My Husband Chose His Mistress

The night I found out that Elise had accepted Joseph's proposal, my usually composed and rational husband drank until he was senseless. Despite my discomfort, I stayed by his side, tending to him late into the night. He was moved by my care and promised me a proper wedding ceremony. I was thrilled, thinking that after seven long years, he had finally let Elise go. But when I tried on the wedding dress, I found out he had blocked me from his Instagram.

"I don't want regrets in my youth. Just say the word, and I’ll come running to you."

It turns out marrying me was his regret. Our seven years together meant nothing compared to the brief days he spent with Elise. Now, I have no regrets about my youth.

They say snooping through your partner's phone is bound to hurt. I thought I was the exception, but as I stared at Joseph's Instagram post, the truth hit me hard. Elise's messages were the only ones prioritized, while mine were silenced. I found it laughably ironic.

I had barely put the phone down when Joseph came out of the dressing room. Dressed in a pure white tailcoat, the store's lights gave him a soft golden hue. His bow tie fluttered lightly at his throat, like a resting butterfly, pulling at the emotions.

He smiled slightly and walked toward me like a prince ready to claim his princess. In the past, I would have rushed into his arms, eager for him not to take another step. But that Instagram post made me realize his princess was someone else.

"Zhuri, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Joseph asked, looking concerned.

I shook my head, making a clumsy excuse. "No, it’s just that the suit looks really nice—I got lost in thought."

Luckily, Joseph's attention wasn't on me. He was enchanted with the suit, admiring himself in the mirror. Laney, the store manager, brought out a wedding dress that complemented his suit.

"Miss Romero, here’s your wedding dress. Mr. Stewart reserved it at our bridal shop seven years ago. He truly loves you, having waited all this time."

I looked at the mermaid-style gown, adorned with countless sparkling jeweled butterflies along the hem, paired with crystal shoes that surely cost a fortune. Seeing me stare blankly at the dress, Laney looked puzzled. "Miss Romero, won't you try it on? Although Mr. Stewart had it custom-made for you back then, your measurements might have changed over seven years."

It turns out Joseph had planned his wedding with Elise all those years ago, never forgetting. Just as I was about to refuse, Laney was already unfurling the dress, comparing it to my figure with practiced familiarity.

"Miss Romero, you've lost so much weight. We’ll need to remeasure the waist..." She was cut off by Joseph, still admiring his suit, who strode over with a sour expression.

"Who gave you permission to take out that dress?" he snapped, anger flashing in his eyes as he pushed me aside, as if my presence might taint the gown. He handled it tenderly, repackaging it in its protective cover.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Stewart. I thought since Miss Romero was here, she might as well try it on," Laney said awkwardly.

Joseph finally noticed my gaze and awkwardly changed the subject. "Miss Romero? She's my wife, Zhuri."

He took my hand as if nothing had happened.

"My little jealous one, upset again? Why is it that women love to be jealous?"

I quietly shook my head.

Joseph tried to comfort me, "That wedding dress isn’t right for you. I'll choose another one."

I pointed to his phone, which lit up with an incoming call labeled 'Love.'

Joseph answered eagerly, his face turning red, a smile tugging at his lips. It was a look I'd never seen on him before.

It was obvious, Joseph's favoring of Elise was clear as day, and only I had been blind to it.

After the call, Joseph was visibly delighted. He asked Laney to select a fitting wedding gown for me and dashed out of the shop still wearing his tailcoat.

Outside, a rare sun-shower began, the delicate raindrops doing little to slow Joseph's quick exit. Like a prince fleeing his own wedding. Sadly, I wasn't the princess he had chosen.

I gently pushed aside the dress Laney offered me. "No need. We don't even know who the bride for this wedding will be."