She knew he would ask and she’d already thought of an excuse.
“I don’t like them anymore.”
Evelyn’s calm statement left Hunter utterly baffled. His brows furrowed as he stared at her, unable to wrap his mind around her sudden change of heart.
“Why don’t you like them anymore?” he pressed.
“No reason. I just don’t.”
Hunter reached for her hand, his grip firm yet gentle. “That’s okay. If you don’t like them, we can take new ones. There are so many new styles now compared to five years ago. Tomorrow, we’ll pick a new theme—something you’ll love.”
“Sure,” Evelyn replied casually, her tone indifferent. She knew Hunter’s focus wasn’t truly on her, so he wouldn’t sense anything amiss.
As expected, Hunter’s expression relaxed. He nodded eagerly. “Great. Let’s make it our fifth wedding anniversary celebration.”
The next morning, Evelyn barely had time to process what was happening before Hunter whisked her into the car.
She glanced at him, puzzled.
“We’re going to take wedding photos,” Hunter said as if knowing her thought, his face glowing with enthusiasm. His tone was affectionate, his gaze brimming with what appeared to be love.
Evelyn opened her mouth to decline, but Hunter had already instructed the driver to start the car.
When they arrived at the bridal boutique, a team of staff greeted them warmly. As they stepped inside, the luxurious decor and sparkling gowns lining the walls seemed almost too perfect, like a scene out of a dream.
Hunter took the lead, enthusiastically discussing the latest trends with the staff and turning to Evelyn every few minutes to ask her opinion. “What do you think? Do you like this one?” he asked, his voice full of consideration.
“I’m fine with anything,” Evelyn replied dismissively. She had no intention of taking the photos seriously, especially since her departure was imminent.
Hunter frowned at her nonchalance. “There must be something you like. But if there’s really nothing you’re interested in, we can go to another boutique.”
Evelyn didn’t want to waste any more time with him, so she quickly chose a few dresses at random.
Evelyn waved him off, picking a few dresses at random. “These will do.”
“Alright,” Hunter said with a smile. “Let’s start with these.”
With the help of the staff, Evelyn stepped into the fitting room to try on the first dress. The heavy fabric brushed against her skin as she adjusted the layers, her mind wandering far from the task at hand.
When she finally stepped out, she froze.
Across the room, Jennifer stood in another wedding gown, her radiant smile directed at Hunter, who had his back to Evelyn.
Jennifer’s voice rang out, playful and teasing. “What do you think, Mr. Fairchild? Do I look good in a wedding dress?”
Hunter chuckled softly, his tone dripping with affection. “Yeah, I like it. You look stunning.”
Jennifer took a step closer, brushing her hand lightly against his sleeve. “Then when are we taking wedding photos together?”
“Whenever you’re ready,” Hunter replied without hesitation.
Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat. Her grip tightened on the wall beside her, her knuckles turning white as a wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm her.
Jennifer spotted her first. Her lips curved into a triumphant smile as she called out, “Mrs. Fairchild?”
