Chapter 4

After we got engaged, I'd mentioned many times that we should get our wedding photos taken early, or there wouldn't be time.

But Luke refused.

"I don't like taking photos. You know that. Wedding photos are only for looking at—completely useless. Why do you insist on forcing me to do something meaningless?"

I bit my lip and said softly,

"They are useful, Luke. When we're old and can't remember each other's faces clearly, we can take out our wedding photos to look at. And we can show our future children how happy Mom and Dad were back then."

"I promise, just two settings—one for the wedding reception and one outdoor shot, okay? I definitely won't tire you out."

He glanced at me and spat out one word.

"Dramatic."

Even so, I wouldn't give up. I kept pestering him for a long time, getting hurt to tears by Luke's harsh words several times before he finally reluctantly agreed to take wedding photos with me.

To get it done in one go, I did tons of research—from outfits to locations to photographers. I often stayed up until two or three in the morning making plans, then forced myself to be energetic for class the next day.

Because the wedding date was close, I even paid extra to skip the queue and rush the editing.

But the wedding photoshoot I'd carefully selected was secretly given by Luke to someone else.

The man who claimed he didn't like taking photos used all his patience to accompany Ivy through five different settings, making me unable to tell whether he truly didn't like taking photos or just didn't like taking them with me.

The car shook and stopped in the underground parking garage. I opened Ivy's social media—sure enough, she'd posted another set of photos, thoughtfully covering Luke's face.

"Ding ding ding, the best birthday gift I received early this year is, of course, beautiful photos. Thanks to a certain someone!"

Luke stood outside the car and took out his phone. The next second, his like appeared on Ivy's post. I looked at that tiny red heart and couldn't help but laugh.

He never actively liked my posts.

"We're home. Why are you still sitting in the car?"

Seeing I hadn't moved, Luke knocked on the car window. I looked at him through the glass and suddenly spoke.

"You already went to take photos with Ivy. Why not just take the wedding photos I booked? You two match pretty well anyway."

Luke's expression stiffened for a moment, then he frowned.

"Jennifer, what are you going crazy about?"

"You changed my wedding photos and went to take birthday art photos with someone else, and now you're asking me what I'm going crazy about?"

"Luke, you're the one who's crazy!"

I thought I could hold it in, but in the end I still shouted my grievances. I stared hard at Luke, wanting to hear an answer.

He just clicked his tongue impatiently.

"Ivy just started working. She has no one to celebrate her birthday with. As her mentor, of course I have a responsibility to take care of her."

"And it's just wedding photos. If we can't do it this time, we'll do it next time. Why such a big reaction?"

I looked at his casual expression, and all my anger dissipated.

"Forget it."

I said, completing the second half of the sentence in my mind: We won't need them anyway.

Only then did Luke's expression relax.

He replied to another message on his phone. After I got out of the car, he got back in.

"Alright, you go back first. Ivy's birthday is tomorrow. She wants to treat the school teachers to dinner but can't handle it alone. I'm going over tonight to help her prep."

I blinked. I'd originally wanted to talk to him tonight about canceling the wedding, but now it seemed unnecessary.

I nodded and returned alone to our new house.

I took out my suitcase, but looking at the room full of traces of my life, I didn't take anything with me—only the large stock of pads and painkillers I'd accumulated.

Then I called to cancel the wedding banquet hotel. The deposit was non-refundable. The money Luke had given me was all stored on one card, which I placed on the nightstand, not a cent missing. Finally, I took off the engagement ring and placed it on top of the card.

Then I dragged my not-too-heavy suitcase and got in a car to the airport. Just before takeoff, I sent Luke a message.

"Luke, let's just forget about getting married. I've explained things to both our parents. Finally, I wish you find someone you truly like."

The message sent. I put my phone on airplane mode.

Leaning back in my seat, I fell into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes again, I'd arrived at my destination. I turned off airplane mode, and instantly hundreds of missed calls flooded in.