Chapter 2
The internet search engines were filled with trending news, all of them titled, “Love that Spans Through Childhood” and “A Perfect Match of Talent and Beauty.” “They Make Us
Believe in Love.”
As I scrolled through the headlines, my phone buzzed. It was Anthony. His calm and steady voice asked, “Should I have those trending posts removed?”
I gave him a smile. “There is no need. That matter has nothing to do with me anymore. Why do we have to waste our money on irrelevant matters?”
He chuckled. “Fair enough. Let’s save our
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money. How about we try on engagement
outfits today? The ones I had flown in yesterday should have arrived.”
Only yesterday, we had only decided to get engaged and this morning, the outfits were already here. I was at a loss for words and was touched by his efficiency. In contrast, during my engagement preparations with Robert, I handled everything on my own. All he‘ d ever contributed were a few impatient remarks. He had never thought about how exhausted I might feel.
Yet now, Anthony has shown me how a true fiancé should act.
The dress Anthony had brought and shipped in from abroad fit me perfectly. The designer
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smiled and said, “Mr. Norton insisted I come along to ensure the fit. If it needed any adjustments, he wanted them done on the spot. I was under so much pressure, but now that I see you, I understand why he’s so anxious. He really loves you.”
“He’s also asked me to design your wedding dress. I’ll need to take your measurements and I’ve brought a few sketches for you to choose from. Which one do you like best?”
My cheeks flushed red and Anthony stood by and smiled with an enigmatic expression.
After an entire day of trying on dresses and jewelry, I returned home utterly exhausted. Just as I sat down, my phone rang. It was Robert. As soon as I picked up the phone, he
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yelled, “Where are you? Why aren’t you here
yet? Do you enjoy keeping everyone waiting?”
Confused, I asked, “Where am I supposed to
be?”
Robert sneered, “Well, well, Trudy. Are you playing dumb just now? I had sent you a text. Diana is returning to the country today. I’m going to a welcome banquet for Diana. She insisted you come. Get here now. I’ve sent you the location.”
I checked my phone and found there was an unread WhatsApp message from him. It was sent hours ago.
Besides sending the location, Diana also sent a voice message. She said, “Trudy, it’s been years since we’ve seen each other. Come and
4/7
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hang out together. Don’t tell me you‘ re still bothered by my relationship with Robbie,
huh?”
Then I heard Robert take the phone and say, “Trudy, if you don’t come over, I’ll keep the painting that I promised you.”
My resolve crumbled. Robert had photographed an oil painting that I had long wanted. He promised me that he would give it to me but he never did. Apparently, he was using it to blackmail me. I sighed, got up and went there. Fine. A few more days of dealing with these repulsive things wouldn’t kill me. When I arrived at the restaurant, they had already started drinking. Diana and Robert sat at the head of the table. They were a
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picture–perfect couple.
As soon as she saw me, Diana made a show to stand up and with a feigned warmth called up, “Trudy, you’re here! Sit here.” Then she prepared to move to the seat beside her to make room for me.
Robert immediately grabbed her hand, “She can sit anywhere. You stay here. You‘ re the star tonight.”
Diana gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, Trudy. Robbie’s been drinking some wine and is a bit drunk. Don’t mind him.”
I calmly took a random seat and sat down. “It’s fine. Whenever I sit do not matter.
Besides, Robert’s right. You’re the main star tonight.”
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Robert’s friends began to tease. “We were just talking about Robert picking you up at the airport. Honestly, you two look so good together. That trending photo? I was in a daze. It’s like something out of a movie.”
“You two really should be together. Breaking
up
before was such a waste. Now that Diana is back in the country to develop her career, you two can start over.”
