Chapter 2

I rubbed my eyes, irritated at having my hangover disturbed.

I snapped back, "Didn't I tell you the wedding's off?! We're done, don't you understand?!"

Jack's eyes were bloodshot, as if he was barely containing his fury. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before gritting out, "Get dressed and come with me right now. I'll pretend this never happened. I can forgive you this one time."

How on earth did he get the impression I was some lovesick fool who couldn't leave him? Just because I took our relationship seriously doesn't mean I can't walk away!

I glanced at the groomsmen behind him, who all looked like they were enjoying the show.

"Jack! You're the one who messed up. Do you want to discuss your relationship with Rachel right here?"

"Get lost! We're over, got it?!"

Jack was stunned for a moment before his expression changed dramatically. Gone was his earlier arrogance. He averted his gaze and changed his tone.

"You've misunderstood. It's my fault for not explaining things clearly beforehand."

"You can hit me or yell at me later if you want. Today is our wedding day, the most important day of our lives. All our family and friends are waiting. Please don't make a scene, just come with me, okay?"

He shook his head and smiled bitterly, his eyes sincere, as if I was the one being unreasonable.

This man could change his tune so quickly, able to bow and scrape when needed.

Seeing the groomsmen looking at me disapprovingly, his closest friend even tried to persuade me.

"Sis, today really isn't the time to throw a tantrum. You can do whatever you want after the wedding."

Very well, if Jack wanted to force my hand, I'd play along. But whatever happened next would be on him.

I nodded, "Fine, wait a minute."

I quickly washed up and threw on a dress before heading out. Jack asked where I was going to do my makeup and change into my wedding dress, but I refused. His face darkened, but he couldn't do anything about it.

At the hotel, only his family's guests were there. My family and friends, though unsure what had happened, knew I had canceled the wedding.

Seeing me arrive dressed like this, the crowd's expressions became meaningful.

Several aunties immediately started criticizing me.

"How can you throw a tantrum on such an important day? You're so willful, only Jack would put up with this. Anyone else would have left you by now."

"Exactly, with all these guests waiting, why didn't you just call it off earlier if you didn't want to get married!"

"Alright, alright, Lily's here now, isn't she?"

Mrs. Wilson took my arm and led me to their table, motioning for me to sit.

Her face betrayed no displeasure. She even asked, "Oh sweetie, we were so worried when we couldn't reach you. Did Jack upset you? Tell us, we'll set him straight."

Mr. Wilson chimed in kindly, "That's right, we're on your side."

Jack's parents had always been good to me. Marrying into their family wouldn't have meant dealing with in-law problems. Mrs. Wilson was an especially considerate and tolerant woman, and Mr. Wilson was a gentle and generous man.

But Jack had cheated, and I could never forgive that.

I remained silent for a moment.

Mrs. Wilson thought I was still sulking. She said earnestly, "Lily, listen to me. Go get your hair and makeup done and change into your dress. I promise I'll make Jack apologize to you later."

"Yes, don't ruin the big day," Mr. Wilson agreed.

I let out a long sigh. At that moment, I wanted to explain things calmly to Jack's parents and resolve this peacefully.

But someone's arrival interrupted me.

Rachel floated in wearing a flowing red dress, looking coquettish and pretty. She smiled slightly, her gaze challenging as she looked at me. Her elaborate makeup contrasted sharply with my bare face.

The click of her heels drew everyone's attention as she approached.

"I'm not late, am I? Congratulations on your wedding, Miss Lily."