+25 BONUS

When William and Rachel arrived at the bridal shop, an assistant greeted them warmly and led them to the dressing rooms. William went in to change first. When he stepped out, even the store staff froze for a moment.

He was tall and lean, with not an ounce of extra weight on him, thanks to regular workouts. He looked like he’d stepped straight out of a magazine, the kind of man who made anything he wore look better.

Then, Rachel walked out in the dress William had designed. She saw him sitting on a bench, looking down at his phone. His tie was neatly knotted, his black suit sharp and clean.

As she stood silently behind him, she accidentally caught a glimpse of the text message on his screen.

[William, my stomach hurts. Can you come pick me up?]

Before he could reply, a second message came through.

[Oh, you’re doing wedding photos with Rachel today, right? Never mind. I’ll just go home on my own.]

Then, it disappeared.

The sender had deleted it.

Rachel sneered inwardly.

Who waited a full minute to delete a sent message? That was no accident.

William hesitated, his thumbs pausing over the screen before he finally typed: [I’ll see how things go. Send me your location.] Rachel’s hands tightened around the edge of her dress, her knuckles turning white. It felt like something was being ripped out of her chest, making it hard to breathe. She pressed a hand to her heart.

So, William still couldn’t say no to that woman.

As Rachel slowly crouched down, William finally sensed that something was wrong. When he turned around and saw her pale face, he hurriedly stood.

“Rachel? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I’ll take you to the hospital right now.”

She looked at his face, and couldn’t help but inwardly sneer at how it was so full of worry, just like always. But was he really worried about her, or was he just waiting for an excuse to run back to that woman?

Rachel forced herself to stay calm.

“I’m okay. Just haven’t been sleeping well the past few days. Can you take me home?” she said quietly.

William nodded quickly. “Of course. Let’s go.”

He turned to speak with the store staff, then gently helped her outside.

Just as they stepped out, his phone buzzed again. He checked it quickly, frowning. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he turned to Rachel and signed with quick, slightly urgent movements as he spoke.

“Rachel, an emergency came up at work. I might not be able to stay with you tonight. Is it okay if I just drop you off?”

face–still warm, still pretending to care–and her stomach

forced a smile. “It’s fine. I feel much better now.

gently, like she was the only person in his world.

lips pale. “Really, it’s fine. Go ahead. I’m okay

1/3

Chapter 2

face wasn’t as pale as before, and

I’ll try to come home

+25 BONUS

As soon as his car disappeared around the

car,” she told

the sky

saw William’s car pull over. When he stepped out, a beautiful woman rushed into his arms. Rachel leaned forward in her seat, eyes locked on the scene. When she

was Samantha Judd, William’s

the hallways, completely wrapped up in each other. But then one day, she left, going abroad for some reason. After

she was back? Of

glowing, her big, dark eyes shining like she was on the verge of tears, but in the prettiest way possible. It was the kind of look

you’d come, William. I’ve been

stepped back just enough to look her over from head to toe, his usually

say

gave him a playful smile and tilted her

tense expression softened instantly. His deep–set eyes and naturally sharp gaze gave him an intense look. But when he smiled,

do that again. You scared me,” he

Her voice turned soft, like she was about to

too much. I didn’t mean

brushed her lips with

his collar, eyes sparkling with mischief

here… I have

down the beach toward

her nails were digging into her palms as hot tears slid down her

always making sure she felt safe and valued. Even when things got

whisper, “I want our first time to be on our wedding night. For you, I can

been patient. He took his time

and murmured, “Rachel, promise

2/3

Chapter 2

+25

BONUS

At

that

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