Chapter 3I Had That Wedding Dress Before Her

"Chloe, are you mad?"

I shook my head.

"I just think it's bad luck, like it's damaged."

"No, it's not!"

His voice was a bit loud, then softened.

"Chloe, don't overthink it. The wedding is almost here.

We'll be officially together soon. Aren't you happy?"

I stroked the wedding dress, not answering him.

No matter how much effort I'd put into it, something that had been "used" by someone else, I couldn't want it anymore.

With the wedding drawing near, Ashley's account updates became more frequent.

A countdown series to the wedding.

Countdown: Day Five.

【Today he made me my favorite sandwich.

She's never even had it.

If I can't be the only one, then I'll be the first.】

The picture showed Liam, apron on, busy in the kitchen.

I once asked him to cook for me, and he repeatedly refused:

"Your princess palate is too refined for my cooking."

Countdown: Day Four.

【He gave her the title, but he gave me that special diamond ring, the one people buy when they swear their one true love.

Find me in the next life with this keepsake.】

The picture showed Liam kissing the diamond ring on her ring finger.

Even with the blur, the tenderness in that moment was undeniable.

【I can't take this anymore, can you two just be together? Let's get a petition going, thousands of us, telling her to let you two be together!】

【Let's make it happen!】

【Count me in.】

Reply: 【She loves him a lot too. I can't bear to hurt her, or our years of friendship.】

【But she hurt you, girl! Her silence as the one who benefits is just as bad, no excuses!】

【Exactly! If it comes down to it, let's all chip in and make her disappear! Ahhh, don't call me evil, I just can't stand seeing such a wonderful girl denied her happiness.】(Author liked this comment)

【Seconded.】

Reading these comments, I felt like I'd fallen into an ice pit.

If they truly loved each other, they could have just told me.

Though it would hurt, I knew what was more important.

I could have stepped aside gracefully.

But they chose such a low and malicious way to stab me in the back.

After I calmed down, I saved all the content.

Scrolling further back, it turned out Liam had already been with Ashley three years ago when she was traveling the world.

Her photos often showed a blurry half-shoulder, and the reflection of a man in her sunglasses.

There were also videos that looked like they were shot from a boyfriend's perspective.

Back then, she'd said love wasn't important in her world; she valued freedom more.

She claimed those people were just fellow travelers she met along the way.

At the same time, Liam was on assignment at the European branch of his company.

I was completely blind.

Three years, and I had no idea.

If the algorithm hadn't led me to her burner account…

Countdown: Day Three. I reconfirmed the schedule and details with the wedding planner.

Liam glanced at his phone, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Chloe, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here alone."

"I'm heading back to the office to deal with something."

Before I could reply, he walked out with a light step.

"Liam!"

He turned back, looking puzzled.

"There are only three days left. There are some details you need to know; I can't manage them alone."

He smiled, giving me a thumbs-up.

"You can do it. Just update me later."

Liam might have forgotten.

When his family, once prominent in public service, had shifted to entrepreneurship, they were targeted by an old rival.

Realizing the danger, he dragged me, running frantically through the endless night.

In my panic, I instinctively looked back and saw someone pull out a gun.

In a split second, I lunged, shielding his back.

Fortunately, the shooter wasn't very good, and the bullet only hit my shoulder blade.

But that bone-deep pain, I'd never forget, not as long as I lived.