Chapter 4
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I told my parents everything about Dario and Miley.
Their faces turned dark with anger. Dad slammed his hand on the table. “This is outrageous! Do they think they can make a fool out of the Paxton family?”
But I felt strangely calm, and even found myself comforting them.
“Let me go through with the marriage to the Tavin family. I’m willing,” I said, my voice steady and resolute.
My parents tried to argue, but in the end, they nodded and agreed. They sent a message to the Tavin family, making the arrangement official.
The union of the Tavin and Paxton families was a major event in the business world.
News of our engagement spread quickly throughout New York City, plastered across billboards and social media.
Alden Tavin texted me on WhatsApp. After introducing himself as my fiancé, he politely asked if I had any requests or needs–he would do his best to fulfill them.
I looked at his photo–a refined, well–mannered gentleman. Spending a lifetime in a respectful partnership with some- one like him didn’t sound so bad.
Once the decision was made, I threw myself into wedding preparations.
Alden sent me the address of a bridal shop, saying he’d arranged for several custom gowns for me to choose from.
When I arrived, an attendant greeted me at the door and led me to a private VIP fitting room.
I had to admit–he had excellent taste.
Standing before the mirror in a wedding dress, I looked radiant.
Suddenly, I thought of Dario.
I’d imagined this scene a thousand times–me in a wedding gown, marrying him.
Now, the memory felt filthy, something that clung to me and made me sick to my stomach.
Just as I was about to say yes to the dress, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Wow, Dario, this wedding dress is gorgeous!”
Miley clung to Dario’s arm, her face glowing with happiness as she pointed at the dress I was wearing.
The moment she saw my face, her expression twisted with shock and jealousy.
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Chapter 4
He froze, then quickly let go of her hand and hurried over to me, clearly nervous. “Edith.”
He rushed to explain, “Miley wanted to look at wedding dresses, so I brought her here. That’s all.”
Maybe worried I’d get the wrong idea, he added, “There’s nothing going on–we’re just looking.”
Miley glared at me with pure resentment.
I ignored her, nodding coolly.
Dario looked at me in awe. “Edith, you look beautiful.”
A wave of nausea rose inside me. I turned away, focusing on my reflection in the mirror.
Suddenly, he seemed to realize something. “What are you doing here?”
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I adjusted the necklace around my neck, replying offhandedly, “The Tavin and Paxton families are joining through marriage. Didn’t you know?”
Dario blinked, then nodded. “It’s Sierra’s wedding, right? You’re here to help her pick out a dress?”
My fingers paused. I glanced at Dario, a hint of mockery in my eyes.
I wanted to ask why he was so sure, but the words died in my throat.
There was nothing left between Dario and me.
No reason to waste another word.
When I didn’t answer, he lowered his voice, trying to coax me gently. “Edith, I know I haven’t been around much these past few days. Once Miley’s feeling better, I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
He swore, “Don’t worry, when Sierra gets married, I’ll make sure to prepare a generous gift.”
I turned to look at him, suddenly finding the whole thing absurd.
A small, cold smile tugged at my lips.
“All right. I’ll be waiting for your gift.”
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