Chapter 4

Rosie's POV

Two days later, Ethan came to open the door, a pleased smile playing at his lips.

"Vivian doesn't blame you for what happened last time. Get ready. We're going to try on wedding dresses and rings."

I was taken to a bridal shop. As soon as I got out of the car, I saw Vivian and Ryan already waiting inside.

Vivian greeted me enthusiastically.

"Rosie, you're here? I didn't get a chance to congratulate you last time. Ethan and I are best friends. Today let me help you choose a wedding dress!"

Her face wore a smile, waiting to see me lose composure.

I showed not a trace of terror or disgust, smiling as I said:

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Vivian's expression darkened instantly, then she raised her smile again, linking arms with both Ethan and Ryan on either side, saying meaningfully:

"Then I'll try them on with you. Rosie, I'll be a bride very soon too."

I smiled.

"Congratulations."

The light in Vivian's eyes completely darkened.

After that, whenever I glanced twice at a wedding dress, Vivian would call the staff over first and try it on.

Each time she came out, she'd take Ethan's hand.

"Ethan, how is it? Does it look good?"

And each time Ethan looked entranced, lavishing praise.

Ryan also circled around Vivian. The two completely ignored me.

The staff member said enviously:

"This bride is so lucky..."

Vivian let out an "oh!" and turned to look at me standing aside like an outsider.

"Sorry, Rosie. You're the bride. You should try them on first."

She punched Ethan's chest playfully.

"Ethan, what's wrong with you? How can you leave your bride standing on the side!"

The staff all wore embarrassed expressions. Ryan's lips curved in a mocking smile.

Only then did Ethan look at me.

"See anything you like?"

I randomly selected one and went to try it on.

When I came out, all three were already gone.

The staff member looked sympathetic.

"Miss, Ms. Moore said she was going to choose rings. Both gentlemen went with her. As for you..."

"It's fine."

I took off the wedding dress, returned it, and left directly.

Soon after, Vivian posted on Instagram with a photo of a diamond ring encrusted with gems:

"The ring Ethan bought for me at auction."

I glanced at it once then turned off the screen, continuing to pack.

Besides the clothes and necessities I needed to take, I found and discarded all my remaining belongings, including gifts I'd once given Ethan.

Everything Ethan had given me, I didn't touch.

Just as I'd finished packing my suitcase and put it in the closet, Ethan walked in carrying a blue velvet box.

"This is the ring I bought you at the auction."

I recognized it. It was the gift pictured in Vivian's Instagram post.

I took it and set it aside.

My overly indifferent reaction made Ethan frown.

His gaze shifted and he noticed the couple's mug I used to treasure in the trash can.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Why'd you throw out the mug? Are you angry?"

I pressed my lips together.

"No."

But Ethan was convinced.

"Is it about the dress fitting? Vivian is just my good friend. We haven't seen each other in years, so I paid a bit more attention to her."

He reached out to hold me.

"No need to be angry with her. If Vivian and I had something, we'd have gotten together long ago, wouldn't we? Rosie, you're my bride. Don't you understand my heart?"

Hearing this, my heart felt viciously seized, sharp pain radiating through it.

Ethan stroked my head upon seeing this.

"I'm sorry, Rosie. I made you feel wronged."

At those words, my fingertips trembled slightly, then clenched into fists, nails digging deep into my palms.

In that instant, I impulsively wanted to question him, to distinguish his true feelings from false, to know if he'd had even a shred of genuine feeling in these three years.

But the words reached my lips and I swallowed them down forcibly.

Ethan's phone rang. He quickly answered.

"Vivian... I'll be right there..."

After hanging up, he ruffled my hair.

"I still have something to handle. Get some rest early and be the most beautiful bride in a few days."

With that, he quickly turned and left.

I sat on the bed, forcing the tears in my eyes back.

Two hours later, I'd washed up and was lying in bed, preparing to sleep.

In my drowsy state, the bedroom door was suddenly opened. Ethan, who was supposed to be at the bar accompanying Vivian to a party, walked in.

He reeked of alcohol. He casually tore open his shirt and lifted my blanket, covering me.

The instant our skin touched, my drowsiness vanished completely.

I became acutely aware.

The person covering me was Ryan.