Chapter 4

The atmosphere instantly froze.

Quinn gasped.

The groomsmen exchanged glances. Even Sienna looked stunned.

Ethan looked at me, his expression shifting from a frown to something I couldn't read.

After a few seconds of silence, he suddenly laughed.

That laugh carried a hint of helplessness, a touch of indulgence, like looking at an unreasonable child.

"Fine."

"I'll go buy them."

Ethan turned and walked out. The groomsmen followed.

Sienna hesitated, then followed too.

"Wait for me. I'll come with you. I know there's a mall nearby..."

Ethan didn't turn around, but his steps slowed, waiting for Sienna to catch up.

They walked out side by side, their figures disappearing at the end of the hallway.

The moment the door closed, the living room became so quiet you could hear breathing.

Quinn came over, crouched in front of me, and looked up at my face.

"Chloe," her voice was soft, "what if Ethan doesn't come back?"

I didn't speak. I lowered my head, hiding my reddening eyes.

Five years.

I had believed he could forget Sienna for five years.

But every time, he disappointed me.

"I don't want to marry him anymore." I said.

Quinn froze.

She opened her mouth but no sound came out.

The other bridesmaids quickly asked me:

"What about the wedding?"

"With so many guests, won't people laugh at Chloe?"

After several seconds, Quinn suddenly smiled.

That smile held no surprise, no opposition. Instead, it seemed relieved.

"Let them laugh. We'll be with Chloe anyway."

The bridesmaids all had red-rimmed eyes, gripping my hands tightly.

"You should have left him long ago."

"Exactly. That Ethan doesn't deserve you."

"We've always thought you deserved better."

Looking at their faces, seeing the heartache and relief in their eyes.

I suddenly realized that maybe I had been wrong all along.

I thought if I waited long enough, Ethan would eventually see me.

But Ethan didn't.

During those eight years when I wasn't seen, he just grew more and more accustomed to ignoring me.

Footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.

The door opened. Ethan walked in, holding a shopping bag.

The groomsmen followed behind. Sienna walked at the back, head lowered, lost in thought.

"Got them."

Ethan handed me the bag, his tone slightly expectant of praise. "Went to three stores before finding them. Satisfied now?"

I took the bag without speaking.

The groomsmen behind him looked strange.

They had been joking around before leaving, but now they were all quiet, looking at me differently.

Some even avoided my gaze.

I didn't know what had happened, and I didn't want to know anymore.

"Alright, alright, put them on quick. We're running out of time."

Quinn took the shoebox and crouched down to help me change shoes.

"Beautiful." Quinn said.

I looked down and nodded.

"Let's go." Ethan came over, bending down to carry me.

I didn't dodge.

Ethan picked me up, carried me out the door, into the elevator, down to the ground floor.

The wedding car was parked at the entrance, decorated with flowers and ribbons. The hood displayed our names—Ethan Shore Loves Chloe.

He carried me to the car and was about to close the door when—

"Ethan."

Sienna's voice came from behind, soft and hesitant.

Ethan paused.

He turned to see Sienna standing two steps away, fingers twisting her dress hem, eyes slightly red.

"I... there's something I've always wanted to tell you. I know now might not be the right time, but after today, it'll be even less appropriate..."

The surroundings fell silent for a moment.

The officiant nearby reminded him quietly, "Groom, it's about time. We should go."

Ethan didn't move.

His gaze remained on Sienna, his eyes filled with something thick and intense.

After a few seconds of silence, he turned his head to look at me.

"Chloe, give me ten minutes."

I looked at him too, and said only one last thing.

"Ethan, in ten minutes, I won't be getting married anymore."