Chapter 1

My boyfriend had a heavy nicotine addiction.

I hated second-hand smoke and had talked to him about it countless times. But he’d just brush it off, or even grin and deliberately blow smoke right into my face.

“Come on, baby, I can’t write my songs without a puff or two.”

That was, until we moved into our new place, and during our housewarming party, we accidentally stumbled upon an old video of his first love.

I watched him instinctively hide the cigarette in his hand, the burning sensation in his palm made him flinch.

The engagement ring I’d dreamt of my whole life clattered into a side plate overflowing with leftover shrimp shells and greasy sauce.

Later, he frantically searched the world for every kind of ring – lavish, unique, adorable – just for me to glance his way again.

But I simply held up my right hand, already adorned with a ring.

“Leo Evans, I suddenly realized the things I buy for myself just fit better.”

It was our fourth year of dating, and paparazzi photos of Leo privately meeting with a renowned wedding dress designer had exploded on Ins.

Friends who knew about our relationship flooded my SnapChat with congratulations, convinced I’d be walking down the aisle soon. Skylar was practically bouncing with excitement, totally egging me on.

“Eighty percent chance it’s going to be on your four-year anniversary!”

My heart swelled with anticipation too. That day felt perfect.

So, on the night before our four-year anniversary, which was also the final stop of Leo’s global concert tour.

At Skylar’s insistence, I changed into a meticulously chosen haute couture gown, applied flawless, waterproof makeup, and quietly slipped from my film set back home to the concert backstage, intending to surprise him.

“Alright, now you can cry freely when he proposes, no panda eyes for you!”

Skylar teased me, then leaned in close to whisper.

“I just saw the dress. It’s insane, so much intricate work, it practically blinded me.”

“Your Leo is really trying to lure you into marrying him with the most unique and beautiful wedding dress in the world.”

My cheeks flushed, but I couldn’t stop my eyes from curving into a happy smile.

Until the final song. The lights dimmed, and amidst a chorus of “Encore!” he emerged from the darkness, holding a bouquet of roses.

He’d changed into a school uniform and basketball shoes, a bright red headband highlighting his youthful swagger. It took me back to my childhood sweetheart, who used to sprint across the basketball court in high school, now a global superstar on tour.

“Tonight, is a special night.”

The moment Leo spoke, the crowd erupted in screams.

Among them, a few of our fan-shippers, knowing we were childhood sweethearts and seeing the red roses in his hand, excitedly yelled, “Propose!”

On stage, he seemed a little embarrassed, lowering his gaze and smiling faintly.

“I also have a gift I want to give to someone truly wonderful.”

A stunningly beautiful wedding dress was slowly wheeled out from behind him. The upper part was completely covered by black satin, revealing only a massive skirt that seemed to shimmer with starlight.

“It’s a black wedding dress!”

“Oh my god! How edgy!”

I heard Chloe’s amazed voice, but my entire body went rigid.

Time seemed to rewind nine years. Leo, restless in the desk in front, had turned around and leaned on my table, holding a drawing.

“Harper, my girl, Serena, she always said she’d wear a black wedding dress and design it herself.”

His face held a look of happy anticipation.

“Such a pain, but what can I do? I just love her!”