Chapter 1

I thought Hudson Marshall was the love of my life, so I fought hard within the family to win a perfect wedding with him.

My parents also decided to launch the billion-dollar "True Love" jewelry collection on our wedding day.

But seven days before the wedding, Hudson said he wanted to marry Emilia Bell, his first love, to fulfill her mother's last wish before he married me.

He looked impatient, saying, "For Emilia's filial piety, all these can be sacrificed. If you can't spare that little money, go find someone else to marry now."

It turned out that in his world, I, and my career, could make way for Emilia at any time.

I turned around and called my brother, Adam Macleod, directly, saying, "Adam, the wedding is as usual, but please help me find a new groom."

On the day of my wedding dress fitting, I waited downstairs at Hudson Marshall's company for a long time before he came downstairs slowly.

As soon as he got in the car, he tossed me a necklace. "Emilia asked me to give it to you. You embarrassed her at the funeral yesterday, so take the time to apologize to her."

The necklace was clearly a freebie that came with a genuine purchase. I had seen it in Hudson's shopping cart a couple of days ago.

"I don't want it," I said flatly.

Hudson frowned. "What are you getting at again? You're the one who rushed to the funeral and embarrassed her by saying I wasn't her fiancé. She didn't even count it and wanted to bring you a gift, and you're so ungrateful?"

The man who had once protected me was no longer there, and now he cherished someone else.

Hudson annoyingly opened the window and blew out the air. After a long time, seeing that I wasn't coaxing him, he said, "Forget it. I'm going to accompany you to your wedding dress fitting today, so I won't bother with you."

It was the first time he had gone soft this year.

We arrived at the bridal store and were greeted by the clerk. "Mr. Marshall, Ms. Macleod, your specially customized twenty wedding dresses and suits are ready."

Hudson, however, wasn't looking at the clothes but instead was looking down at his cell phone with a bit of urgency on his face.

After noticing my gaze, he hastily put away his phone with a hint of apology on his face. "Sienna, something happened to Emilia, so I have to rush over right away. Try on the wedding dress yourself, and pick out a suit for me. I trust your taste."

After that, he hastily beckoned a cab and left, leaving me alone.

The clerk rushed up and said tentatively, "Ms. Macleod, would you like to choose the suit yourself?"

I withdrew my gaze and nodded.

I'd pick the suit, of course, just not for Hudson. After all, the groom had changed.

I called my brother, Adam Macleod, directly, saying, "Adam, the wedding is as usual, but please help me find a new groom."

Adam said incredulously, "Are you going to repudiate the marriage?"

"No, it's that he's marrying someone else," I smiled bitterly.

I had worked very hard in my family to get my parents' approval to be with Hudson, and to have the "True Love" jewelry collection released on the day of the wedding.

Now, it was all for nothing.

Adam was silent for a long time before saying, "Then, there's only Finley Henderson. His family's been pushing hard, and he's been looking for a marriage partner lately."

My brows furrowed. Finley was my sworn rival. On my engagement day, he'd cursed that my marriage would shatter. And now his words had come true.

With time pressing, I said, "Fine, choose him then. Ask him if he's interested. If not, I'll find someone else."

Adam blurted out, "No need to ask. He'll definitely agree."

"What?" I was shocked.

Before I could press him, Adam mumbled something and hung up.

After picking out the dress, I headed home. I'd expected Hudson to stay out all night, but he showed up before dinner.

He strode over to me, carrying a takeout box. "I went all over the city to buy you late-night snacks."

I looked at the pizza inside. There were three pieces fewer than usual, and one of them with a bite mark. Clearly, someone had taken a bite.

Half an hour earlier, I'd seen Emilia Bell's Instagram post, which showed the exact same food in my hand, with the caption: [My husband went out late at night to buy me snacks. Thanks, honey. I love you!]

I put down my fork with a self-mocking smile, suddenly losing my appetite.

I said, "I'm not hungry. Throw it away."

Hudson frowned at me but held back his anger, sitting down beside me to complain, "You have no idea how pitiful Emilia was today. My parents went to her place and insulted her family for being poor, saying they couldn't even afford a decent wedding gift. She almost cried her eyes out.

"Emilia just got back to the country and doesn't have much money. I was thinking of giving her your wedding gift first."

His domineering tone made me sick.

I sneered, "So, I should give my wedding gift to your wife?"