Chapter 7

After I'd taken off the wedding dress, Dad hesitated before speaking up.

"Do you want to meet Greg? After all, you're getting married tomorrow. It doesn't seem right for you two to have never met."

I hesitated for a moment before gently declining.

"No need. I trust Dad's judgment."

Mom, noticing my low spirits, exchanged a knowing glance with Dad, signaling him to drop it.

Once we got into the car, my aunt called.

"Rachel, you still haven't told Jason you're back? How come he doesn't seem worried at all?"

"I just saw him helping that little vixen upstairs. I almost rushed over to scratch her face off when I bumped into them by the elevator!"

No wonder he hadn't reached out to me these past few hours. He was busy taking Yvonne home.

I lowered my gaze, trying to hide the emotions flickering in my eyes.

"No, I just told him I'm breaking up with him. After all, we were never officially together. He was really just a friend. I don't think there's any need to tell him I'm back to get married."

My aunt sighed on the phone.

"Alright, I don't get you young people. I've booked a flight for midnight. I should make it just in time for the wedding."

"Thanks, Auntie. Have a safe trip."

After I hung up, Mom, sitting next to me, couldn't hide her frustration.

"All these years, and he never even asked you out officially? You wasted ten years on someone like that? If I had known, I would've pushed you to come home and get married sooner. What a jerk! You always spoke so highly of him to us. I really thought you were happy. How could he treat my daughter this way?!"

I gently patted Mom's hand, trying to calm her down.

"I never lied to you. I really was happy back then."

Before Yvonne came into the picture, everything between Jason and I had been good. We were so close to our happy ending… how did it all fall apart?

Fighting back tears, I turned to look out the window.

The unfamiliar city outside felt like a breath of fresh air, almost like I could start over here.

But just as I finished washing up at home, Mom angrily tossed her phone onto the couch.

"Who reported the photo I posted? How is sharing my daughter's wedding dress photo bothering anyone? Why is everyone so hostile online these days? Can't they just let people live their lives?"

Dad adjusted his glasses, frowning.

"Reported? What's the reason? Was it successful? This is ridiculous. I'm calling the company right now."

Suddenly, something clicked, and I quickly stepped forward to stop him.

"Don't bother. Maybe the dress was too expensive, and someone thought it was misleading. Or maybe it's just jealousy. It's fine, let them take it down."

I picked up Mom's phone from the couch and took a look.

Sure enough, it was Jason's account that had reported it.

Before I could process it, my own phone started ringing.