My protests grew weaker and weaker, drowned out by the mocking laughter of the crowd and the weary look in Sylvia's eyes.
She sighed, resigned, and walked over to wrap me in a gentle embrace.
"It's okay. If you don't like him, we'll fire him. How about that?"
"But you should've just told me directly instead of jumping to conclusions and spreading rumors about the poor guy..."
I'd thought she was simply deceived by Morris's lies and his act, just like all the other guests.
It wasn't until the moment I died that I learned the truth.
Her heart had already turned toward Morris.
...
This time, I watched with no expression as Morris threw his arms around Sylvia.
I didn't miss the flicker of emotion that darted through her eyes.
But a split second later, she shot a quick glance my way.
She shoved him off and said coldly, "That joke isn't funny. Apologize to my husband right now, then fix his makeup and cover that writing up."
"No need."
My voice was calm.
I lowered my head and pulled up the hospital's booking page to schedule a laser removal appointment.
Sylvia let out a breath of relief and patted Morris's hand gently.
"Hurry up and apologize to my husband. If he weren't so kind-hearted and easy-going, he wouldn't be letting this slide..."
I cut her off.
"Sylvia. Forget the makeup. The wedding is off."
Sylvia stared at me in disbelief. After a long pause, she let out a short laugh.
"That's not funny."
"It's not a joke."
I pulled off the suit she'd gone through God knew how many connections to have flown in from overseas. Tossed it aside like a piece of garbage.
"The wedding is canceled. We're done."
I put on my jacket without hesitation and headed for the door.
"Simon!"
Only then did Sylvia realize I was serious.
She grabbed my wrist, panic written all over her face.
"You're calling off the wedding over one stupid joke from a stylist?"
She looked up at me, those wide, beautiful eyes brimming with hurt and confusion.
"Simon, stop this!"
"Do you have any idea how much we put into this wedding? Our friends and family are all here. You can't just—"
I shook her hand off. I ignored the whispers and pointed fingers around us, and looked at her with nothing but cold contempt.
"Sylvia, you know exactly why I'm not going through with this."
"I'm giving you a chance. A chance to be with the person you actually love. Isn't that what you want?"
I expected to see panic flash across her face.
Instead, she looked perfectly composed, her expression full of wounded bewilderment.
"Simon, what are you even talking about? Everyone knows the person I love most is you!"
She pointed at Morris.
"Is this because of him?"
Her voice was helpless.
"I didn't know he was going to pull that stunt."
"Besides, didn't I already say I'd make him apologize? If that's still not enough for you, I'll fire him on the spot!"
Morris's eyes instantly filled with tears. He turned and bolted from the room.
Sylvia didn't spare him a single glance. Her dark eyes held mine, steady and deep.
"There. Are we good now?"
I looked at her, my gaze flat. I didn't say yes. I didn't say no.
The Fox parents walked in, their voices laced with reproach.
"She's already apologized to you. Playing hard to get at this point is just childish."
"Simon, do you have any idea how good Sylvia has been to you? Have you forgotten who arranged your mother's surgery? Who set up her follow-up treatment? A man shouldn't bite the hand that feeds him."
A sharp pain tore through my chest.
My mother's cerebral hemorrhage was caused by Morris.
