Chapter 3

I didn’t sleep a wink.

I downloaded every single video and photo the unknown number had sent, combined them with screenshots from Chloe’s secret Snapchat, and edited them into a seamless video.

Then, I pulled Tyler’s wife’s phone number from the records Liam found and called her, formally inviting her to the wedding.

Lastly, I contacted a local agency and paid them to live-stream my wedding on TikTok.

By the time I finished, the sun was rising.

I drove to the venue. When I arrived, Chloe was in the middle of getting her makeup done.

She looked exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes.

Seeing me walk in, her face immediately soured. "Why are you just getting here? Do you have any idea how much sleep I lost last night because of you?"

Because of me?

I stayed silent. I didn't even have the energy to call out her lie.

Sensing my strange coldness, her attitude softened slightly.

"What's with the silent treatment? I was just stressed. It's my first time getting married, okay? I'm nervous."

I curled my lips into a hollow smile. "Don't worry. I won't bother you anymore."

Chloe froze, then stood up from her chair, glaring at me.

"What is that supposed to mean? I just complained a little. You're the one who practically begged me to marry you."

She was blaming me.

Blaming me for "forcing" her into this marriage.

Yet she was the one who used to paint pictures of our future home.

Now, she acted like I was her captor.

And she had allowed another man to mock me repeatedly.

Did she really think I was so pathetic that I would never walk away?

Too bad for her.

The only reason I was still standing here was to make sure she paid the price for what she did.

I was not her dog.

Chloe sneered. "What, now that you're finally getting me, you don't value me anymore?"

I looked at her calmly and handed over a large garment bag. "Here's your dress."

Chloe's expression softened slightly. "At least you're useful."

But when she unzipped the bag, her face fell. "Why is it the same dress?"

"It was too late to find a replacement."

Chloe remained quiet for a moment, then shrugged. "Whatever. It's your wedding anyway. If you don't mind looking cheap, why should I care?"

The ceremony began shortly after.

Soft, romantic music echoed through the hall under the glittering chandeliers.

I stood at the altar, watching Chloe walk down the aisle.

I had envisioned this moment a thousand times.

In my dreams, just thinking about her marrying me would fill me with overwhelming happiness.

But now, looking at her, I felt nothing but intense disgust.

Chloe’s father placed her hand in mine.

"Our Chloe is a sweet, smart girl. You're a lucky man, Ethan. Take good care of her."

He went on and on with a long, tearful speech. Chloe looked at me, her eyes glistening with tears.

She was a brilliant actress.

Anyone watching would think she was deeply in love.

It reminded me of when we used to talk about this day.

I had said, "I'll probably cry like a baby at the altar."

Chloe had smirked. "Well, marrying me is the best thing that’ll ever happen to you, so crying makes sense. But I’ll tease you about it forever."

But Chloe, today, I won't shed a single tear.

I just hope you can say the same in a few minutes.

We stood hand-in-hand before the officiant.

The officiant smiled and spoke into the microphone, "Ethan Vance, do you take Chloe Bennett to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

I didn't speak.

Chloe nudged me, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Say it. Are we doing this or not?"

I looked at her, smiled, and let go of her hand.

I took the microphone from the officiant and spoke clearly into it.

"I do not."