"I am willing to accept the institute’s invitation and take part in the confidential national aerospace research. I will settle things with my fiancé thoroughly and leave within a week."
“Serena, you’re finally accepting our invitation! But does your fiancé agree? I heard from your mother that you’re getting married. After this trip, I don’t know when you’ll be able to contact the outside world,” Mr. Ashcroft’s voice brimmed with excitement.
“Don’t worry, teacher. I’m joining voluntarily. It’s an honor to serve the country,” I replied calmly but firmly.
His voice trembled with pride: “You’re my best student. I’m so glad you’re joining. You still have a week — be sure to say goodbye to Dorian Vance properly.”
After hanging up, I looked up at our wedding room. How ironic that the festive dress now seemed so out of place.
A few days ago, my stepsister Liora Vance, upon hearing I was marrying Dorian, rushed to confront me in my car.
Trying to avoid her, I was hit hard on the head and suffered several broken ribs, while she escaped with just a few scratches.
Dorian stormed into the hospital but forcibly took away the doctor treating me.
“Don’t come rushing here — go see Liora first! She’s afraid of blood, don’t let her see any!” he ordered.
Through the blood haze, I watched Dorian’s retreating back, feeling the once fierce love inside me fade completely.
This was the ninety-ninth time he’d abandoned me for his stepsister — now he didn’t even care about my safety.
I had given everything to this relationship.
A week was enough for me to sort out everything related to him and leave behind an unforgettable wedding.
...
Hearing noise downstairs, I went to check but froze on the stairs.
Dorian had actually brought my stepsister back to our new home!
He spotted me and feigned surprise: “Why are you home? Shouldn’t you still be in the hospital?”
I took a steady breath and deliberately said, “I wanted to try on the wedding dress, so I asked the doctor and was discharged early.”
Dorian lowered his eyes and said, “Serena, actually…”
Liora interrupted eagerly: “Sister, don’t worry! Dorian took me to try on wedding dresses today!”
“It was for you. Don’t misunderstand!”
Of course, I understood perfectly.
That morning, right after I woke from a coma, Dorian was quick to excuse himself and Liora.
“I’m sorry, Serena. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t expect you’d be injured so badly! I was too anxious. Liora is so fragile — I can’t let her have any accidents…”
“Liora was upset and impulsively stopped your car. You won’t blame her, right?”
I’d broken six ribs, yet he never asked if I was in pain; all he cared about was whether I blamed Liora.
“How long have I been unconscious?” I asked.
“Three days,” Dorian answered, trying to shift the topic: “Baby, our wedding is only a week away. I canceled your dress appointment today. You just need to rest now.”
He stood, kissed my forehead, and said, “Your health is most important to me. Leave everything else to me.”
I watched him leave and secretly followed despite the nurse’s protests.
I saw him take Liora to the bridal shop, reschedule my appointment, and patiently help her try on dress after dress.
When he loved me most, he never showed this much patience.
He never accompanied me shopping, not even to try on clothes.
“Serena, be sensible. I have a lot of work, and I’m doing this for a better life for you.”
Yet he was now patiently helping Liora try on wedding dresses and even taking pictures to capture how she looked.
Their faces were so sweet and loving — like a newlywed couple.
The stabbing pain from my broken ribs was nothing compared to the ache in my heart witnessing this.
Seeing me silent, Liora said, “Sister, don’t worry. Dorian said Liora’s figure is similar to yours, and she’s your sister, so she’s only trying to help.”
I sneered, “So you expect me to thank her?”
Liora instantly looked hurt. “Dorian, your sister seems upset. Did I do something wrong?”
“Of course not!” Dorian hugged her and whispered comforting words. Then he turned to me with irritation: “How can you speak to Liora like that?”
I said coldly, “Wasn’t the appointment canceled?”
