr. Nichols treats Ms. Blaine so well. Honestly, anyone would be jealous."

Edmund basked in their praise. He pulled me a little closer and smiled. "If Harley likes it, then it's all worth it."

His smile was radiant, combining the boldness of youth with the steadiness honed by experience in the business world.

This was Edmund, the only heir to the Nichols family, born into privilege. Even at his age, he was already making waves in the business world, the most sought-after bachelor in all of Crestmor City.

He had been pursuing me for three years.

From the moment we first met at a corporate event three years ago, he never let up. His pursuit was passionate and persistent.

Flowers, gifts, carefully planned dates. He pulled out every romantic move in the playbook.

Orville was cold and distant for ten years, never changing, while Edmund was the polar opposite. His warmth was almost overwhelming.

When I hit rock bottom, after Orville had let me down over and over, when I finally gave up and started doubting myself, Edmund was always there for me.

Unlike Orville, who always seemed annoyed by my cautious attempts to care for him, Edmund was never impatient with me.

Whenever I was up late, unable to sleep because I was feeling low, Edmund would talk with me on the phone, no matter how busy he was the next day.

He remembered every little thing I mentioned in passing and would surprise me with thoughtful gestures when I least expected it.

He made me feel truly cherished and cared for. Something I had never experienced with Orville.

So, a month ago on my birthday, he rented out every prime spot in Crestmor City and had all the billboards light up at once with "Harley, marry me."

The whole city was buzzing. I watched him drop to one knee, holding out a sparkling diamond ring, his eyes full of hope and nerves. Before I knew it, I nodded.

His joy in that moment was so real and overwhelming. There was no way it was an act.

Later, he did something even crazier. He bought us a private island in Sario as an engagement present, saying he wanted to give me a secret haven just for the two of us.

Everyone said I was the luckiest girl alive, that the Nichols family's heir had me wrapped around his finger.

For a while, I honestly thought I had finally left all the heartbreak with Orville behind and grabbed hold of real happiness.

"What's wrong, Harley? Are you feeling uncomfortable? Or is the dress not what you wanted?" Edmund noticed I was lost in thought and asked, his voice gentle enough to melt anyone's heart.

I quickly collected myself, pushing down that odd flutter in my heart. I shook my head and managed a brighter smile. "No, the dress is gorgeous. I really love it."

He seemed to relax, his smile growing even more radiant. "As long as you love it. My Harley deserves nothing but the best."

He took my hand and guided me to the VIP lounge, where the staff promptly brought out elegant snacks and champagne.

I had personally checked every part of the schedule and all the little details. There was no way anything could go wrong.

Edmund, buzzing with excitement, pulled out his tablet and walked me through every single detail of the wedding plan. "The venue's set at the Virella.

"The banquet hall will be filled with air-flown Thornwick roses, with champagne as the main color, just the way you like it. And the wedding team is the top in the business, and the emcee is..."

He went on enthusiastically, and honestly, every part was planned to perfection.

I listened quietly, nodding from time to time, but I couldn't help letting my gaze linger on Edmund's animated profile, his whole face alive with enthusiasm.

This man was giving me a glimpse of a wedding straight out of a fairy tale. It was romantic and extravagant, the kind every girl secretly dreams of.

But why was there always this subtle unease lurking in the back of my mind, creeping in like moss quietly spreading beneath the surface?

Was it because that hollow feeling from walking away from Orville hadn't really gone away?

Or was it that everything here was so perfect, it almost felt unreal?

I picked up the champagne glass and gently swirled the golden bubbles, trying to chase away those unwelcome thoughts lingering in my mind.

"Edmund," I said softly, "you really don't have to make it so complicated. Let's just keep it simple."

But he held my hand tight, his gaze unwavering and full of emotion. "No way, Harley. I want to give you the biggest, most perfect wedding ever.

"I want the whole world to know you, Harley Blaine, are the only one for me, the woman I'll treasure for a lifetime."

His words burned with sincerity, so raw and heartfelt that I couldn't bring myself to doubt him.

I looked into his eyes, searching for any trace of insincerity.

But there was none.