Talking about the 13th wedding, Astrid looked at me with pity and distress.
"Ms. Snow, you were radiant and so full of joy the first time you and Mr. Lane came to me for your wedding. You look so different now…"
She was right. There had been a time when Jared and I shared memories warm enough to keep me going through disappointment after disappointment.
By the window, a wedding gown I'd designed for our first wedding hung draped on a mannequin. I remembered the joy I'd felt sketching every detail, and how much I'd looked forward to a lifetime of happiness and bliss.
But the dress I'd poured my heart into never made it down the aisle.
Now, the apartment was silent and echoed the hollow in my chest, no matter how carefully I decorated it.
After a quick wash, I opened my old design archives for the first time in years. As I took in the exquisite design sketches, something inside me softened, and warmth seeped back into my chest.
Before marrying Jared, I had been a well-regarded jewelry designer in the circle. But after I married him, he said he didn't like women who were "too restless", so I set aside my career and poured everything I had into him.
Looking back, I realized it wasn't just the career I'd lost all these years; it was myself.
I used to be decisive and bold. But my love for Jared made me cautious and hesitant, second-guessing every step.
Now, my fingers traced the bodice of the wedding gown that had witnessed my 12 heartbreaks as I dialed the number I knew by heart.
"I've made up my mind. I'll go."
There was a pause on the other end before a reply came, filled with joy. "Perfect! I'll book your ticket right now!"
…
At 3:00 am, I woke up to my phone's continuous buzzing. When I picked it up, I saw dozens of messages from Maeve, including her intimate pictures, videos, and even an audio recording with Jared.
After hesitating briefly, I tapped on the play button for the recording.
"How many times has this been, Jay? Are you really going to marry Yvaine? Say something. Don't tell me you've fallen for her."
A brief silence followed before Jared's low, rough voice answered, "That's never going to happen."
Those words were enough to please Maeve and sum up everything we ever were.
Though I'd chosen to leave, his words still cut deeper than I'd imagined. So, I closed the recording and cut out the sound.
Since I couldn't sleep anyway, I decided to start packing.
There wasn't much I could take away from the house. After seven years, everything I had fit into one suitcase.
By the time I was done, dawn was breaking on the horizon. And I'd just dozed off on the couch when Jared came home.
Once, I would wait for him no matter how late it was and open the door the moment he arrived. Perhaps it was a habit I'd built over time.
This time, I hadn't stayed up waiting for him, so he knocked for a while before I dragged myself up. As soon as I opened the door, his complaint came sharply. "What were you doing, leaving me out there for so long?"
"I just fell asleep. Honestly, you could've—" I was about to point out that his fingerprint was registered on the lock when he abruptly cut me off.
"Forget it. Wait… What's all this? Why are you packing?" He glanced at the scattered gifts he'd given me over the years and looked slightly startled.
"Oh, I thought I'd visit Grandma Eleanor today. There isn't much room here, so I'll take a few things to Lane Manor," I said, clearing the items aside to make way for him.
He softened slightly. "Send her my regards, and don't upset her. She's old now."
When I nodded, he exhaled slightly in relief and retreated to his study.
I ignored him and gathered the trinkets I used to treasure.
Soon, he emerged, holding two jewelry boxes. I recognized them instantly.
They were the two sets of heirloom jewelry Grandma Eleanor had once given me, saying they were only for the future Lady of the House.
Later, Jared had taken them back. And now, I figured he was going to give them to Maeve.
He caught my gaze lingering on the jewelry boxes and, for once, started explaining. "Mae and I have an important gala in a few days. She wants to borrow them to make an impression. I'll return them afterward."
I nodded and murmured, "Whatever."
After all, they were simply going back to where he believed they belonged.
"You…" He faltered, unsettled by my indifference.
Before, I would have made a fuss. I would've demanded he cut Maeve out of his life, and even dragged out Grandma Eleanor's name like a weapon.
But for the past two events, I'd been exceptionally calm. Something about it unnerved him, but he couldn't put his finger on why.
Just before leaving, Jared took a glance at the pile of gifts he'd given me and said stiffly, "Tell me where you'd like to go after the wedding tomorrow, and I'll take you there."
And with that, he hurried out the door.
