3#03

3

Dave's beaming expression made it evident that he was genuinely delighted.

Was his joy due to finally tying the knot with Kate, or because he had accomplished something with Leona?

Perhaps these questions were no longer significant.

Upon arriving at the bridal boutique, Kate discovered Leona was already there.

To her shock, Leona was wearing the wedding gown Kate had specially ordered.

Even worse, Leona had put it on without asking Kate's permission. She was posing and grinning at her reflection, clearly admiring herself.

Dave approached her, his eyes full of appreciation, and smiled softly at Leona. "My, Leona, you look stunning."

Leona cast her eyes down and smiled timidly, as if she and Dave were the ones about to wed.

"Kate, would you mind if I tried on your wedding dress? I'm so envious that you're getting married. My parents, on the other hand, are so reluctant to let me go."

It wasn't just the dress; the man standing before her could be hers too.

Dave observed the lively Leona, his gaze lingering on her. "Leona, you're so charming, it's no wonder your parents can't bear to let you go."

While it seemed like a polite comment, it was a genuine compliment from his heart.

Kate felt a wave of revulsion and gave Leona a frosty look. "Haven't you worn it long enough? Take it off."

Leona looked at her, surprised. Although Kate had always been aloof, she'd never been this blunt before.

"I'm sorry, Kate, I didn't realize you cared so much about this wedding dress..."

She put on a hurt expression, but how could she not know Kate cared? Kate had designed the dress herself, selecting every fabric and embellishment with her own hands.

From the proposal until now, she had invested so much in this relationship.

Dave glanced at Leona and quickly turned to Kate. "It's not a big deal, don't be upset, sweetheart. It's her first time trying it on, as her sister, you should be more understanding."

Kate turned her gaze to him, her eyes cold. She was at a loss for words. She didn't even feel angry anymore.

He knew Kate so well, how could he not know she disliked wearing clothes others had worn, even if it was her own sister?

For the first time, she felt like the man before her was a stranger. He was no longer the persistent Dave who had once pursued her.

She lifted her eyes to look at Leona, not wanting to argue. Her eyelashes fluttered and her voice was soft and quick.

"You can have it," Kate said and promptly left the bridal shop.

Dave swiftly stepped forward, grasping her wrist. "Darling, what's wrong? Are you upset? Didn't we come here to try on wedding dresses? Please don't be angry. I'll…"

Kate felt irritated and immediately cut him off.

"It's nothing, I'm just a bit fatigued. I'll head home first. You can select any wedding dress you like."

Upon hearing this, Dave's face lit up with a smile. "I knew you were the most understanding, Darling."

She left Dave in the bridal shop and returned home.

Before departing, she saw them laughing and joking playfully in the shop, causing a twinge in her heart.

She turned away, her face expressionless.

The wedding dress was meant to be worn for someone truly special, but Dave no longer deserved to see her in the gown she had personally designed.

This marriage, from the very start, was nothing but a facade.

Leona shared a photo of herself in the wedding dress on her social media, with the caption:

"This exquisite wedding dress seems made just for me. The best part is, the person who took the photo put so much effort into it."