Chapter 4

After dawn, Theo's call woke me up.

"Nora, are you awake? I ordered your favorite breakfast. I won't be back today, there's an emergency at the company, let's reschedule the wedding photos."

"Don't worry about last night, I apologized to Lydia for you."

"Alright."

Theo didn't expect me to agree so easily.

Awkwardly, he added, "The wedding is just a formality, our relationship is so strong, we don't need to prove anything with this, let's keep it simple."

"Alright."

Keep it simple.

This wedding had no marriage certificate, no wedding photos, no emcee, and no bride.

After hanging up, I used a marker to cross off "wedding photos" on the calendar.

Theo was busy with work, rarely having time for me.

So I wrote down all the things I wanted to do on the calendar.

I planned to fulfill all my wishes during the wedding period.

Unfortunately, one by one, those wishes got covered by thick marker strokes.

They became unspeakable regrets.

I no longer focused on Theo.

After submitting my resignation, I met up with some friends to say goodbye.

In the following days, I slowly contacted my friends here, informing them that the wedding was canceled.

"Actually, we all guessed..."

A friend opened Theo's social media for me to see.

"During this time, Theo has been with Lydia."

"People who don't know might think the person in his posts is you, but we recognized her immediately."

Theo, who never posted a photo of me, now had his profile filled with images of Lydia.

They watched movies together, dined at restaurants, strolled in parks.

His love for Lydia was blatant.

Yet he blocked me from seeing it.

My friend looked at me with concern.

"Nora, don't be too upset. Lydia can't compare to you. If Theo knew her true colors, he would definitely regret it."

"Theo has been spending all his time with Lydia lately."

"People who aren't familiar with them think it's you in his social media posts, but we can tell otherwise."

Theo has never shared a single photo of me. Now his feed is filled with Lydia.

They go to movies, dine out, and stroll in parks together.

His affection for Lydia is on full display.

Except, I'm the one who's blocked out.

My friend gives me a worried glance.

"Nora, don't be too upset. Lydia can't hold a candle to you. Theo will realize his mistake once he sees her true colors."

"It's alright. I've stopped caring long ago."

I gaze out at the street.

In a few days, I'll leave this place for good.

I don't have the time or energy to be heartbroken over Theo.

So when Theo finally returns after being away for days, I remain indifferent.

5.

Upon his return, he keeps responding to messages, barely looking around.

"Why is the house so empty? Didn't you pack?"

"You said to keep it simple."

Theo falls silent, his eyes landing on the countdown showing "7."

"Time flies. Our wedding is just a week away."

I tear off two pages. "Our wedding is in five days."

These pages had wishes like "go to the beach together" and "stargaze together."

But Theo will never notice anything about me.

Just then, my sister calls, and I step out to the balcony for a brief chat.

When I return, Theo is still on his phone. "What's up? I thought I heard something about a plane ticket."

"Nothing, just work stuff."

"Okay, just don't plan a honeymoon. I'm too busy."

"I know."

Since Lydia returned, he hasn't wanted to be apart from her for a second.

Trying to ease the awkwardness, I hand Theo the bracelet.

His calm eyes light up immediately.

"So it was with you. I've been searching everywhere for it."

"I know. I saw your high-priced lost and found post online."

Ten thousand for a simple bracelet.

Our entire wedding costs only five thousand.

I look at Theo and suddenly ask, "Where's your wedding ring?"

He pauses, only realizing then his finger is bare.

"Not sure when I lost it..."

Theo tries to explain, but another message arrives on his phone.

It's Lydia's special notification sound.

He glances at it, then stands to kiss my forehead.

"Sorry, babe. I've been so busy lately. Please take care of the wedding details."

"Once things settle, I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world."

Theo, usually so quiet, suddenly knows how to sweet-talk.

In the past, I would have been moved.

I'd have felt like I warmed that icy mountain.

But now, I wash my face with disdain and continue my own tasks.

Time slips by.

Soon it's the day before the wedding.

The calendar's wish is "have dinner together."

It's been my biggest wish for years.

But I know it will never come true.

My sister won't forgive the one who hurt me.

And I won't forgive Theo.

I went to the beach myself, watching the stars by the sea.

The starry sky envelops this familiar land, and all memories seem to fade with the sea breeze.

Meanwhile, Lydia posts a new update.

A big family dinner, everyone is there.

Theo is beaming as he serves Lydia food.

The caption reads, "Both families meeting, discussing final wedding details."

I don't feel angry, just amused.

Whose wedding? Mine or Lydia's?

I block and delete Lydia, trying to compose something to Theo, but I can't send it.

Just as I'm about to head home, Theo calls.

"Where are you? Why aren't you at home?"

"Send me your location. I miss you."

6

Theo arrives quickly.

Once in the car, I notice a pillow on the passenger seat.

I move it aside and find an opened box of condoms.

Hesitating, I choose to sit in the back seat.

Theo's eyes remain glued to his phone, oblivious to my discomfort.

He casually asks, "Why the beach? Is everything for the wedding done?"

"Almost."

"I remember you always wanted to go to the beach. When I have time, I'll take you for a proper trip. I didn't mean to interrupt today, but my mom wanted to see you."

In Theo's eyes, the wedding is solely my responsibility.

He only thinks of me when he needs me.

I don't respond; my eyes sting from the wind.

At the old house, only leftovers remain.

Dad is chatting with Aunt Hazel.

Aunt Hazel warmly takes my hand.

"Nora, I really like you. You're sensible and well-behaved."

As she says this, her eyes flicker to Lydia.

"Though with Theo's conditions, he could find someone better. But I advised him to cherish what he has."

"But you're not young anymore. After the wedding, maybe stop working, have a child soon, and focus on taking care of Theo."

I respond perfunctorily. When I look up, Theo is already by Lydia's side.

He brings bridal and bridesmaid dresses for us to try on.

"Knowing you're busy, I let Lydia choose. She has better taste than you."

The old yellowed dress even has a tear.

Meanwhile, Lydia, in a white dress, looks more like the bride.

Theo seems anxious.

"It must be a store mistake, nothing to do with Lydia."

"It's too late to change. I'll figure something out tomorrow."

"It's fine."

I calmly want to change out of the bridal dress.

But Lydia suggests taking a big group photo.

She squeezes me to the side, standing next to Theo.

As the shutter clicks, she nudges me.

The final photo is so blurry, I can't be recognized.

Theo suggests retaking it.

I smile, "Maybe another time. It's late."

The wish for a group photo has already been crossed off my list.

Lydia, with teary eyes, apologizes to me.

"Sis, don't be mad at Theo. I'll scour the city tonight to find you a dress you'll like."

With that, she runs out crying.

Theo glares at me and chases after her.

I feel bored and leave with the tattered dress.

Anyway, tomorrow, everything will be over.