Chapter 8

Not wanting to worry my parents, I went back to my room with a neutral expression to answer the call.

"Rachel, why did you go to a bridal shop? Who gave you permission to try on a wedding dress? Who are you with? Are you alone?"

"I told you to come home. Can't you understand? I've been waiting for you for so long. Don't test my patience!"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Jason, do you think you're some kind of emperor? I'm an adult, and I can do whatever I want. I said we're breaking up. Are you seriously too dense to understand?"

"What does it matter to you if I'm trying on wedding dresses or doing anything else? If you keep harassing me, I'll call the police!"

"And that was never my home! It's *your* home!"

Before he could say another word, I hung up the phone.

I blocked his new number.

Lying in the bedroom my parents had carefully prepared for me, I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

At 4 AM, my aunt sent me a message.

"How did Jason find my place? What did you tell him? He's acting strange today. He keeps asking where you are and is kneeling outside my door, refusing to leave."

I rubbed my tired eyes and replied:

"I already told him everything. Maybe he's just losing it. He can't handle that the person who used to chase after him is suddenly gone. His ego probably can't take it. You didn't tell him where I am, right?"

"Am I that stupid? Of course, I didn't say anything. I'm on my way to the airport. Can't wait for Rachel's wedding! But why are you getting married so soon? And why are you awake at this hour?"

I didn't respond and turned off my phone.

But tears started to spill from my eyes, blurring my vision.

With only an hour left before I had to get up, I finally fell into a restless sleep.

Jason's voice echoed in my dreams.

"You can't leave. You can't leave me. I won't allow it!"

"Who says you're allowed to get married? You belong with me! I was wrong. Please, Rachel, give me one more chance. Please forgive me."

Tears soaked my pillow as I cried, my body shaking.

It wasn't until Mom woke me up that I finally snapped out of the nightmare.

"What's wrong, Rachel? What did you dream about? Why are you crying so much? Do you not want to get married?"

"If you don't want to, we won't do it. I'll go tell everyone. You don't have to force yourself."

I quickly grabbed Mom's hand.

"No, I'll go through with it. I just had a nightmare. I'm fine."

After getting up and quickly freshening up, I was about to start on my hair and makeup when my phone rang.

It was Yvonne's number.

She was probably calling to gloat, she had won, while I had run away.

I didn't answer, coldly pressing the reject button.

But she sent a barrage of messages.

"Rachel, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. Please forgive me. I was wrong about everything. Can you speak to Jason for me so he won't fire me?"

"I have elderly parents to support. I can't lose my job. I can't afford rent in this neighborhood on my own. I've used up all my savings. I'm really at the end of my rope!"

"I admit I had some ulterior motives with Jason before. But I swear, nothing happened between us! He's not taking my calls anymore, and he's deleted my contact info. I'm desperate and begging you. The other employees say Jason listens to you, please, will you help me?"