Chapter 4

Scarlett POV

Two days later, Lucas opened the door, a pleasant smile on his face.

"Chloe doesn't hold a grudge against you anymore. Go get cleaned up, we're going to try on dresses."

I couldn't fight him, so I let him drag me to the bridal boutique.

As soon as we got out of the car, I saw Chloe and Liam waiting inside.

Chloe ran up to me enthusiastically. "Scarlett, you're here! Let me help you pick out the perfect dress today!"

She smiled, waiting for me to lose my temper.

I didn't show any fear or disgust. I just said blankly, "Thanks. Sorry for the trouble."

Chloe's face stiffened for a fraction of a second, but she quickly put her smile back on. She linked her arms with Lucas and Liam, saying meaningfully, "Let's try them on together. Oh, Scarlett, I forgot to tell you. I found my mate."

I smiled. "Congratulations."

The light in Chloe's eyes darkened instantly.

Next, whenever I looked at a dress for more than two seconds, Chloe would immediately call the assistant over and try it on first.

Every time she stepped out, she would hold Lucas's hand. "Lucas, what do you think? Do I look pretty?"

And Lucas would stare at her like she was the only woman in the world, showering her with compliments.

Liam hovered around Chloe too, ignoring me completely.

The boutique assistant cooed, "Oh, you're so lucky, miss..."

Chloe gasped, turning to look at me as I stood there like an outsider. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Scarlett! You're the birthday girl, you should go first."

She playfully punched Lucas's chest. "Lucas, what's wrong with you? How could you ignore your own girlfriend?"

The assistants looked awkward, while Liam let out a mocking chuckle.

Only then did Lucas look at me. "See anything you like?"

I pointed to a random dress and went into the fitting room.

When I came out, the three of them were gone.

The assistant looked at me with pity. "Ma'am, Miss Chloe said she wanted to look at jewelry, and the gentlemen went with her. You..."

"It's fine."

I took off the dress, handed it back, and walked out.

Soon, Chloe posted a new Snapchat story. It was a photo of a stunning diamond ring:

"The ring Lucas bought for me at the auction."

I glanced at it, locked my screen, and went back to packing my things.

Aside from my clothes and basic essentials, I threw away or destroyed everything I had ever given Lucas.

As for the things he bought me, I didn't touch a single one.

Just as I hid my suitcase in the closet, Lucas walked in holding a blue velvet box.

"This is for you. I got it at the auction."

I recognized it. It was the free gift that came with Chloe's ring.

I took it and set it aside.

My cold reaction made him frown.

He looked around and noticed the matching couple's mugs I used to treasure sitting in the trash can.

He raised an eyebrow. "Why did you throw the mugs away? Are you mad?"

I pressed my lips together. "No."

Lucas assumed he was right. "Is it because of the boutique? Chloe is just my childhood friend. I haven't seen her in years, so I was just paying a bit more attention to her."

He wrapped his arms around me. "There's no need to be jealous. If there was anything between us, we would've been together years ago, right? Scarlett, you're my girl. Don't you know how much I love you?"

Hearing those words, a sharp pain pierced my heart.

Lucas stroked my hair. "I'm sorry, Scarlett. I let you feel left out."

My fingers trembled. I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.

In that split second, I wanted to scream at him. I wanted to ask him if any of it was real. Did he ever have a single ounce of genuine feelings for me over the past three years?

But I swallowed the words down.

Lucas's phone rang. He answered it quickly. "Chloe... I'm on my way..."

He hung up and rubbed my head. "I have some things to take care of. Get some rest. You're going to be the most beautiful girl at the party in a few days."

With that, he rushed out.

I sat on the bed, forcing my tears back.

Two hours later, I finished showering and got into bed.

As I was drifting off, the bedroom door suddenly opened. Lucas, who was supposed to be at the party with Chloe, walked in.

Reeking of alcohol, he ripped off his shirt, tossed back my blanket, and climbed over me.

The moment our skin met, my sleepiness vanished.

I realized with terrifying clarity:

The man on top of me was Liam.