Chapter 4

Anne posted a picture of the ultrasound, her hand resting gently on her belly, with Lennox bending over a medical report. The caption read: “Baby, hurry up and come out. Mommy and Daddy can’t wait to meet you!”

I scrolled down and saw Lennox’s mom was the first to comment: “Grandma’s so excited! Can’t wait to meet my first grandson!”

The comments rolled in, one after another, all from the Green family. It was painfully clear they all knew about Lennox’s marriage to Anne.

I thought back to just a few days ago when I visited the Green family. They’d treated me so warmly, like family, and now it felt like nothing but a sick joke. Were they laughing behind my back when I talked about our wedding plans? Here I was, planning a sham wedding, while the man I loved was already married.

I wiped my tears and headed home.

Before our wedding date was even set, the Green family had already sent over gold jewelry and bridal gifts. When I got home, I packed everything into a cardboard box. After that, I was done. I was cutting ties with them—completely.

Physically, I was still recovering after the abortion. I took a few days off work to rest. One afternoon, as I was dozing, I felt someone nearby. I opened my eyes to see Lennox standing by the bed.

His gaze fell to my hand, and when he touched it, his face immediately tensed. “Kelly, are you sick? Let me take you to the hospital, okay?”

If this had been before, I would’ve melted into his arms, craving his warmth and comfort. But now, I pulled my hand away, tucked it under the blanket, and said, “It’s just a cold. No need to go to the hospital.”

Lennox didn’t seem to notice the distance between us. He shook his head, exasperated. “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well? We’re about to get married, Kelly. Why are you keeping things from me?”

The word married hit me like a slap. Married? Oh, right... he was married.

I glanced over at the cardboard box in the corner and said quietly, “Right. Since we’re getting married soon, you should take your things with you today.”

Lennox smiled without missing a beat. “Alright. Besides, after the wedding, we’ll be moving into the new house anyway.”

I didn’t respond.

Later, he made me a bowl of hot vegetable beef soup with boiled eggs before he left with his things.

As he stepped out the door, I said, “Don’t come over for a while. I’m sick and don’t want to risk infecting you. Stay home, focus on being the best groom.”

He gave me a resigned smile, but he agreed.

In the days that followed, he didn’t visit, but still sent me regular texts. I responded with short, impersonal replies.

Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, the wedding day arrived.

I didn’t wear the wedding dress Lennox had designed for me. I didn’t show up at the venue to embrace the future I once dreamed of. Instead, I bought a high-speed train ticket to Levington State.

Just before boarding, my phone rang. It was the hotel staff. “Miss Thomas, when will you be arriving?”

I forwarded Anne’s ultrasound photo to them and replied, “This is the real bride. I was just helping her rehearse. Please find her, help her get dressed, and do her makeup.”

After the call, I deleted every way to contact Lennox. I removed my SIM card, tucked it into my bag, and let out a long, relieved breath—one I didn’t even know I was holding.

For the first time in weeks, I felt a strange sense of peace.

I whispered to myself, “Lennox, I wish you a memorable day.”