Chapter 7

Lucas came back quickly.

Natalie was following behind him.

As usual, she was shy and timid, hiding behind Lucas, peeking out timidly.

She glanced at me quickly, then hurriedly lowered her head.

When she greeted me, her voice was as quiet as a mosquito's hum: "Sister Hazel, hello."

I looked at her and suddenly understood why Lucas would be moved.

Such a delicate flower, fragile and pitiful, in need of love and care.

And yet she could bear the pressure and stay by Lucas's side without complaint.

A weak girl gritting her teeth and putting on a brave face - how could a man not be moved?

Lucas had always been somewhat macho. He liked submission, not assertiveness.

I often had my own opinions, which he found somewhat objectionable.

And I would never hide behind him like Natalie did.

As if he was her safe harbor, her whole world.

Seeing that I hadn't spoken for a long time, just staring at her, she became a bit flustered.

She tugged gently at Lucas's clothes, swaying slightly, seeking help.

Lucas turned his head and gave her a reassuring look.

He then turned to me: "Hazel, Natalie is greeting you."

I watched their little interaction and suddenly felt like laughing.

But I held it in.

I nodded, considering it as having returned the greeting.

I turned to face the mirror, admiring my wedding dress.

Through the mirror, I saw a flash of anger cross Lucas's face, gone in an instant.

At that moment, my heart felt blocked, as if a stone was pressing on it, making it hard to breathe.

I took a deep breath, trying hard not to show it.

But I still failed.

Because I heard Natalie say: "Sister Hazel looks so beautiful in the wedding dress. I want to try one too. I wonder if that's okay."

And Lucas, my fiancé, said: "Of course."

"If you like it, try it on. It's fine."

Then he took a wedding dress and handed it to Natalie.

As luck would have it, it was one of the dresses we had decided to keep for final selection earlier.

At that moment, the anger in my heart suddenly couldn't be contained anymore—