Chapter 1
Charles Reed and I had been in a relationship for five years. Everyone said we were soulmates.
But on our wedding day, I realized I wasn't the bride.
He held Emily Brooks, his student, and messaged me: [My student is a bit jealous. I'll calm her down first. Let's postpone our wedding.]
I laughed. Why did he have to marry me then?
Seeing the trending topics, I typed one line calmly: [Who said I'm marrying you?]
*****
After five years together, Charles finally proposed to me, and my heart was overflowing with joy as I said yes.
But just one day before our wedding, Charles, who'd always been terrified of heights, suddenly said he wanted to go to Prayer Hill to thank God.
"Olivia, I need to ask you something," Charles whispered, gently wrapping his arms around me from behind.
"What is it?" I turned around and looked at his eyes.
"I want to go to Prayer Hill alone to thank God for granting my wish," he said, looking serious.
Something felt off, but I forced a casual smile and said, "Sure, go ahead. I'll be here when you get back."
Charles let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Olivia. I'll be back soon."
The next day, I was busy greeting guests at the wedding venue.
Suddenly, my assistant, Eileen, rushed in, breathless. "Boss, have you seen what's trending on Instagram?" she asked.
She was already handing me her phone as she spoke.
On Instagram, a photo was going viral: Charles and his student Emily were hiking together.
At the peak of Prayer Hill, Charles was carrying Emily in a princess hold as they gently wiped sweat from each other's faces.
The caption said: [On top of Prayer Hill, a couple straight out of a fairy tale.]
The comment section blew up in an instant.
[Wow, this couple is so sweet.]
[I'm so jealous. This is what real love looks like.]
[Professor Reed and his student are so close. They're such an enviable couple.]
My hand started shaking as I gripped the phone. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I forced myself to take a deep breath and then called Charles with trembling fingers.
Charles's voice came through the line. "Hey, Olivia. Is something wrong?"
"Charles, you're at Prayer Hill, aren't you?" My voice shook a little.
"Yeah, I told you I was coming here," he replied.
His voice was just as gentle as always. If I hadn't seen that photo blowing up online, I'd still be playing the clueless fool.
I let out a cold laugh. "Who's with you?"
Charles froze for a moment. "Honey, what are you talking about?"
My voice turned icy. "I'm asking you—who are you hiking with?"
Charles was silent for a moment, and then he said softly, "Don't overthink it. It's just me and Emily."
"Enough." I cut him off, my anger barely contained. "Emily again? What, does your student want to become your wife now?"
"Professor, who are you talking to? I'm not talking to you anymore." Emily's voice piped in.
Charles hung up and sent me a text: [Emily's throwing a fit. I need to calm her down first. I'll be back soon so we can get on with the wedding.]
I laughed. Why did he have to marry me then?
Staring at the trending search, I coolly typed: [Who said I'm marrying you? Since you two love putting on a show so much, go ahead and marry each other.]