For five years, Julia had carried the title of Nathan's fiancée.
At that time, Nathan hadn't taken control of the Harvey family yet. His mother's expectations still held him in place, and his overbearing cousin constantly pressed down on him.
Only by gaining the Sutton family's backing could Nathan truly secure his place as the successor.
Fortunately for Nathan, Julia cared only about the authority he held within the Harvey family. She showed no urgency to rush into marriage, and he was more than willing to let the matter drift.
As a result, the wedding kept getting delayed. One year turned into another until five years had quietly passed.
If Rosalyn had never shown up again, Nathan's life would've continued along the path that had already been laid out for him.
Yet, the last thing Nathan expected was to run into Rosalyn at the bridal boutique the very next day.
"I want that dress," Julia said. Her eyes swept briefly over Rosalyn before settling on the wedding gown Andrew was holding.
Rosalyn lowered her gaze slightly. She recognized the woman as the Sutton family's daughter and Nathan's fiancée, also the reason she and Nathan had parted ways five years ago.
Five years ago, Rosalyn had envied Julia. But now, upon seeing her again, that old feeling had vanished.
"It's fine," Rosalyn said gently as she tugged at Andrew's sleeve. "We can just look for a different one."
Andrew responded, "Why should we? Just because she wants it, that means we have to give it up?"
Rosalyn paused, unsure what he truly meant. "It's only a wedding dress. I'm the one who'll wear it, and I really don't mind. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"
A trace of irritation crossed Andrew's face.
Hoping to calm things down, Rosalyn spoke with quiet patience. "I'm serious. It really doesn't matter."
Before the situation could grow tense, the sales assistant quickly stepped forward with another dress. "The two gowns are almost the same. The only difference is the neckline. Once they're worn, they look nearly identical. Both of you could try them on."
Feeling awkward, Rosalyn took the dress and walked toward the fitting room.
Moments after she slipped out of her clothes, she realized something was missing. A few accessories hadn't been brought in with her. She quickly sent Andrew a message, asking him to let the sales assistant deliver them.
Not long afterward, someone knocked on the door. Rosalyn opened it without thinking. The next instant, Nathan stepped inside, bringing a rush of cold air with him.
"This is a bridal shop," Rosalyn said in a hushed voice, her brows knitting together. "The fitting rooms might not have cameras, but the hallway outside definitely does."
"You told me you would be honest with Andrew. Yet here you are, trying on a wedding dress. Tell me. Does he know anything about what happened between us?" Nathan's voice was cold, his usually emotionless eyes now holding a trace of anger.
"It's not like what you think... I just haven't found the chance to tell him yet."
Before she could say anything else, another knock sounded against the door.
Andrew's voice came from the other side. "I brought the hair accessories."
The handle began to turn.
Rosalyn opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her eyes widened as she stared at Nathan, who still stood close against her.
Instead of stepping away, Nathan turned his back to her. One hand rested on the door handle while he looked over his shoulder with a faint, provoking smile.
He had always been skilled at pushing her patience to the limit.
"Wait!" Rosalyn blurted out, closing the door without hesitation.
The dull thud was like a needle, piercing the fragile facade they maintained.
"Rosalyn?" Andrew pushed from outside. "Is everything alright in there?"
"I'm fine," she answered quickly, her breathing uneven. "Just... still putting the dress on."
A laugh came from the other side of the door. "Why so shy?"
Andrew's tone was mild, lacking warmth or any particular emotion, but it made Rosalyn feel strangely uneasy. That sensation grew stronger when she lifted her gaze and saw Nathan's face.
Moments earlier, he had worn a smirk, but now, it had vanished. His eyes held a dark glint that was unsettling.
Rosalyn bit down on her teeth and pulled the door open just enough to slip out.
The zipper on the back of her dress still hung loose. She turned around and lowered her head slightly. "Andrew, could you help me zip this up?"
Andrew agreed and stepped forward without hesitation. Yet, his eyes slowly shifted away from her back and toward the dressing room she'd just stepped out of.
The door was slightly ajar. Through the narrow opening, a faint shadow seemed to move inside.
Andrew slowed his actions. His breathing became quiet as he held himself still.
"Is it finished?" Rosalyn asked. Anxiety pushed her to leave as soon as possible.
"It's done." Andrew pulled the zipper up in one swift motion, almost catching Rosalyn's skin.
Rosalyn flinched slightly but kept silent. After a glance at her reflection in the mirror, she spoke. "Andrew, this dress feels a little tight on me. Let's look for another one, shall we?"
Instead of answering, Andrew turned his gaze toward another fitting room nearby. At that moment, the door opened.
Julia stepped out wearing a wedding dress that looked almost identical to Rosalyn's.
