Chapter 4

His culinary expertise was acquired with Winona in mind.

I used to observe him preparing rice porridge in the kitchen, feeling content. Now, those memories seemed bitterly ironic.

"I'm not hungry at the moment. Perhaps later."

Noticing my lack of appetite, he paused before mentioning Winona's desire for my wedding attire.

It wasn't just the ceremony; Winona wanted everything: my gown, my ring, even my floral arrangement.

"Of course, if you object..."

"It's okay," I said calmly, interrupting with a generous smile. If Cole no longer mattered to me, why should I care about these custom items associated with him?

Cole stood motionless, gazing at my composed expression. He started to speak but remained silent.

As the rings were customized using my information, I needed to accompany him to alter the size and inscription.

At the jeweler's, I saw the long-anticipated rings now adorning Cole's and Winona's fingers.

The staff kept praising how well-suited they appeared, like a perfect match.

That is, until Winona asked to change the names on the rings to hers. The clerk's expression suddenly became stiff.

She looked at me, uncertain. "Which of you is Miss Hale?"

I stepped forward and replied evenly, "That would be me."

I glanced at Winona and Cole, their hands entwined as they posed for pictures and laughed.

"If she's so fond of the ring, let's go with her wishes. I'm fine with her having it," I stated, my voice steady and detached.

After prompting the jeweler to make the changes, Winona and Cole promptly took me to the bridal boutique.

Due to my parents' emphasis on quality, the wedding gown was designed to be striking and refined, perfectly showcasing my strong personality.

On the petite and fragile Winona, the dress immediately lost its intended effect. In the mirror, she resembled a servant trying on her mistress's garments.

Even Cole suggested, "Perhaps we should choose one more suitable for you."

But Winona insisted on this particular dress.

Cole looked at me, unsure what to do. He was aware of how significant this wedding, especially the gown, was to me. I had spent half a year carefully selecting it.

Each gemstone on the dress was chosen after consulting with the designer. That's why the final adjustments were made just three days before the wedding.

I once dreamed of being Cole's most stunning bride. Now, it seemed pointless. Even this wedding dress made me feel utterly foolish.

"Stella, my love for Cole equals yours, you know that. I even became depressed because of him. Before, you were tolerant, gave in to me, and bought me many lovely things. Now that I've truly decided to move on, you wouldn't deny me this wedding dress, would you?"

Winona spoke pitifully, as if I had wronged her. Cole looked at her with great compassion, concern evident in his gaze.

"Stella, I never thought you could be so small-minded! It's just a wedding dress! You know Winona has depression, why are you making such a big deal about it?"

I observed them carefully, watching their expressions grow uneasy. Only then did I smile and nod. "Certainly, if you like it that much, take it. I'm not the shop owner; I can't prevent a sale."

With that, I went to talk to the shopkeeper, explaining my agreement to let Winona have the dress. The whole process lasted until evening.

Cole then brought up my pregnancy, urging me to rest early.