Chapter 2

The next day I started sorting through the things from these three years, and when I really thought about it, almost nothing was actually mine.

Aside from the shift dress that had come into this world with me, everything else was a gift from Gabriel.

He'd even arranged my ID for me.

On a sudden impulse I wanted to look at myself in my wedding dress one more time, only to find that it was gone.

Gabriel had spent half a year designing it and another half a year having it made. I loved it.

Just as I was about to call and ask, Gabriel pushed the door open and walked in.

When he saw me, he didn't explain why Zoe was trailing behind him. Instead he asked, "What are you looking for?"

"My wedding dress," I blurted out before I could think.

Zoe hid behind Gabriel and spoke up sheepishly.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. Gabe got the dress dirty while I was wearing it."

As she said it, she gave a little punch to Gabriel in front of her.

"It's all his fault, he just had to get all frisky."

"But don't worry, it's already been sent out to be cleaned. It definitely won't affect the wedding."

My whole body gave a violent shudder, and my heart felt like it stopped for a couple of seconds.

I could hardly believe the Zoe in front of me was my only friend in this world.

Back then, apart from Gabriel, only Zoe believed I was from another world.

She'd even said I would definitely be able to finish the System's quest.

For three years, apart from Gabriel, she was the only one I trusted.

I never imagined that in the end the two people I loved most would both betray me.

Seeing how upset I was, Gabriel broke the silence.

"Enough, it's not a big deal. Even if it can't be salvaged, we'll just rent another dress."

He led Zoe over to sit on the sofa, as if I were the outsider here.

"Zoe's pregnant, so before the wedding she'll stay here, where it's easier to look after her."

I clutched the hem of my clothes tightly, my voice choked.

"Didn't you say you were going to end things with her?"

Gabriel brushed it off. "Well, now there's a baby, so I have to take responsibility for her."

"You lived with your ex-husband for a year too. Me supporting Zoe for another year isn't too much, is it?"

Maybe it was the System acting up, but my body seized with a stab of pain.

Zoe got up to take my arm, whispering softly in my ear, "If I hadn't wanted to get close to Gabriel, who would ever want to be friends with a mental case like you?"

Fury slowly swallowed my reason, and I shoved Zoe hard away from me.

"Don't touch me, it's disgusting."

Gabriel steadied Zoe from behind. Without asking if I was all right, the first thing out of his mouth was an accusation.

"Are you insane, Bella? She's pregnant."

I pressed a hand over my heart and sat down in a chair.

"When did this happen?"

Gabriel answered idly, "She was there the day you picked out your wedding dress."

"It's just that her bridesmaid dress was too sexy. So we did it right there in the fitting room, right in front of you."

Zoe linked her arm through his, her face all bashful.

"Bella, I really didn't expect you had it this good."

Over these three years I'd long grown used to the way people talked in this world, but hearing these words come out of their mouths made me sick.

"Since she's living here, then I'll go."

The moment I stood up, Gabriel waved my phone at me. "It's so late, and it's raining out there. You're not going anywhere."

I looked out the window at the thunder and rain, and had no choice but to shrink back into the guest bedroom.

I kept telling myself, only two days left, just hang on a little longer.