9#09

9

Kate's inbox was flooded with well-wishes, but they felt hollow and insincere. Her eyes stung as she read through them. A wedding? Inconceivable. She couldn't bring herself to respond to any of the messages, as she had no intention of tying the knot with Dave.

She visited the wedding location beforehand. The floral arrangements were exactly as she had once envisioned for her own nuptials. However, the people surrounding her were no longer those from her past dreams. She gazed at their photograph, their faces beaming with joy.

In a swift motion, she ripped the wedding picture before her. Addressing the nearby staff member, she said coolly, "Remove all these photographs. I don't want to see them." The attendant complied without question, assuming she simply disliked the images.

"Why such anger? You're about to be married, yet you still can't behave with some maturity and composure?" A voice chimed in beside Kate. She looked up to find Melanie's eyes fixed on her.

Kate remained silent. Since childhood, Melanie had always expected Kate to be serious and composed, while Leona was allowed to be carefree and spirited. Kate had grown accustomed to her mother's words.

With a look of contempt, Melanie produced a gift box from her bag. "This is for your wedding."

Kate was momentarily stunned. Upon reflection, she realized her mother had never given her anything before. Her feelings were conflicted, and it wasn't until Melanie departed that she opened the gift.

A glittering diamond necklace lay inside. She paused, her smile freezing. She recognized this piece of jewelry.

It was the one Melanie had presented to Leona on her fifth birthday. When her mother noticed Kate's fondness for it, she had promised to give her one when she turned ten.

But that promise remained unfulfilled for over a decade. What Leona could easily acquire, Kate had to wait years for. However, after she began working, her first paycheck was enough to purchase it for herself.

She stood silently for a while. Upon leaving, she discarded it in a trash bin. She no longer desired it. This would also be their final encounter.

The night before the wedding, Dave and Kate were to sleep separately. This arrangement inadvertently facilitated her plan to leave that evening.

For the first time ever, Kate received a congratulatory message from Leona. "Wishing you a joyous wedding, Kate. May you always find happiness."

Kate imagined Leona sending this while nestled in Dave's arms. Naturally, Leona was content. Once tomorrow's ceremony concluded, their objectives would be met.

Kate's lips curled into a smile as she surveyed the various boxes before her and replied, "Thank you for your wishes, Leona. I will indeed be happy. By the way, I've got a present for you. You'll receive it tomorrow."

A few courteous yet meaningless words. Kate handed the gift intended for Leona to a courier service.

Right on schedule, it would arrive just as the wedding ceremony began.

Kate packed everything into her car. She turned to look at the house one last time, feeling no attachment.

She picked up her phone and set up a timed message. "Apologies, Dave and I have called off our wedding." "Please attend Dave and my sister's wedding instead." She attached several intimate photos of Dave and Leona.

Their frequent meetings had made it easy to capture a few candid shots. Once she boarded the ship, these messages would be sent automatically. This was another gift she was bestowing upon them.

Thirty minutes later, she spotted the cruise ship, which looked identical to the model she had seen.

"Miss, may I inquire about your destination?" the attendant asked.

Kate gazed out at the sea, an expanse of darkness impossible to penetrate. Fortunately, there was light visible ahead.