Chapter 4

Neither Fintan nor I are locals, so we planned a small wedding in the city, inviting only company executives, colleagues, and a few friends.

After this ceremony, we would go to get our marriage license, then return to our hometown for the reception.

Even though it was a small wedding, I was full of anticipation and arrived at the venue early on the day.

However, as the ceremony time approached, Fintan still hadn't shown up.

I went outside to call him, but again, there was no answer.

Unintentionally, I overheard some of Fintan's colleagues whispering in the stairwell where they were sneaking a smoke.

"You don't think Fintan's going to be a runaway groom, do you? I saw him this morning going into a bridal shop with his ex-girlfriend."

"I ran into Fintan in my neighborhood a few days ago. He'd rented an apartment there. I was curious and asked the property management. They said a woman was going to move in."

"Wow, is he planning to keep his ex as a secret mistress?"

I doubted Fintan's colleagues had heard correctly.

Wasn't Fintan supposed to be taking Jolene to a hospital out of town? How could he be renting an apartment for her?

"The groom's here!" The bridesmaid ran out to tell me, but her expression was off.

I returned to the venue and was stunned by the scene before me.

Fintan brought Jolene with him, and she was wearing a wedding dress identical to mine!

The guests were also shocked, and murmurs spread throughout the crowd.

"Fintan, what is the meaning of this?" I asked, suppressing my anger.

"Freesia, let me explain," Fintan pleaded.

"Jolene saw our digital wedding invitation. She thought she was the one marrying me, and insisted on wearing the same dress as the one in the invitation. She demanded to come to the wedding ceremony."

"I really couldn't shake her off... Can we just have our wedding while she sits and watches? Please?"

"Tomorrow, tomorrow she's going to be admitted to a hospital out of town. You can put up with this for a little while, can't you?"

Overwhelmed by anger and hurt, my mind went blank. I allowed Fintan to lead me onto the stage to begin the ceremony.

The officiant recited the wedding vows while Jolene stood below, listening with a blissful expression as if she were the protagonist.

When it came time to exchange rings, she suddenly jumped onto the stage and walked straight to Fintan's side.

"Fintan, we're getting married, so why didn't we dress up Potato?" she asked.

She pulled a dirty dog collar out of the bag she was carrying.

"Quick, put it on Potato. It'll look so much better!"

Fintan's hand, poised to slip the diamond ring onto my finger, froze mid-air.

After only a moment's hesitation, he snatched the collar and forcefully fastened it around my neck.

"Freesia, we can have our wedding ceremony another time, but Jolene's condition can't handle any stress right now."

"Just pretend to be a dog for a bit longer, it's not a big deal. Be good."

Jolene clapped her hands and laughed uproariously.

"Good Potato, good doggy!"

Her laughter thundered in my ears as the guests' judgmental stares threatened to drown me.

I'd had enough. There was no need to endure this any longer.

I yanked off the collar and hurled it at Fintan's face.

"Fintan, Jolene, don't you dare push me too far!"

"If you love dogs so much, why don't you be one yourselves!"