Chapter 2

I clutched the note, feeling like I was holding a ticking time bomb.

Serena walked over, red wine in hand, her heels clicking on the marble floor, each sound like a drumbeat in my chest.

"Autumn, you don't look so good." She smiled gently, reaching out to touch my face.

I instinctively took half a step back.

Her hand froze in mid-air, her smile faltering for a second before returning to normal. "Are you drinking too much? Should I have someone bring you some water?"

"No, thanks." I tucked the note into my clutch, forcing a smile. "I'm just going to the restroom."

Serena nodded, but her eyes lingered on my face for a few seconds. That gaze was too sharp, as if trying to dissect me.

I quickly turned and walked to the restroom, pushed open a stall door, and leaned against the wall, taking deep, gasping breaths.

Five years ago, Liam disappeared without a word. I called him hundreds of times, sent countless messages, all of them vanishing without a trace. Finally, I received a single text: "Don't look for me. We're not right for each other."

Those eight words sentenced my five years of love to death.

I cried for a whole month, losing ten pounds. Later, I heard he went abroad, and I forced myself to let go, to start a new life.

But now?

He was back, as my best friend's groom.

I unfolded the note. The handwriting was definitely his. I knew his script intimately; he’d written me countless love letters in college, every curve and line burned into my memory.

"She forced me to break up with you. Meet me on the rooftop tonight."

That sentence was like a knife, plunging directly into the softest part of my heart.

She forced him to break up? Serena?

I crumpled the note, an unspeakable mix of anger and hurt churning in my chest.

A knock suddenly sounded.

"Autumn, are you in there?" Serena's voice came from outside the door.

I quickly tore the note into tiny pieces and flushed them down the toilet.

"Yes," I took a deep breath and opened the stall door.

Serena stood in front of the sink, touching up her lipstick in the mirror. She wore a custom-made wedding dress, her makeup perfect; she looked every bit the happiest bride.

I walked over to wash my hands, catching her reflection watching me.

"Autumn, I'm so happy you're here as my bridesmaid." She finished her lipstick, then turned and took my hand. "I know it hasn't been easy for you these past few years, being on your own. Liam and I will take good care of you from now on."

"Take care of me?" I couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course, we're best friends, aren't we?" She blinked, her expression impeccably sincere.

I looked into her eyes. Those eyes were so familiar; we'd been crazy together, laughed and cried together. I even thought she was the person who understood me best in this life.

But at this moment, her face suddenly felt alien.

"Serena, are you happy?" I asked.

She paused, then smiled brightly. "Of course I'm happy. Liam is wonderful to me."

"That's good," I pulled my hand from hers. "Congratulations."

With that, I turned and walked out of the restroom. Her voice drifted after me: "Autumn, you'll be on stage to give a speech later, I've already arranged it all."

My steps faltered.

A speech.

She wanted me to give a speech at Liam's wedding.

When I returned to the banquet hall, the MC was warming up the crowd. Liam stood on stage, impeccably dressed, a polite smile on his face.

I couldn't make out his expression, only saw him glance in my direction.

"Next, let's invite the bride's best friend and bridesmaid, Autumn, to the stage to offer her blessings to the happy couple!"

Applause erupted.

All eyes were on me.

I took a deep breath and walked onto the stage.

The microphone was handed to me, my palm slick with sweat.

"Hello everyone, I'm Autumn, Serena's best friend." I heard my voice tremble. "Serena and I have known each other for ten years. She's the most important friend in my life."

Serena waved to me from below, her smile radiant.

"Seeing her find her happiness today truly makes me happy." I paused, my gaze involuntarily falling on Liam. "The groom is wonderful, and they are a perfect match."

Liam watched me, expressionless.

"I wish you a lifetime of happiness, and may your hearts always be one." I raised my glass. "Cheers."

The guests below raised their glasses.

I tilted my head back and gulped the wine, tears almost spilling from my eyes.

The MC took the microphone, asking the bride and groom to embrace. Liam hugged Serena, then released her and walked towards me.

"Thank you, bridesmaid," he reached out and gave me a ceremonial hug.

Just as he leaned close to my ear, I heard a low, husky voice:

"You've lost weight."

I froze.

That tone was too familiar, laced with tenderness, guilt, and something else I couldn't quite place.

I abruptly pushed him away, stumbling back two steps.

The guests below chuckled, thinking the groom's humor had amused me.

But I saw a glint of tears in Liam's eyes.

Serena walked over and linked her arm through his, smiling at me. "Autumn, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I set down the glass, almost running away.

Reaching a corner, I pulled out my phone.

A new message on the screen, from an unknown number.

"Ten o'clock, rooftop. I'll tell you all the truth."

I stared at the words, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst.

This wedding, from the moment the champagne glass shattered, was destined to be anything but a normal celebration.

This was a trap.