After two days locked away, the door finally creaked open. Harsh white light spilled in, and Evelyn instinctively curled up, shrinking back into the corner.
Brandon stood at the doorway, his brow furrowed. “What the hell happened?”
The doctor hesitated, about to speak–but Vanessa had already hurried in, her voice soft and sweet. “Brandon, she’s suffered enough. Let’s just take her home.”
She reached out to help Evelyn up, but Evelyn jerked away violently.
Her head hung low, messy hair shielding her face. A white bandage was wrapped around her right wrist, the
gauze barely hiding angry red marks beneath.
Brandon’s gaze tightened. “It was only been two days. Why is she acting like she’s been tortured?”
The doctor looked like he wanted to say something, but Vanessa was already looping her arm around
Brandon’s. “Her right hand’s still injured. She must be in a lot of pain.”
Brandon frowned, walked over, and reached out to touch Evelyn’s hair, as if expecting her to melt under his
hand like before.
“Come on, Evelyn. Let’s go home.”
She flinched hard, pulling away from his hand like she’d been burned.
Brandon’s hand froze midair.
On the drive back, Evelyn leaned against the car window, blankly staring at the blur of the passing city.
“About tomorrow…” Brandon finally said, his voice uncertain and hesitant. “The ceremony with Vanessa-
it’s just for show,”
She didn’t respond.
“You know it’s only to keep my mom happy,” he added, glancing sideways at her. “I’ll cancel the divorce.
Nothing’s happened between me and her.”
Still, Evelyn said nothing.
From the front passenger seat, Vanessa turned around and smiled sweetly.
“Evelyn, would you come help me pick out a wedding dress later?”
Brandon frowned. “She’s still healing.”
“But she’s been married before–she’ll know what looks good,” Vanessa said, all wide–eyed innocence.
Chapter 6
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“Besides, I’d really value her opinion.”
Brandon hesitated, then looked at Evelyn. “Would you?”
“…Sure.”
At the bridal boutique, Vanessa let out an excited gasp. “Oh my god, this one is stunning!”
She ran her fingers down the lace skirt and turned back with a bright smile. “Brandon, I love this one!”
Evelyn’s head snapped up. Her chest tightened.
It was her wedding dress.
Her late mother, once a renowned bridal designer, had crafted this gown, her final masterpiece, by hand as a
final gift for her daughter. There was only one in the world.
After the wedding, Evelyn had stored it here for safekeeping because it was too precious to risk damage.
“No,” Evelyn’s voice trembled. “That gown belongs to me.‘
Vanessa turned to Brandon with teary eyes. “But I really love it…”
Brandon was silent for a few seconds. Then, with a low voice, he said, “Evelyn, it’s just a dress. Let her have
it.”
Evelyn stared at him in disbelief. “You know exactly what this means to me.”
It was her mother’s last gift–her only connection left.
Brandon looked away, voice growing colder. “You can order a new one.
Vanessa was already asking the assistant to help her try it on.
Evelyn stood there frozen, her nails digging into her palms, blood seeping between her tingers, but she couldn’t feel a thing.
When Vanessa stepped out in the gown, the staff gasped.
“She looks stunning.”
“It’s like it was tailored just for her!”
Vanessa did a slow twirl, grinning as she looked at Evelyn. “What do you think, Evelyn?”
Evelyn stared at her, throat tightening. Not a word came out.
Brandon stood nearby, a flicker of something crossing his face before he said, “It fits her well.”
Chapter 6
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Vanessa beamed even more–then suddenly stumbled with a soft “Oops!” and fell to the floor with a rip.
The skirt tore down the side.
Evelyn’s mind blanked with a ringing in her ears.
She lunged forward like a madwoman, shoved Vanessa aside, and grabbed the torn gown with trembling arms. “You did it on purpose!”
Vanessa collapsed conveniently into Brandon’s arms, eyes welling with tears. “I didn’t mean to… Evelyn, why would you push me?”
Brandon yanked Evelyn by the wrist. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
Tears streamed down Evelyn’s face, dripping onto the ruined fabric. “That dress… it was the last thing my mom ever made for me.”
Brandon froze for a second, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
But Vanessa was already sobbing into his chest. “Brandon, I… it really hurts.‘
He shut his eyes and spoke coldly. “Enough. Stop making a scene.
Then he turned and walked away.
“}
The shop assistants exchanged awkward glances and whispered among themselves.
“Poor thing…”
“Isn’t she the reason Mr. Carter’s mom was paralyzed for two years?”
Evelyn dropped to her knees, slowly picking up the scattered beads and torn lace, her tears burning hot as they slid down her hands.
She crumpled to her knees, clutching the shredded gown to her chest, sobbing like her lungs were collapsing
inside her.
Just like her love–once dazzling as diamonds, now reduced to shards too small to gather.
Chapter 6
