Chapter 1

On the eve of our wedding, our friends threw a rehearsal dinner party for Ethan and me in a private dining room at a restaurant.

After a few drinks, someone suggested a game of Truth or Dare.

The bottle spun and pointed straight at Ethan’s childhood friend, Chloe.

The group cheered. "Dare you to confess the worst thing you’ve done recently!"

Chloe laughed, her eyes locking onto mine. "Two days ago, I shredded Aster’s main wedding dress. I just really wanted to see her cry."

My face drained of color. I stared at Ethan in total disbelief.

Two days ago, when my gown was ruined, he held me all night as I wept, whispering that he’d protect me forever and never let anyone hurt me.

Now, our friends turned their teasing eyes to him.

"Alright, Ethan, do you dare admit what you were doing when it happened?"

Ethan paused for two seconds, his eyes softening with unmistakable affection as he looked at Chloe.

"I was helping Chloe pick out the scissors. I didn't want her clumsy hands to get hurt."

"Afterward, she panicked about getting blamed, so she begged me to go buy Aster a replacement."

"She looked so exhausted trying to pick one out that I just bought the whole rack."

I froze in place, a suffocating ache crushing my chest.

Finally, one of his buddies pointed out the window at the luxury bridal boutique across the street.

"So, do you dare take Chloe over there right now to try on one of the new dresses?"

Ethan gave a helpless, fond chuckle. Taking Chloe by the hand, he walked her out toward the boutique amid the crowd's cheers.

In that exact second, I realized tomorrow’s wedding didn’t need to happen anymore.

The cheers in the private room felt like sharp slaps to my face.

I stared out the window, unable to look away from the bridal boutique across the street.

Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, I saw Ethan walk in, holding Chloe’s hand.

That boutique was where he had spent six months hiring a French designer to custom-make my wedding gown.

Two days ago, when the train of that dress was slashed open, Ethan had held my trembling body, kissing my forehead and swearing:

"Aster, don't cry. I’ll make them repair it overnight. You’ll be the most breathtaking bride tomorrow, I promise."

Yet right now, that very same custom dress was on Chloe, completely intact.

It wasn’t ruined beyond repair. He just never wanted me to wear it.

I pushed open the door and walked into the boutique.

The chime above the entrance jingled, and everyone turned to look at me.

Ethan was on one knee, gently adjusting Chloe's train.

He looked up at her with a tender, devoted focus that used to belong solely to me.

"Ethan, how does it look?"

Chloe twirled, lifting the skirt.

"Beautiful," Ethan stood up, his voice firm. "Honestly, this dress was designed with your vibe in mind all along."

My breath hitched.

Designed for her?

Then what was I doing for the past six months, showing up for endless fittings and tailoring adjustments?

"Ethan."

My voice came out raw and hoarse.

The second he saw me, the tenderness vanished from his eyes. His brow furrowed, and his first instinct was to step forward, shielding Chloe behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped defensively. "Didn't I tell you to stay at the party?"

I pointed at the gown on Chloe, my finger shaking uncontrollably.

"That's my wedding dress."

Instantly, Chloe’s eyes welled with tears. She grabbed Ethan's sleeve.

"Aster, I’m so sorry. I just wanted to try it on. My health is so bad... the doctors said I might not make it past thirty. I’ll probably never get to wear a dress this gorgeous in my life. I just wanted to feel like a bride for one minute."

The friends who had followed us in immediately jumped to her defense.

"Aster, can you stop being so petty? Chloe's just trying it on, she’s not going to ruin it."

"Ethan bought an entire rack of gowns to make it up to you anyway. What more do you want?"

"Chloe's dealing with so much right now. Can't you show a little basic empathy?"

Their accusations pelted me like stones, painting me as a bitter, jealous shrew.

I locked eyes with Ethan, stubbornly waiting for him to defend me.

Instead, he just looked at me coldly. "Aster, stop making a scene."

He marched over and gripped my shoulders, his hold so tight I couldn't pull away.

"I’ve spoiled you too much, and now you don't know when to quit. Chloe is just trying it on. Apologize to her right now, and we’ll drop this."

I stared at him in pure disbelief. "You want "me" to apologize to "her"?"

"You frightened her."

Nearby, someone lifted their phone to record. "I’m posting this on Ins. Let everyone see the true colors of Ethan’s bride-to-be. She’s completely toxic."

I fought against his grip. "Let go of me! I didn't do anything wrong! Why should I apologize?!"

Ethan's face completely darkened. He yanked me closer, his voice dropping into a harsh threat.

"Aster, my patience is wearing thin. If you dare walk out that door tonight, you can figure out what to do with tomorrow's wedding yourself."

Tears finally spilled over. I shoved him away with every ounce of strength I had left.

"Fine by me."

I turned on my heel and bolted out of the boutique without looking back.