Chapter 2

As dawn approached, I finally made my way home.

When I walked into the living room, I saw Seraphina curled up on the couch, half-asleep.

I turned on the light and glanced at the clock - it was already 4:30 in the morning.

Blinded by the sudden brightness, Seraphina sat up, narrowing her eyes and glaring at me.

"Why didn't you just die out there if you're coming home this late?"

I ignored her words and simply hung my coat on the hook behind the door.

As I walked towards the dining table, my gaze was drawn to a cake sitting on top.

"I bought it for you. Had to run all over town to find it. Isn't your birthday tomorrow? Consider it your birthday cake."

Seraphina had somehow appeared behind me, her overpowering perfume making me feel a bit queasy.

Seeing my discomfort, Seraphina's smile became strained.

"What's with that face? I didn't even bring up what happened before, and I got you a cake. Now you're giving me the stink eye - what exactly do you want?"

To be honest, I was a bit surprised.

Seraphina never cared about these occasions, whether it was my birthday or our wedding anniversary.

She always said these things were pointless, just for show.But I knew that in her phone's notes, she had every detail about her childhood sweetheart meticulously recorded.

Midnight had long passed, and my birthday had become yesterday.

This cake meant little to nothing to me now.

I ignored Seraphina's questioning and tossed the cake into the trash right in front of her.

Her face paled, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Today's the seventh day since your childhood sweetheart's passing, right? This cake can be for him. I won't fight a dead man for anything."

I'd never spoken to Seraphina like this before.

Since she married me, I'd treated her like a princess.

And in doing so, I'd spoiled her rotten.

Everyone mocked me behind my back, calling me spineless and weak, saying I only knew how to follow my darling's orders.

Whenever I heard such comments, I'd just laugh it off.

What could I say? I loved her that much.

But now, watching Seraphina's rage-filled reaction, I felt drained of all energy.

Seraphina blocked my path, preventing me from going back to the bedroom to sleep.

I bit the soft flesh inside my cheek, trying to keep my emotions in check."I am awfully tired and sleepy. Go away," I said.

Seraphina stared intently into my eyes.

"Wait until dawn and come with me to choose a wedding dress."

Her bizarre words made me frown, but then it dawned on me.

A week ago was Seraphina's birthday.

Her childhood sweetheart Archer had rushed back from out of town.

But he got into a car accident and died unexpectedly.

While sorting through his belongings, Seraphina discovered a good luck charm and an unsigned love letter in his pocket.

At that time, she cried her eyes out. I just silently kept her company, thinking she was simply unable to accept what had happened for the moment.

But when Archer's parents arrived, Seraphina immediately knelt before them.

"Archer always loved me. He said his biggest regret was not being able to marry me."

"I've decided to have a ghost marriage with Archer and become your daughter-in-law in the Winters family!"

As her lawful husband, I was standing right beside her.

Everyone's eyes fell on me.

It was from that moment on that my heart completely died.

Faced with her unreasonable demand, I smiled sarcastically.

"It's you getting married, not me."I won't push a dead man's bride down the aisle."

I shoved Seraphina away and slammed the door shut.

It wasn't long before I heard the sound of things being smashed outside.

"All I wanted was to fulfill Jaxon's dying wish! What did I do wrong?"

"Luther, why do you have to be so damn petty!"

She's always been like this, throwing tantrums and breaking things when things don't go her way.

And it would take me ages to calm her down.

"If you won't go with me, then let's get a divorce!"

The moment I heard those words, I flung the door open.

Seeing this, Seraphina's rage subsided a bit.

She took a deep breath, her tone softening slightly.

"You didn't even listen to me. Haven't you always wanted to see me in a wedding dress? Now you've got the chance, and you're not even appreciating it."

Her tone was slightly condescending, as if she thought her divorce threat had shaken me.

When Seraphina and I got married, we didn't have a wedding ceremony.

She said she didn't like being the center of attention.

As long as the dowry was in order, no ceremony was needed.

No need for a big fuss, since marriage was just between the two of us.

I'd always dreamed of how beautiful Seraphina would look in a wedding dress.The true moment when she could fulfill this wish, she was wearing it for a dead man to see.

None of that matters to me anymore.

"About the divorce you just mentioned, I agree. I'll get the divorce papers prepared as soon as possible. We can go to the registry office in a couple of days."

After dropping this bombshell, I watched Seraphina's face turn ghostly pale.

Without bothering with her any further, I slammed the door shut.