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On the eve of our wedding, my fiancé of six years unilaterally canceled our marriage. The reason? My stepsister's "dying wish" to marry him herself. "Can't you show some compassion? She's your sister!" he shouted, veins bulging. "She's dying! Won't you grant her last request?" I stood numb with shock. "What if I refuse?" The man I'd loved for half a decade sneered with venom: "I wish it were you dying instead of her!" Memories flooded back - I alone knew the truth. Her entire life had been performance art: feigned illnesses stealing affection, staged weakness claiming privileges. No one could understand the depth of my hatred for Alyssa. I thought he was the only one who would understand me, but obviously he was on her side, too. I forced my tears back. That bast**d was not worth my tears. With a cold laugh, I threw the wedding gown I'd hand-stitched to the floor. "Take it. But mark my words - every humiliation you've dealt me today will return to you tenfold." —————— My Dying Sister Stole My Wedding I have been imagining the moment I would walk down the aisle in my wedding gown toward the man I loved so vividly that even in my dreams, I could not suppress a smile. I’ve waited for six years for this day. From nineteen to twenty-five, I dreamt of marrying him. And that day will finally arrive. But in the blink of an eye, that beautiful dream was shattered. "Audrey, Mr. Nelson came by the atelier this morning and took the wedding dress. Did he bring it home?" My assistant, Birdie, sounded puzzled over the phone. Still groggy from sleep, I frowned. "Theodore took my dress?" "Yes. You didn’t know?" "I’ll check with him." After hanging up, I’ve snapped out of my grogginess but I still could not understand why Theodore would take the dress so early. *Our home was already packed with wedding preparations - where would he even put it?* I had planned to collect it right before the ceremony. He didn’t answer my first call. When he finally called back, I went straight to the point: "Theo, did you take my wedding dress?" "Yes." His voice sounded hoarse and tired. "Is there something wrong?" I asked, concerned. After a pause, he replied calmly but coldly: "Audrey, we need to cancel the wedding." My ears buzzed as my mind went blank. "Why?" "Alyssa has late-stage cancer. The doctors say she only has about three months left." For a brief moment, I almost thought it was karma finally catching up to that horrible girl. "What does it have to do with our wedding?" "Her final wish is to marry me. She wants to die without regrets." Before I could respond, he continued, "I know this is too much to ask, but she's dying. Can't you find some compassion for her?" I was so shocked I almost laughed at how ridiculous this was. After a long silence, I asked, "Theodore, do you even hear what you're saying?" Theodore's voice was firm, "Yes, I know what I’m talking about, Audrey. I'm going to marry Alyssa to fulfill her final wish. I know this is unfair to you, so as compensation, I'm willing to transfer 50% of the company shares that I own to you. I hope you can think this over." My entire body went numb. "And if I refuse?" I asked. I could tell that Theodore's patience was wearing thin. "Audrey, can't you show some basic human kindness? Alyssa is your sister. She's dying, and you can’t even grant this tiny wish of hers?" *What twisted logic was this?* I couldn't help my bitter retort, "If you care so much about her, why don't you follow her to the grave after she dies?" "You—" My words left him speechless. After a tense silence, he changed tactics: "I've already brought the wedding dress to the hospital. Alyssa's about your size so it'll fit her perfectly." Before I could respond, a familiar voice called out in the background, "Theodore! Alyssa's awake!" "I'll be right there," he answered urgently, then hurriedly said to me, "Audrey, I need your answer soon." The call disconnected before I could reply. When had Theodore and Alyssa grown so close? Was it when she first rolled up her sleeve to donate blood for him? Or when she cooked for him that first time? Or perhaps when eighteen-year-old Alyssa had boldly declared in front of everyone, “The only man I'll ever love is Theodore. If I can't marry him, I'd rather die!” Despite our public declaration of marriage at that time, her dramatic proclamation only earned cheers for her "bravery”. *But Theodore—if these are your reasons for marrying her now, then what was the meaning of all my years of devotion?* I thought to myself. *I was the one who donated my rare blood that matched yours for five years until you fully recovered*. *When you were weak, I was the one who took care of you by your bedside. I was the one who spent countless sleepless nights by your side when you were hospitalized!* *And now, just because Alyssa is dying, you'd betray me like that without hesitation? And because of that, you're calling off our carefully planned wed to marry her instead?* I forced my tears back. That bastard was not worth my tears. The abuse and humiliation I endured in the Shaw family had taught me one truth: Tears would get me nowhere. The only thing that could get things done was action. I picked up my phone and called the bastard back: "Theodore, I'll surrender my place as the bride on one condition. I want all the shares of the company. If you agree, come back tonight to sign the papers." Chapter 2---I’ll Marry You Once Your Sister Pass Away Chapter 2-----I’ll Marry You Once Your Sister Pass Away I expected him to explode in anger, to yell at me for being greedy. But after just a brief pause, he simply said, "Fine. I’ll see you tonight." Three years ago, we started a high-end fashion label together - Vanessa & Theodore Couture. It had taken off after years of effort. He was the one who funded it while I handled the designs. For me, it was basically a no-risk deal. Now the company was worth hundreds of millions, and was ready to go public. And despite its endless potential, he was willing to give it all up just to be with Alyssa. Is this true love between them I sense? Oh the irony. Getting out of bed, I looked around at all the wedding decorations filling the house. Every piece of them made my skin crawl. I wanted to burn them all. I called a mover company for help. "Get rid of everything in this house that belongs to him," I instructed the personnel who arrived at my place. Thank God I insisted on waiting until our wedding before we performed sexual intercourse. By the time the house was cleared, I had already changed into fresh clothes and done my makeup carefully. Just as I finished, I heard a car pull up outside. It was Theodore. And he brought Vanessa Brooks - my almost-mother-in-law with him. Interesting. She must’ve thought that I would trick her beloved boy. "You're here," I said coolly, not bothering to stand. I nodded at Theodore before glancing at Vanessa. "Mrs. Brooks." She forced a laugh. "I thought we were past that? Shouldn't you call me Mom now?" I smiled sweetly. "My mother is dead." The unspoken words hung in the air: You’re not worthy. Vanessa's face went completely blank, as if someone had physically slapped her. Theodore looked equally grim as he stepped forward. "Audrey, I'm the one who wronged you. Don't take it out on my mother." "Oh? So you're saying I should blame your father instead? After all, it’s your old man’s fault for not setting you straight, isn't it?" "Audrey!" Theodore's voice sharpened—he was really losing his temper. I simply shrugged at his response. Vanessa tugged at Theodore's sleeve. "Calm down. Let’s talk this through properly." With visible effort, Theodore reined in his anger. He straightened his trousers and took a seat in the armchair across from me, then slid a document across the coffee table. "Here. As you demanded—full ownership of the company. In exchange, our engagement is terminated." I picked up the contract and skimmed through it. "Ownership of the company is one thing," I said without looking up. "What about my wedding dress? That doesn't come free." Theodore frowned—clearly not expecting me to be this petty. "How much do you want for it?" "Well, with a friends-and-family discount, a million." Vanessa gasped. "Audrey, that's daylight robbery!" "Mrs. Nelson," I said coolly, "would you like your son to remind you what my designs go for in the fashion world?" My retort was met with silence. "Of course, you're welcome to refuse," I added lightly, "But we both know Alyssa wants that specific dress. So no matter the price, Mr. Nelson here will pay for it anyways." Theodore's eyes flickered with surprise. He knew I was right. From the moment Alyssa had entered the Shaw household, if I so much as glanced at something—even if it was literal garbage—she'd claw it away from me. A wedding dress? She could easily get one. But no—Theodore had to take the one I designed with my own hands. And all because Alyssa had demanded it. Sure enough, after a pause, Theodore nodded. "Fine. A million dollars it is." Vanessa whirled on him. "Have you lost your mind? Why are you throwing away money like this?" "Stay out of this, mom." Theodore brushed off Vanessa's protest and turned back to me. "Alyssa's too ill to pick out jewelry for the wedding. She said since you've already chosen yours... she'd like to have it." Despite already expecting it, the sheer audacity of his request still stunned me for a full second. "Theodore," I said slowly, "if Alyssa asked for my head on a platter, would you hand it to her as well?" "Ree, she'd never. Look, it’s just a misunderstanding" He actually had the nerve to look offended. "She's just too sick to plan anything. And it's not like you'll need those things anymore." I watched him defend her, the corner of my mouth twitching with bitter amusement. "Do you remember what you promised me, Theodore?" He promised me that he'd never betray me. That he'd love only me, for the rest of his life—because I'd saved his. He met my gaze, guilt flashing across his face. "I do love you, Ree. I’m doing this out of... pity. She's so young Ree, two years younger than you! And she's dying. Aren't you even a little sad? She's your sister. " Memories surged up: Alyssa at twelve, scissors in hand, gleefully shredding my favorite dress. Alyssa dumping roaches onto my bed, howling with laughter when I screamed. Of course, I'd chased her with those, trying to shove them down her throat—until she tumbled down the stairs. My father and stepmother were furious. They beat me black and blue. So I waited until they left and cut every piece of clothing in their wardrobes to ribbons. All these years battling the Shaws, I'd taken my hits—but I'd given as good as I got. But I was alone. There was no hope of me ever coming out on top. No one could understand the depth of my hatred for Alyssa and that woman she called mother. And yet they expected me to feel sad now that Alyssa claimed to be dying? "You're right," I sighed, laying a hand over my heart. "It’s such a tragedy Theo. To have a beauty withering away at such a young age. My dear stepmother must be devastated. How... awful." The irony sailed right over their heads. Theodore actually nodded, eyes glistening, while Vanessa actually had a sad expression on her face. "Exactly..." Vanessa's eyes welled up with tears. "Every child is a mother's flesh and blood. What mother wouldn't be devastated when their child is facing death? We'd rather die in their place." "Mom, your heart condition..." Theodore immediately fretted, before turning to me with sudden gentleness. "Ree, I'll marry Alyssa first to fulfill her wish, but afterwards... I'll give you an even grander wedding." The sheer audacity left me speechless. "Let me get this straight," I said, my voice dangerously calm. "You want to marry Alyssa first, then—after she dies—come crawling back to me as your second choice?" I, Audrey Shaw—eldest daughter of the Shaw family. Unfavored, perhaps, but still: my looks, education, talent, and career placed me at the top of Lorborough's elite circles. What made Theodore Nelson think I'd grovel for his leftovers? If I were to announce my intention to wed, this city's most eligible bachelors would line up at my door. Watching my expression shift from shock to icy contempt, Theodore had the decency to look ashamed—but still doubled down: "You're the love of my life. Of course I'll marry you properly. Don't say it like that... To me, you'll always be my true wife." I almost gagged at that statement. Without hesitation, I snatched the contract and signed it with a furious flourish. "You want the jewelry? Fine. Add another million to the price." I stood, shoving the papers back at him. "Wire the money by tomorrow, and I'll personally deliver the set to the hospital and visit my dear sister while I’m at it." Chapter 3---Farewell, Playboy Chapter 3-----Farewell, Playboy "Here," I said, slapping the signed contract against Theodore's chest. "Now get out. And take your crap with you." I couldn't believe it. For eight years I'd loved this man - eight! And it took until now for me to see him for what he really was. I almost owed Alyssa a thank you card. Without her little stunt, I might've actually gotten married to this two-faced bastard. I sure as hell dodged a hell of a bullet here . Vanessa jumped up, face red with outrage. "This! This right here is why you'll never measure up to Alyssa! That girl's got manners, knows how to treat her elders—" I spotted Buddy wandering by and did not even hesitate. "Buddy! Sic em!" The corgi went nuts, barking and nipping at their heels as they scrambled backward. "You've lost your mind!" Vanessa shrieked, nearly tripping over her designer purse. Theodore looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "Jesus, Audrey. I thought you’re a better person than this." How ironic, I thought of the same about Theodore too. They beat a hasty retreat, leaving half their belongings behind in their panic. Whatever. I'd have the maid box it up for donation tomorrow. The money hit my account at 6:02am. I was angry, but who would say no to money? But mostly I wanted to see Alyssa’s dying face. I was packing the jewelry set when my phone rang. "Dad" flashed on the screen. I almost did not answer. "You can't even visit your dying sister?" He yelled at me the moment the call connected. Of course, this was something that I had gotten used to. "You're just like your mother." I examined my nails. "Should I bring a cake too? Maybe some fireworks?" "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" "Relax," I said. "It's a get-well-soon cake. And to ward off bad luck you know?” My dad went silent. “And of course, it’s a moment worth celebrating.” “Audrey Shaw! You’re just as-” I hung up on him before he could insult the memory of my late mother. The thought of him raging but unable to reach me made me chuckle darkly. Could Alyssa's terminal illness karma for her parents' sins? God is fair, I guess. A voice spoke up when I was about to knock on the door to Alyssa’s hospital room. "Audrey's probably thrilled," Lena's voice wavered. "She's always hated Alyssa. She had been bullying her since they were kids. Now that my baby's sick, I bet she's laughing in her sleep!" A sob. Then, vicious: "Why won't God take that scheming girl instead? Why my daughter?!" I kicked the door open. Inside, Richard cradled Lena while sobbing. It was like a scene from some tragic romance novel cover. Everyone turned, expressions freezing as smoke detectors blared. Theodore recovered first. "Ree. You came." He stepped forward, all fake warmth. Ignoring him, I pulled out a lighter and a string of firecrackers from my bag. "Audrey!" Theodore paled. "What the hell—" "Cleansing the bad energy," I said cheerfully. Richard connected the dots. "Don't you da—" POPOPOPOPOP! I tossed the sparking firecrackers at Theodore's feet. He yelped, diving for cover as the others scrambled like cockroaches. It was priceless. If it was not for other patients, I'd have brought industrial-grade fireworks to really send Alyssa off. Smoke filled the room. The sprinklers burst to life, drenching the luxury suite in seconds. Lena's shrieks and Alyssa's panicked cries for her mom were music to my ears. I stood just outside the doorway, remaining perfectly dry while they floundered in the artificial downpour. Hospital staff came running—doctors, nurses, security. The hallway flooded with gawkers as my soaked relatives emerged. When the head physician heard about the firecrackers, his face turned purple with rage. "This isn't some backwater exorcism! If firecrackers can cure cancer, we would’ve sold them in the gift shop!" He rounded on Lena, "I understand parental distress, but this superstitious nonsense—" "It was her!" Lena jabbed a dripping finger at me. "She did this on purpose! Arrest her!" The doctor wasn't having it. "Let’s get the patient to a new room. Now." Alyssa, drenched and shivering, clung to Theodore as nurses scrambled to relocate her. Lena shot me a look that could melt steel but scurried after them. Richard wiped water from his eyes. "You'll pay for this, Audrey." I did not even flinch. Mission accomplished—except I still had the jewelry. Sighing, I followed them to the new suite. Alyssa sat freshly changed on the bed. For once, she kept her venom in check—probably playing angel for Theodore. "What now?" Lena snarled, emerging from the bathroom. Ignoring her, I approached the happy couple and dropped the velvet box on the sheets. "Congratulations, Alyssa. You're finally getting your dream wedding." I smiled sweetly. "Though I suppose 'til death do us part' comes quicker for you. Consider your wish fulfilled I guess" "AUDREY!" But it was true. On her eighteenth birthday, Alyssa had made a wish. She would rather die if she could not get married to Theodore. She got exactly what she wished for. But even with my harsh words, Alyssa did not lash out. Instead, she looked up at me with glistening eyes, her voice trembling like a delicate flower. "Thank you, sis... for letting me have Theodore. I know you’re angry, and I don’t blame you for what you did just now. This is all my fault..." A single tear rolled down her cheek. Oh, bravo. I couldn’t help but laugh. "Alyssa, when we were kids, at least you had the guts to be openly vicious. What happened? Afraid Theodore won’t like you if he sees the real you?" She sniffled, doubling down on the pitiful act. "I was just a child back then... and you were always so perfect. I only acted out because I wanted attention. You’d never understand what it’s like... to feel like an outsider in your own home." Oh, this was rich. I shook my head in genuine admiration. "If there was an Oscar for victim complexes, you’ll win it every year." From the moment she’d entered the Shaw household, she’d been treated like a princess—while I, the actual blood heir, was treated like a servant. And now she had the audacity to claim she was the one who’d been "living under someone else’s roof"? I did not bother arguing. Instead, I leaned in and said sweetly, "You know, hearing you say that makes me feel like all those beatings I took were wasted. You might not know what it’s like to be an outsider, but you do know what it’s like to be dying. So... silver linings." "Audrey!" Theodore cut in, scowling. "That’s enough." Richard, ever the doting father, snarled, "How dare you mock your sister at a time like this? Watch your tongue—or you might be next!" I turned to him, unfazed. "Careful with the curses, Dad. If they actually come true, your precious little girl won’t even make it to the afterlife in one piece. Without you two shielding her, she’s no match for me." His face turned purple with rage. Satisfied, I placed the jewelry box beside Alyssa. "Enjoy. Your beloved already paid for it." Alyssa glanced at Theodore, who stiffened at that mention. "So when’s the wedding?" I asked, feigning concern. I’d assumed they’d at least wait until her condition stabilized. But Alyssa smiled sweetly. "Oh, you know, since you already have a wedding planned, we’ll just use yours, but with me as the bride." *What?* My stomach dropped. *So they are essentially hijacking my wedding?* Lena, noticing my reaction, brightened with spiteful glee. "Everything’s already booked, the invitations were sent. So why waste it? Might as well use what’s ready." I did not answer. Instead, I turned to Theodore, hoping that I could see something from his expression. Be it remorse, or shame, or just about anything. This wedding had been six months of my life. The venue scouting, the handmade gown, flying to Europe for the jewelry… And now it would all go to her? Theodore, at least, had the decency to look guilty. He reached for my hand, but I jerked away. "Ree… I’m sorry," he mumbled. "I know how much work you put into this. But that’s exactly why we shouldn’t let it go to waste. And Alyssa’s family. Surely you can—" He trailed off under my glare. I clenched my fists, nails biting into my palms to keep from slapping him. "What? Keep it in the family?" My laugh was jagged. "Is this what they mean by blood being thicker than water?" Chapter 4---A Coffin For Her Wedding Chapter 4-----A Coffin For Her Wedding Theodore went completely silent when he heard my words. While Lena piped up with her usual nonsense, "Finally you're making sense! What's yours is hers - that's what sisters do. Just consider it her wedding gift." I smiled sweetly. "In that case, I should give her one more gift." "What?" Lena asked, already suspicious. "A coffin," I said. "Right there at the altar during the ceremony." "AUDREY!" Lena's face turned purple with rage. I kept my tone perfectly polite. "It's actually a tradition. Back in the day, brides brought coffins as part of their dowry - 'til death do us part right?. As her loving sister, I'm just following the custom." My logic was flawless. Just like how I told them that the firecrackers were to ward off evil, they couldn’t prove me wrong. For years they'd taken advantage of me when I was younger and couldn't fight back. Now the tables are turned. Lena was practically shaking with anger. "Get out!" she screamed, pointing dramatically at the door. When I did not move, she turned on Richard. "Are you just going to stand there? What your daughter said is outrageous!" Richard's face darkened. He stormed toward me, but Theodore jumped between us. "Mr. Shaw, let's just—" "Apologize to your sister!" Richard roared, his finger an inch from my face. I did not even blink. "For what? You being ignorant about wedding traditions isn't my—" He swung at me. Theodore took the slap so hard it even messed up his hair. Alyssa shrieked, "Dad! What are you doing? Stop!" Theodore looked dazed, blinking hard as he kept himself between me and Richard. "Mr. Shaw, violence won't solve anything. This is my fault—I should have handled things better. Just give me time to fix it." Richard, red-faced and wheezing—his high blood pressure and diabetes no doubt flaring up—glared at me. "You... you deal with her then," he spat at Theodore. "If this happens again I'll break her legs myself!" Theodore nodded quickly, then turned to me, voice low. "Audrey, let's talk outside." "I have nothing to say to you." I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. "This attitude won't help. We're family—can't we just talk this through?" Family? The word made my skin crawl. "You don’t deserve to call yourselves my family." I yanked my hand away from his grip. "Let go." "Just hear me out—" "I said LET GO!" I twisted free and—before I could stop myself—slapped him across the face. The sharp crack silenced the room. Alyssa burst into tears. "How dare you hit him?! If you're angry, take it out on me! I'm the one who asked him to marry me!" I glanced at her, smiling coldly. "Since when do I need a reason to slap a cheating bastard? As for you..." I shrugged. "The underworld's already handling that." Before they could react, I turned and slammed the door behind me. Back in my car, I sat frozen for a long moment, waiting for the storm in my head to settle. They were my family. The thought hollowed me out. I’d believed Theodore was my escape—that loving him would heal the wounds they’d given me. But I was wrong. He became the one who hurt me the most. Every sacrifice I made for him, every drop of blood I’ve given to keep him alive felt so hollow. My heart ached at that thought. My phone buzzed, snapping me out of the gloom. It was Lillian. "Hello?" "Mrs. Nelson-to-be, did you forget our lunch date or has Theodore locked you up somewhere?" she joked, completely unaware of what had just transpired. I frowned. I'd completely forgotten that we were supposed to discuss wedding rehearsals today. "I'll be there soon." There was no longer a need for a rehearsal. But there was still a need for explanations. Lillian took one look at me the moment I walked into the restaurant and knew that something was wrong. "What's wrong? You look like hell. Did something happen with your family again?" She knew all about my toxic household. Instead of answering, I said flatly, "Lily, there's not going to be a wedding." She paused, teapot in hand. "What? What do you mean there’s not going to be a wedding? Isn’t it coming up next week?" "Oh, the wedding's still on," I said, smiling emptily. "Just not for me." Lillian slammed the pot down and reached across the table to feel my forehead. "You can’t be serious!" I pulled her hand away and made her sit—she'd need to be seated for this. Then I laid out the past two days for her. Her eyes widened. Her mouth fell open. And her face was pale. "WHAT THE ACTUAL—THEODORE'S LOST HIS MIND? Alyssa might as well have 'HOME-WRECKER' tattooed on her forehead! Does he not care that everyone will laugh at him? That this'll trend for weeks? If he wants to self-destruct, there are easier ways!" Her voice carried over to the rest of the restaurant, "I'm calling him right now—" And true to her words, she actually reached for her phone and started dialing his number. I was too exhausted to stop her, and was silently sipping my tea as she unleashed her fury. "Theodore Nelson, has Alyssa put some kind of spell on you? Since when is her terminal illness your problem? Audrey spent six years with you—six years of donating her blood to keep you alive! Without her, you'd be rotting in a grave by now, you ungrateful bastard!" "And when exactly did you and Alyssa get so close? Have you already slept together? I've seen trash before, but you? You're a whole new level of disgusting. How can you show your face in public after this? At the wedding, people will—" Lillian ranted nonstop for a solid five minutes, only stopping when a server nervously asked her to lower her voice. Embarrassed, I grabbed her phone and hung up. "Why'd you do that? I wasn't done!" she fumed. "And I still need to tear into that homewrecking bitch! Since when does having a terminal illness give her the right to steal her sister's fiancé?" She was practically shaking with rage. I quickly poured her more tea. "Let it go. We're causing a scene here." Finally noticing the stares, Lillian took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. "What is Theodore even thinking? Does he actually love Alyssa?" she asked, baffled. I shrugged at her question. "I don’t know. But he definitely doesn’t love me." Otherwise, how could he do something so heartless? "Alyssa’s a psychopath. She’s spent her whole life trying to steal everything from you. How can Theodore not see that?" I smiled bitterly. "He always said I was paranoid—that I was too hard on her." Lillian gulped down more tea, then suddenly asked, "Does he even know Alyssa and Louis are your half-siblings?" "Not sure. I never told him. Maybe he knows, maybe he doesn’t." Family shame wasn’t exactly dinner conversation. Even with someone you loved, some truths were better left unsaid. Because if that love ever died, those secrets could become weapons. "He doesn’t know?" Lillian smirked. "Well, I can’t wait for the day Theodore finally sees Alyssa for what she really is. He’ll be on his knees, begging for forgiveness." I did not respond. Even if he were to regret it, it was none of my concern. After lunch, Lillian tried to comfort me: "At least you got the company out of this mess. Trash men come and go—now you can focus on your career." Her words reminded me—there were still legal procedures to finalize the company transfer. "You're right," I agreed. "No point crying over a scumbag. If anything, I’m lucky to see his true colors now." After parting ways with Lillian, I texted Theodore to meet that afternoon to handle the paperwork. He agreed without hesitation. When I saw him, the red mark from my slap was still faintly visible on his cheek, adding a touch of absurdity to his otherwise refined appearance. "Hurry up," I muttered as he walked too slowly for my liking. "After this, we’re getting the divorce papers done." We had technically been legally married for a month. We just hadn’t gone through the wedding ceremony yet. If I’d known how this would end, I wouldn’t have wasted hours in line on May 20th. Theodore looked at me with those sorrowful eyes, lips parting as if he wanted to say something—but no words came. After leaving the business bureau, we headed straight to City Hall. That was when we learned the unpleasant truth: Divorce required an appointment first. Then, after submitting the documents, we’d have to endure a 30-day "cooling-off" period. Only if we both still wanted out after that could we finalize it. Frustrated, I pulled out my phone to book the earliest slot—only to find the next available date was two weeks away, in the afternoon. Which meant… when Theodore carried out the wedding ceremony with Alyssa, I would still legally be his wife. What kind of sick joke is this?! Noticing my rage, Theodore lowered his voice, infuriatingly gentle: "There’s no rush. Alyssa isn’t pushing me about it." My head snapped up so fast he flinched. I stared at him, seething—then suddenly laughed. "She’s not pushing you? Is she that confident she’ll live long enough for that?” His face went rigid. After all, divorce was a tedious process. If I dragged my feet, it could take months. Alyssa might get her wedding, but legally? She’d never be his wife. Theodore did not answer. Instead, he took a step closer, and spoke with a soft voice, "Then let’s not get divorced and save us the trouble of remarrying later." I gaped at him, stunned. Even now—even now—he genuinely believed that I’d take him back after Alyssa’s death.