Chapter 3

Julian’s voice sounded incredibly dismissive. "Stella, what is it now?"

I watched the passing traffic and asked, "Was it fun, betting on my name on the invitations?"

His side went quiet for a second, followed quickly by the clinking of champagne glasses. Julian chuckled, "The invitations haven't even been printed yet. I'll have them changed back tomorrow. Melody just got back to the country. The guys were just trying to make her feel welcome."

I replied, "So my dignity is just a cheap token for you to please her?"

Julian clicked his tongue in irritation. "You’re about to become Mrs. Sterling. Can’t you show a little grace? Melody is in poor health. She just wanted to wear a wedding dress once to fulfill a bucket list wish."

Melody’s gentle voice floated over. "Julian, don't fight with Stella because of me. I'll take the dress off and give it back to her right now."

Julian’s tone instantly softened. "It’s not your fault. She's just been in a mood lately."

I looked down and saw Melody’s Instagram had updated again. Next to two movie tickets was Julian’s hand resting on the steering wheel.

That Cartier watch was something I bought him after pulling double shifts for six months at the animal shelter.

Her caption read: [Thank you for always being my safety net for the rest of my life.]

When Julian spoke to me again, his patience was completely gone. "Stella, can you not be such a buzzkill? You’re acting like a psychopath."

The call went dead. I stood at the subway entrance and cleared every single photo from our shared album with one tap.

My phone buzzed again. Julian had Venmoed me five thousand dollars with a note: "Go buy a bag. Stop throwing a tantrum."

Standing at the turnstile, I declined the transfer and put Julian's profile on "Do Not Disturb."

He quickly sent a text: "Stella, that’s enough. Take the exit ramp I’m giving you. Don't wait until I lose my patience."

I let out a cold laugh and didn't reply.

That night, I went back to our penthouse and started packing my things.

As the cardboard boxes piled up in the corner, I threw my animal shelter ID badge right into one.

Just last week, Julian’s mother had told me, "A Sterling daughter-in-law rolling around in the dirt with stray animals is embarrassing." So, I had handed in my resignation.

Thinking about it now, it was utterly pathetic.

As I bent down to grab the packing tape, Julian’s FaceTime call suddenly flashed on my screen.

I answered. The screen showed the warm, upscale lighting of a boutique pet store.

Melody was standing next to him, cradling a ragdoll cat, while Julian held a bag of imported cat food. He frowned. "Why did you decline the money?"

I taped the box shut. "Don't need it."

Julian said coldly, "You don't need it? Does your pathetic salary even cover the wedding cancellation fees? Don't make yourself look cheap just to spite me."

Melody leaned closer to the camera, her eyes perfectly rimmed with tears. "Stella, are you mad at Julian because I tried on the wedding dress yesterday?"

I looked at the cat in her arms and warned quietly, "That cat has discharge in its ears. You should probably stop taking photos and take it to a vet first."

Melody’s face stiffened. Julian instantly blocked the lens. "Can you stop talking to people like they're stray mutts?"

My hand holding the tape froze.

He used to love watching me treat injured animals. He used to say that when I bent down to help them, I practically glowed.

Melody bit her lip. "It’s all my fault. My health is bad, and having a wedding dress photo shoot was just a silly dream of mine. I'll delete the photos right now."

Julian wrapped an arm around her shoulder, his voice softening. "Don't delete anything. You did nothing wrong."

When he turned back to me, his face was like ice. "Stella, look at how sweet Melody is, and look at you. Your petty jealousy is exhausting."

I folded the top of the box. "You two deserve each other."

Julian didn't seem to process it. He went silent for two seconds before laughing. "Fine. Keep playing your little drama. I’ll have my assistant reprint the invitations tomorrow."