Chapter 2My Childhood Friend Stole My Priceless Wedding Dress for His Girlfriend

After all, Mr. Hayes had always been kind to me; I couldn't just stand by and let him die.

3

"Skylar, I'm so sorry. It's my fault for not teaching Dean properly."

The first words Mr. Hayes spoke upon waking in the hospital room were an apology.

"Is the wedding dress very expensive? I'll sell my old house to pay you back for him. Dean's career has just started, he hasn't earned any money yet."

I've always been soft-hearted, especially when faced with an elderly man who's constantly ill. I couldn't bring myself to put more pressure on him.

"Let's forget about the money for now. Just consider it a warning, and make sure it doesn't happen again. Your health is the most important thing."

My parents always taught me to be kind to others, but not overly kind.

They had left for the countryside two days ago to pick up my grandparents for my wedding. Otherwise, Dean's stunt today would have truly infuriated them.

"However..."

My voice paused, turning icy.

"He *must* apologize for spreading those rumors about me."

Mr. Hayes's old face instantly flushed red. He picked up his phone and severely reprimanded Dean.

Less than half an hour later,

Dean appeared, head bowed, and returned the gown. Only after Mr. Hayes's scolding and threats did he grudgingly apologize:

"I'm sorry, Skylar. I was wrong. Please, for the sake of our childhood friendship, forgive me."

I reluctantly accepted his apology on the surface, but deep down, I resolved never to have anything to do with such a person again.

Walking out of the hospital, I realized it was already dark.

The whole day had been wasted by those two rotten people, and I'd accomplished nothing.

The next day,

I took the wedding gown to the custom design agency for repairs. The consultant who greeted me seemed evasive, not as warm as before, and stammered for a long time without saying anything coherent.

I instantly grew anxious.

"Just tell me what the problem is. How much will it cost? Just give me a price."

It was as if she'd finally made a decision. She pulled out her phone, found a live stream replay and played it.

"Ms. Skylar, please watch this first."

The video showed Chloe walking to the supermarket last night when a masked man dragged her into an alley, apparently intending to assault her. He was yelling:

"You dare bully my woman? You won't get away with it!"

She screamed, "Who's your woman?!"

The man retorted, "Don't play dumb! You just argued with my woman about a wedding dress today. Did you forget that fast?"

Luckily, a passerby intervened and helped her, saving Chloe from harm. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

After watching,

My blood ran cold. My entire body felt icy.

Clearly, this was a setup by Chloe, a scheme to frame me and use the public outcry to utterly ruin my reputation.

"Ms. Skylar, the internet is now flooded with insults and curses directed at you."

The consultant looked troubled.

"If it gets out that you had your gown made here, it would severely damage our reputation. So..."

Though she didn't finish her sentence, I understood her concerns. Businesses prioritize profit and avoid trouble; it was only human nature, and I couldn't fault her.

I swallowed my anger and turned to leave.

Just as I stepped out of the shop, a bucket of cold water was suddenly thrown over me.

I was instantly drenched and disheveled.

"It's this bitch! She incited her boyfriend to ruin Miss Chloe! She's got a venomous heart, truly evil!"