4#04

4

A single wedding gown had taught me more about someone's true nature than I ever expected. Perhaps I should consider myself fortunate to finally see Simon for who he really was, with no illusions remaining.

This evening marked the family gathering where I'd formally meet Daniel. I knew that first impressions were crucial, so I had to present myself impeccably. I couldn't afford to give anyone reason to doubt me, especially after the recent events involving Simon and Audrey.

After a quick touch-up and self-encouragement, I felt prepared and made my way to the underground car park. That's when I spotted it—Simon's luxury vehicle, subtly swaying in the distance.

As I approached, driven by intrigue, the sight through the partially open window made my heart sink. There they were—Simon and Audrey, wrapped in each other's arms. She straddled him, her expression one of blissful abandon.

Despite already knowing Simon's true feelings, witnessing it firsthand was still a painful blow.

Our eyes met briefly. A flicker of alarm crossed his face, quickly replaced by his trademark smirk. To further provoke me, he deliberately brushed Audrey's hair aside and kissed her passionately, his actions slow and deliberate.

Audrey's soft moans reverberated through the garage, seemingly intentional.

I turned away, struggling to maintain a neutral expression, and got into my car. I had more pressing matters to focus on tonight.

En route to the Hughes estate, I stopped to purchase a gift—an expensive silk tie for Daniel. Upon arrival, I was startled to see Simon pulling up simultaneously.

As he exited his vehicle, I couldn't help but notice the discarded prophylactics scattered across the passenger seat.

'How tasteful,' I thought sarcastically.

For a moment, he seemed embarrassed when he saw me holding the gift bag. But his usual smugness quickly returned.

"A present for me?" he said mockingly, reaching out. "Let me see."

I swiftly moved the bag behind me, out of his reach. "It's not for you," I stated coldly.

Simon scoffed, exhaling smoke as if I were beneath his notice. "You saw what happened in the garage, right?" he said nonchalantly. "I know you're infatuated with me, but I've made it clear—this wedding is yours, but Audrey will be my legal wife. She's the one being wronged here."

He leaned closer, his arrogance intensifying. "What we did is perfectly normal. She's my future spouse, after all. And our marital home? She'll likely visit occasionally for a night or two. You'll need to accept it eventually. It's for your own benefit."

I was astounded by his brazenness. Though I'd already decided against marrying him, I hadn't anticipated such blatant disregard for my feelings.

As I turned to leave, he predictably grabbed my arm again.

"Listen," he said, lowering his voice, "My uncle will be at dinner tonight. He's a key family figure, so this is significant. I'm doing you a favor by allowing you to attend."

I barely resisted rolling my eyes. "One more thing—if my grandfather and father inquire about the marriage certificate, just tell them we've already registered, okay? And regarding Audrey's minor incident this afternoon—you'll need to apologize to her after dinner. Don't forget. Until the wedding is official, I can still change my mind."

With that, he strode into the Hughes estate as if he hadn't just made a complete fool of himself.

I exhaled deeply, clutching the gift bag.

'Fine,' I thought to myself. 'He'll soon discover who I'm really marrying.'

Most of the Hughes family elders were already seated in the dining hall. Daniel hadn't arrived yet, so I quietly took a seat far from Simon, purposely leaving an empty space beside me for him.

Simon noticed immediately and frowned, clearly irritated. Annoyed, he got up and moved to sit right next to me.

"You're becoming more dramatic lately," he muttered, eyeing the vacant seat beside me. "There's already a place reserved for you over there. Why are you trying to cause a scene?"

I ignored him and was about to explain that the seat wasn't for him when a tall, imposing figure appeared at the entrance.

Daniel entered the dining hall, his custom-made suit fitting perfectly. His movements were self-assured and graceful, exuding an air of refinement and authority.