1#01

1

One week before our wedding, my fiancé Theo Lambert told me he had to marry his first love before he could marry me.

His first love’s mother had passed away, leaving a dying wish for them to get married.

“Megan’s mother always hoped she would marry a good man, I’m just fulfilling the old lady’s last wish. Don’t overthink it,” Theo said.

But our company had already decided to launch the True Love jewelry collection on the day of our grand wedding.

He impatiently replied, “It’s just a billion–dollar project. How can that compare to Megan’s filial piety? If you really want to earn that money, go find someone else to marry.”

Faced with his cold words, I understood everything. I turned and dialed my family’s number.

“Brother, help me find a new marriage partner.”

My brother asked in disbelief, “You’re calling off the wedding?”

“No, he’s marrying someone else,” I said with a bitter smile.

To be with Theo, I had fought tooth and nail against my family’s objections to finally get my parents approval. We even scheduled the True Love jewelry collection launch for our wedding day.

But now, everything had fallen apart.

My brother was stunned for a long while before saying, “Then Arlo Shaw is our only option. His family has been pressuring him to get married, and he’s been looking for a partner recently.”

I frowned. Arlo Shaw was my sworn enemy. On my engagement day, he had even cursed that my marriage would fall apart. I never expected his prophecy to be fulfilled.

Time was tight, so I could only say, “Alright, it’ll be him then. Help me ask about his intentions. If he refuses, I’ll think of another way.

My brother replied quickly, “No need to ask. He’ll definitely agree.”

“What?”

Before I could ask anything more, a group of people surrounded me.

“Are you Theo’s fiancée? You’re so beautiful!”

“Are you here to wait for Theo to get off work? He’ll be down soon. You two are so sweet together.”

I gripped the steering wheel, lowering my eyes to hide the self–mockery in them.

Theo had introduced me to his colleagues and friends early on, in everyone’s eyes, we were an enviable model couple.

But who could have guessed that he was about to marry someone else?

Aher saying goodbye to everyone, Theo got into the car and handed me a necklace,

“Megan asked me to give this to you. You embarrassed her at the funeral yesterday, so take some time to apologize to her.”

This necklace was clearly a free gift that came with a purchase. I had seen it in Theo’s shopping cart a couple of days ago.

I said flatly, “I don’t want it.”

The frowned. “What are you upset about now? You barged into the funeral and said I wasn’t her fiance, embarrassing her. She didn’t hold it against you and even thought to bring you a gifi. How can you be so ungrateful?”

Theo irritably opened the window to let in some air. After a long while, seeing that I wasn’t going to comfort him, he finally said, “Fine, we’re supposed to go try on wedding dresses today, I won’t argue with you.”

This was the first time he had backed down this year.

When we arrived at the bridal shop, the sales assistant greeted us:

“Mr. Lambert, Miss Quinn, the twenty custom wedding dresses and tuxedos you ordered are ready”

But Theo’s gaze wasn’t on these clothes. He was looking down at his phone, his expression somewhat urgent

After noticing my gaze, he quickly put away his phone, his face showing a hint of apology:

“Genevieve, something came up with Megan. Ineed to rush over there right away. Try on the wedding dresses yourself, and just pick a tuxedo for me. I trust your taste.”

With that, he hurriedly hailed a taxi and left, leaving me alone.

The sales assistant quickly approached me and tentatively asked, "Miss Quinn, would you like to personally select the tuxedo?"

I looked away and nodded.

Of course I would choose a tuxedo. Just not for Theo.

After all, the groom had changed.

I drove home, thinking Theo wouldn't return all night. But he came back before dinner.

He strode over to me, holding a takeout box.

"I went all over town to buy this for you. It's from Harry's Bakery."

I looked at the box of Swiss rolls.

There were three fewer than usual, and one of them had a bite mark, obviously having been eaten.

Half an hour ago, I had seen Megan's Instagram post.

The photo was of the Swiss rolls in my hand.

"Hubby bought me a midnight snack even though it's so late. Thanks for working so hard, babe! XOXO"

I put down my chopsticks with a self-mocking smile, instantly losing my appetite.

"I don't want to eat it. Just throw it away."

Theo immediately looked at me with displeasure but held back from lashing out. He sat down beside me and complained:

"I have no idea how pitiful Megan was today. My parents went to her house and scolded her family for being poor, saying they couldn't even afford jewelry. She was so upset she cried."

"Megan just returned to the country and doesn't have much money. I was thinking of lending her your jewelry."

There was no room left for argument, making me feel sick.

I looked at him sarcastically. "Sure, to provide jewelry for your wife?"

He had forgotten that I was supposed to be the one spending the rest of my life with him.

My response angered Theo. "What do you mean by that? You're not willing? You'd better understand this: Megan is my best friend. You'd better make her happy, or I might not marry you!"

With that, he slammed the door and left.

Feeling frustrated, I went downstairs to jog in the park.

After running one lap, I received a call from Arlo Shaw.

Thinking of Arlo's perpetually stern face, I hesitated for two seconds before answering.

"Once you're on my ship, you're my person. If you dare to run, I'll tie you up and bring you back!"

Arlo's first sentence was a direct hit.

I remained silent, and he continued:

"Let's get the marriage certificate."

"I'm afraid you'll change your mind."

Arlo Shaw, you're acting strange.

I had already imagined tens of thousands of scenarios in my mind where he would use our marriage to torment me.

In the end, I could only muster up a sentence: "See you at the wedding, Mr. Shaw."

As soon as I finished speaking, Theo appeared behind me out of nowhere:

"You're inviting Arlo Shaw to our wedding? I forbid it!"

He stared at me as if facing a great enemy:

"Genevieve Quinn, didn't I tell you not to associate with Arlo Shaw? His intentions towards you aren't pure. If you insist on inviting him to our wedding, don't blame me for getting upset!"

Before I could say a word, he had already laid down his threat.

Theo had always disliked Arlo Shaw and harbored an inexplicable hostility towards him. When we first got together, he even became jealous because Arlo and I often bantered on SnapChat. After that, I gradually cut off contact with Arlo.

But he actually said... Arlo Shaw had impure intentions towards me?

I was about to ask further when Megan suddenly leaned against Theo's neck.

"Theo, you're hurting me..."

Only then did I notice they were holding hands while taking a walk.

Theo coughed awkwardly twice but showed no intention of letting go of her hand.

Megan looked at Theo with deep affection, then turned to me with a pretense of helplessness:

"Sorry, Theo and I were just practicing the wedding procedure in advance. Please don't mind."

I turned to leave, having no interest in watching their act.