Chapter 2My Dead Bestie's Online Boyfriend Is My Fiancé

"Ms. Lourd, is your husband still unavailable today?"

At the bridal store, the shop assistant wore a professional smile, but the implication behind her words was obvious.

I sat alone in front of the full-length mirror.

This was the second time.

The whispers from the employees around me kept finding their way into my ears.

"That's her. She's an illustrator. I wonder how she managed to get her hands on a renowned designer like Mr. Steele."

"Mr. Steele hasn't accompanied her here even once. I doubt this marriage is going to happen."

I ignored them.

Inside the dressing room, I took out Melody's phone. The screen was filled with hundreds of unread messages from Ashton.

"Mel, why aren't you answering me?"

"Did I do something wrong? Tell me, and I'll change."

"Please answer my call, even if it's just for a second."

"Mel, are you going to leave me?"

"Please, don't leave me."

There was also a one-minute voice message. I hesitated for a long time before pressing play.

Ashton was trying to hold back his sobs, and there was the sound of a car engine in the background.

"Mel, I'm sorry... Please give me one more chance... I'll die without you... I really will..."

The same man who had told me to "shut up" last night and accused me of being unreasonable was now sobbing so hard he could barely breathe on the other end.

Someone knocked on the dressing room door. "Ms. Lourd, Mr. Jaeger is here."

Milo Jaeger was Ashton's childhood best friend.

I hurriedly wiped the tears off my face and changed out of the wedding dress before walking out.

Milo sat on the couch with his legs crossed. When he saw me, he pulled a black card from his wallet and slapped it onto the table.

He said impatiently, "I'm here to make the payment. Ashton's busy. How could he possibly have time to come pick out this stuff with you?"

Milo stood up and walked over to me.

Lowering his voice, he said, "Shayna, let me be frank with you. You know why Ashton chose you. You're obedient, easy to deal with, and you don't cause trouble. He'll give you the title of Mrs. Steele, so just stay in your lane. Don't expect any of that love nonsense. That has nothing to do with you."

I raised my hand to slap him, but he grabbed my wrist.

His grip tightened as he continued, "Upset already? I'm warning you. Ashton hasn't been in a good mood these past few days, so don't go looking for trouble. If you don't want this position, there are plenty of women waiting in line."

He shoved my hand away, and I staggered back two steps.

Milo said flippantly, "The code is his birthday. Pick whatever wedding dress you want. You'll only wear it once anyway."

With that, he straightened his suit and left.

I stood alone in the empty bridal store.

On my phone, my fiance was crying and begging the other "me" not to leave him. In front of me was the black card his best friend had thrown at me.

"Ms. Lourd, are you happy with this wedding dress?"

"No. I don't want it."