Chapter 4

Carter didn't return until evening.

He walked in holding a box of cake.

"I bought this for you. Don't be mad anymore."

I looked at the logo on the box.

It was from Sera’s favorite bakery.

He had waited in line with me there once. I found it too sweet and didn't finish it.

Back then, he said he would remember that.

It turned out he didn't remember my taste. He remembered hers.

I asked, "How is Sera's ankle?"

"She's fine. The doctor said she just needs to rest for a few days."

"What about the wedding dress?"

Carter set the cake down. "We'll order a new one."

"Is there enough time?"

"We'll just pay extra for rush delivery."

He was always like this.

As if money could erase any insult.

I took out my phone. "My mom wants to see the wedding photos."

Carter hesitated. "Don't send them to her yet."

"Why?"

"The boutique staff posted a video of Sera in the dress on TikTok. People in our circle saw it. I don't want Helen to misunderstand."

I smiled. "Misunderstand what?"

He looked at me, annoyed. "Chloe, do you have to talk like that?"

Sera came out of the master bedroom, her ankle wrapped in a bandage, leaning against the doorframe. "Carter, don't blame Chloe. It’s my fault."

I ignored her and looked straight at Carter. "Make her move out."

Carter’s expression darkened. "She can't even walk right now."

"She can stay at a hotel with a nurse."

"She isn't comfortable with strangers."

"And I’m not comfortable with another woman living in my future home."

He fell silent.

Sera’s tears began to fall. "Chloe, if you really can't stand me, I’ll leave right now."

She started hobbling toward the door.

Carter immediately caught her, his tone dropping. "Stop nonsense."

Then, he turned to me. "Chloe, apologize."

I thought I heard him wrong.

"What did you say?"

"Sera didn't mean any harm. Your words hurt her."

I clenched my fists. "And what about me?"

Carter frowned. "You are my fiancée. You shouldn't be so petty with her."

Fiancée.

The word sounded so cheap coming from his mouth.

I remembered the year his stomach ulcers got so bad that he called me at three in the morning.

I rushed across the city to make him soup and stayed by his hospital bed all night.

He had leaned back and told me, *“Chloe, I promise our home will always have a light left on for you.”*

The light was still on.

But it was shining on someone else.

I didn't apologize.

Carter didn't force me either. He just pulled out his iPad. "I had the digital invitations updated."

My chest tightened. "Updated to what?"

"Sera is going to attend as a guest of honor. We added her name to the bridal party speeches."

I took the iPad and saw the digital invitation. Sera’s name was prominently displayed in the family speech section.

My mother's name had been pushed to the very bottom.

I pointed at the screen. "Put my mom's name back where it was."

Carter said, "The schedule is set. Don't make a scene."

Sera whispered, "Chloe, I’m sure Helen doesn't care about these minor details, right?"

I couldn't take it anymore. I threw the iPad onto the couch.

Carter’s face went completely cold. "Chloe, you’re becoming unrecognizable lately."

I asked, "Then what should I be like?"

He stared at me, speaking very slowly. "At least, you shouldn't make me feel so exhausted."

Something blocked my throat.

Sera spoke up at the perfect moment. "Carter, let's drop it. Don't we have to meet your mother tomorrow to sign the prenup? Don't let me ruin your important day."

The prenup.

I looked at Carter.

He avoided my gaze. "It's just a formality."

But at that moment, a horrible feeling washed over me.