Chapter 1

I had been in a relationship with Celine Jodie for seven years, but she married her first love, Dylan Graham, a month before our wedding.

One afternoon, I was checking the guest list when a screenshot popped up in the wedding planning group. The screenshot was of another group chat called 'Our Promise at 18'.

There was a photo of Celine and Dylan standing at the entrance of the local county clerk's office, holding their marriage certificate, and below were people who responded with texts.

Her brother, Jordan Jodie, said: [Did you manage to keep it a secret from Gabriel? Don't let him delay the wedding over this matter.]

My best friend, Isaac Tatum, replied: [Don't worry, he's still waiting for Celine to come back to try on her wedding dress.]

Celine's best friend, Hailey Krate, wrote: [They just want to give their youth a proper ending. It's only a temporary marriage certificate. It's not like we're actually changing the groom.]

Celine said: [Let's keep this from Gabriel for now. I'll explain to him after the wedding.]

I held my phone, my fingertips cold. Two seconds later, the screenshot was unsent. The wedding planning group was silent for a moment.

Then, Jordan casually asked how many boxes of candy I wanted to order, and Isaac urged me to try on my suit tomorrow.

I stared at the screen and answered: [No need to order candy for doorgifts anymore. The groom won't be attending.]

Chapter 1

After I texted that reply, the wedding planning group chat was silent for half a minute.

The one who broke the silence first was Celine Jodie's brother, Jordan Jodie.

He sent a voice message, speaking as if he were lecturing an immature junior, "Gabriel Young, a wedding is not a joke. The hotel, guests, and parents have been informed. Don't make such irresponsible remarks even if you are angry."

Celine's best friend, Hailey Krate, stepped in to smooth things over.

Hailey: [Gabriel, it's not as serious as you think. Dylan recently lost his job and is in a bad state. We're just helping him overcome a past regret. We all know that you're Celine's only groom!]

She even sent a praying-hands emoji, as if this betrayal were nothing more than a joke taken too far.

My phone rang a second later. It was my best friend, Isaac Tatum, who called. When I answered, his tone was panicked. "Gabriel, I thought this wasn't appropriate from the beginning, but—"

I interrupted him, "Who took Celine's dress and the wedding ring on her finger?"

There was silence on the other end of the line.

I went into the walk-in closet. Only an empty hanger remained where the white dress had hung. The ring box on the vanity was still there, but her ring was missing.

Isaac finally said, "I took them. They said they wanted those things to take commemorative footage, then I was afraid you'd be angry, so I didn't dare tell the truth."

I gripped my phone. "So you used the passcode I gave you to get into my marital home and took the clothes and wedding ring I prepared for my fiancée so that she could marry someone else?"

He quickly corrected me, saying, "No! She didn't marry him. They're just going to keep the marriage certificate for a month. It's only for show. Celine will still marry you."

There was even a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Gabriel, I'm stuck in the middle too."

He had personally helped someone else destroy my marriage, and now, he expected me to understand his predicament. Was this really my best friend from childhood?

I hung up and pulled my suitcase down from the top of the closet and only took what truly belonged to me—my ID card, my laptop, a few changes of clothes, and the accessories my father had left me. I had just zipped it when the sound of the digital lock unlocking came from the foyer.

Celine was back, carrying food from my usual barbecue place. "You haven't eaten?"

She placed the food on the table, as if the drama in the group chat had never happened.

I looked at her left hand. On her ring finger was the wedding ring I had designed myself.

"Is the marriage certificate real?" I asked.

Celine paused. "It's real, but it's not like what the people in the group chat made it out to be."

She took off her suit jacket, her voice tinged with weariness. "Hailey and the others kept stirring things up, and Dylan just got fired from his job. Everyone was watching. I couldn't just embarrass him in public."

"So you married him?"

She frowned and corrected me, "We just registered for marriage. We'll get it handled again in a month. It won't affect our wedding."

Chapter 2

Celine spoke so naturally, as if the stamp by the local county clerk's office could be wiped off at any time.

"He's now your legal husband. How are you going to marry me?"

Celine was silent for two seconds before walking over and placing her hand on my shoulder. "Gabriel, the marriage certificate is just a piece of paper. You're the only person I'll build a life with."

After saying that, she picked up the guest list on the table and turned the pages twice. "Just pretend you didn't see the messages in the group chat. Don't make such a fuss next time. You said the groom wasn't coming, so everyone else had to clean up the mess."

Suddenly, her phone rang, and Dylan's name appeared on the screen. Celine held her phone and walked to the balcony. Through the glass, I saw her frown slowly relax.

"It's not your fault. Don't worry. Gabriel just can't accept it for now. I'll handle it."

After hanging up, she walked back into the living room. "Dylan feels very sorry."

She looked at me, her tone carrying a bit more warning. "I agreed to it. Don't go to him, and don't say anything to provoke him."

She and Dylan had gotten married.

Everyone protected his feelings, trying to make up for his regrets. I, the one who was betrayed, could only remain calm, dignified, and sensible.

The next morning, Celine acted as if nothing had happened. She sat at the dining table, drinking coffee and checking her phone. She instructed, "Dylan's seat is next to my brother's. He just returned from abroad and doesn't know the others."

Before leaving, she picked up her car keys and looked back at me. "My dad is taking you to the cemetery today to tell my mom the wedding date."

"I'm not going."

Her hand hovered over the doorknob. "My dad is already waiting for you."

"Then let his real son-in-law go with him."

Celine's expression darkened. "Gabriel, must you mix these two things? I only registered for marriage with Dylan. You're the one who's really going to build a family with me."

I looked at her. "Celine, I told you, the wedding is canceled."

Celine studied me for a long moment, probably looking for any sign that I was just being spiteful. Finally, she sighed helplessly. "Gabriel, I understand you're upset. It was my oversight for not telling you beforehand, but there really is nothing going on between Dylan and me."

Her tone was frank, as if it was not considered a betrayal as long as they did not live together or sleep together.

"I'll explain to my dad that you’re busy preparing for the wedding and have other plans for today. You can go to the cemetery another time." She paused. "But don’t say what you just said in front of him. He’s not in good health and can’t handle the shock of a wedding being canceled at the last minute."

Even canceling a wedding required considering whether her father could accept it.

Celine picked up her car keys and turned back to look at me before leaving. "Also, Dylan was just dumped by his fiancée, so he's pretty emotionally unstable right now. If he contacts you, control yourself. Don't say anything that will embarrass everyone because of a moment of anger."

The door closed in front of me.

Throughout the entire ordeal, she never asked if I was upset.

My phone lit up at that moment. It was a message from the bridal shop.

[Mr. Steinfeld, the watch you sent has been serviced. Would it be convenient for you to come over today to check if it matches your suit?]

I had packed all the accessories my father had left me into my suitcase, except for a handmade watch, which was the last thing he left before he passed away. Two weeks ago, I sent it in for maintenance, intending to wear it with my suit on my wedding day.

I replied: [Okay.]

An hour later, I arrived at the bridal shop.

The sales assistant looked visibly flustered when she saw me. "Mr. Steinfeld, why are you here early?"

Before I could answer, the sound of camera shutters clicked from the photography studio on the second floor.

Hailey's laughter followed. "Dylan, look at Celine. Get closer. Don't look like you're taking a passport photo."

I went upstairs. The studio door was ajar, and through the crack, I saw Dylan wearing a white suit as he stood in front of a pure white backdrop.

Chapter 3

Celine stood beside Dylan. She was wearing the white dress she had worn on the day of her marriage registration. On her left ring finger, she wore the wedding ring I designed.

Isaac was helping Dylan with his bow tie.

Jennifer Harris, the person in charge of the wedding photography, was holding the camera with a somewhat stiff expression.

Dylan was wearing the watch my father had given me on his wrist.

I pushed the door open. The click of the shutter stopped abruptly, and everyone turned to look.

Isaac was the first to react. "Gabriel, why are you here?"

He instinctively stood in front of Dylan. "Dylan is going to go abroad again soon. Hailey suggested taking a few commemorative photos since they've registered their marriage. The watch just happened to be in the store, so I thought I could borrow it for the photoshoot and return it right away.

"You asked me to help liaise with the bridal shop, so the staff thought it was your arrangement."

Borrowed again. My wedding ring could be borrowed; my fiancée could be borrowed. Now, even the memento left by my father could be borrowed.

I looked at Dylan. "Take it off."

The smile on Dylan's face froze. "Gabriel, we only have one last set left. I'll return it to you after we're done."

"I said, take it off."

Dylan raised his hand to protect his wrist, his expression stiff. "I didn't know it was so important to you. Isaac only said it was an accessory you'd wear at your wedding."

I looked at Celine. "He didn't know. Didn't you know either?"

Celine frowned slightly. "It's just a watch. Dylan will only wear it for a few minutes more. It won't cost anything. You don't need to embarrass him in front of so many people."

I suddenly laughed.

When they got the marriage certificate, she said it was just a piece of paper. Now, she said it was just a watch.

It did not matter as long as what was taken belonged to me.

I walked up to the store manager and opened the maintenance receipt on my phone. "Please remove the watch. From now on, no one except me has the right to touch it."

The manager immediately called over a staff member.

Dylan's face paled, and he finally raised his hand to unfasten the clasp. The watch was put back into the velvet box. I took it, my thumb slowly tracing the dial.

The year my father passed away, Celine stayed with me at the hospital for seven whole days. She saw me clutching this watch, sobbing uncontrollably. She knew; she just felt that Dylan wanting to wear it today was more important.

"Also..." I looked at the store manager. "I'm cancelling the order for the wedding dress."

Celine's expression finally changed. "Gabriel, have you had enough? The photos can be deleted after they're taken, and the watch has already been returned to you. Are you really going to cancel the wedding over this?"

"It's not because of the watch." I closed the box. "It's because I've finally realized that you're taking advantage of me with the excuse of making up for your past regrets."

The white dress was something I had ordered for Celine, the wedding ring was mine, and the watch was also mine. Even the photo studio they were standing in was booked by me for the wedding.

Celine was silent for a moment, and she softened her tone. "Gabriel, I'll explain to you after Dylan leaves. Go home first. I'll accompany you to try on your suit tonight."

I looked at her, suddenly feeling exhausted. "I've already gotten back what I wanted. I don't want the rest anymore."

I turned and left.

Not long after leaving the bridal shop, my phone vibrated. Jennifer sent several screenshots. It was the complete chat history of 'After-Sales Service for Our Youth at 18'.

Hailey: [They've already gotten the marriage certificate. It'll be a waste not to take wedding photos.]

Jordan: [Dylan's leaving the day after tomorrow. Let's arrange a three-day trip to wrap things up completely.]

Isaac: [Wouldn't that be too much? Gabriel won't accept it.]

Hailey sent a smiley face and replied: [At most, he'll be angry for a few days. The wedding preparations are already this far ahead. How could he not marry her? Don't spoil everyone's fun for his sake.]

A few minutes later, Isaac replied: [Then return it as soon as we're done taking the photos.]

Finally, Celine said: [Don't tell him about the trip beforehand. I'll handle it when we get back.]

It turned out she had already made plans for everything—the marriage registration, the wedding photos, and a honeymoon with only the bride and a few other people.

Chapter 4

They knew they were crossing the line; they were simply certain that I would not leave Celine.

I closed the screenshot and dialed a number I had not contacted for half a year. "Mr. Gordo, is the job abroad still available?"

There was a two-second silence on the other end. "Didn't you refuse because you were getting married?"

Half a year ago, the headquarters abroad invited me to be on-site for a year. The work visa had been processed, but I ended up choosing to stay. At the time, Celine held me and said we would have many opportunities to go abroad together after the wedding.

I looked at my reflection in the glass display window. "The wedding has been cancelled. I can go now."

"The work there will officially start next week. You must arrive by the day after tomorrow at the latest."

"Okay."

"The fastest flight is at 11:40 pm tomorrow night. Will you catch it in time?"

I tightened my grip on the watch box. "I'll be on time."

The next day, I signed the on-site assignment contract and cancelled the hotel and wedding services. The moving company moved the last few boxes of my belongings. By the time I returned to my marital home, it was 7:00 pm.

Hailey had already opened the wine I prepared for the wedding. Jordan was sitting on the couch, showing Dylan pictures of a beachfront hotel. Isaac brought out a fruit platter from the kitchen, noticeably pausing when he saw me. "Gabriel, you're back."

Celine looked up from the dining room. "We don't have enough glasses. Go get two more."

In the past, I was always the one preparing the food and cleaning up after every gathering. This time, I did not move. A few seconds later, Isaac silently turned and went to the kitchen.

Halfway through the meal, Hailey raised her glass. "Dylan's leaving soon. We discussed it and decided to let Celine accompany him to the beach for three nights tomorrow. It's not a honeymoon. Just call it a graduation trip we never took back when we were 18."

Celine looked at me. "I'll be back in three days. After I get back, I'll handle the formalities with Dylan. It won't affect the wedding. I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid you'd overthink it."

Dylan put down his glass. "Gabriel, don't worry. I already have the certificate and photos. I just want these three days of memories. Celine will still be yours."

Everyone was looking at me as if they were waiting for me to cry, make a scene, and prove that I was indeed petty and immature.

I asked, "What time are you leaving tomorrow?"

Celine paused for a moment. "7:00 am."

"You're going for three days?"

"Yes."

I nodded. "Go ahead."

Hailey smiled immediately. "I told you Gabriel wasn't unreasonable."

Jordan also breathed a sigh of relief. "It would've been great if you'd done this from the beginning. You just had to make things unpleasant for everyone first."

Isaac came over and tried to put his hand on my shoulder. "Gabriel, I knew you'd eventually come to your senses."

I stepped aside to avoid him. "You've gotten the marriage certificate and taken the wedding photos. It won't feel like a wedding without a honeymoon."

Celine frowned. "I told you, it's not a honeymoon."

"Whatever." I glanced at the time and noticed it was 9:30 pm.

The driver's message popped up right on time: [Mr. Steinfeld, I'm downstairs.]

I got up and went into the bedroom. When I emerged, I was carrying a suitcase.

The laughter in the living room stopped.

Celine jumped up abruptly. "What are you doing with your suitcase?"

I took off the ring from my ring finger and placed it on the dining table. The ring clattered, and everyone's gaze fell on it.

"The remaining hotel payment has been canceled, and the wedding contract has been terminated. I've already moved my things out. Celine, it's over between us."

Her expression darkened. "What are you doing? We've notified all the guests. If the wedding's canceled, how are our parents going to clean up this mess?"

Even now, all she cared about was the wedding and saving her reputation.

I grabbed my suitcase.

Jordan immediately blocked the doorway. "Gabriel, Dylan is leaving in three days. We'll talk when they get back."

"Get out of the way."

"Where can you go now?"

I glanced at my phone. It was 10:05 pm. I could still catch my flight.

"You're going on your honeymoon tomorrow. I'm going abroad tonight."