Chapter 4

Mrs. Davies grabbed my hand, moved. "Serena marrying you is her good fortune! Alex, you're truly wonderful!"

I smiled back, my smile flawless.

Serena returned after 1 AM.

Carrying the scent of smoke, alcohol, and men's cologne.

She kicked off her heels, her steps a little unsteady. Seeing me on the sofa, she paused.

"Not asleep yet?"

"Waiting for you." I put down the book I hadn't actually been reading, my voice calm. "I want to talk about the wedding."

She froze. "Why the sudden talk about this?"

"It's not sudden, we've been together for years."

"I went to see your parents today and discussed it with them."

She turned, her face full of surprise. "You went to my parents'? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Wanted to surprise you."

I smiled, walking towards her, observing the subtle shifts in her expression.

"I told your parents my plans. Bridal gifts: a million dollars cash."

Serena's fingers tightened around the water glass she was holding.

I continued, "A fully-paid luxury apartment downtown, over 150 square meters, and I'll buy you a BMW. All registered solely in your name."

The surprise on her face gradually morphed into barely suppressed delight, her eyes flickering.

"Alex, you... where did you get all this money?"

"Just happened to have an unexpected real estate windfall back home," I said nonchalantly. "Didn't want to say anything until it was confirmed. Now that the money's secured, it's time to set our wedding date."

The last trace of doubt vanished from her eyes, replaced by an almost burning glow.

"You're unbelievable, not telling me about something this big beforehand."

"However... you've already discussed it with my parents, so what can I say?"

She took a step forward, gently leaned into my embrace, and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"I'll do whatever you want."

After her shower, Serena emerged wearing a silk nightgown.

She lay beside me, her arm draped across my chest, her eyes seductively alluring.

"Honey, I want..."

She tilted her head, her lips actively seeking mine.

I suddenly remembered Blake's words on the phone: "Without your permission, I would never let him touch me." My stomach churned, and I felt on the verge of throwing up right then and there.

A split second before her lips touched mine, I pushed her away.

She froze.

I sat up, took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, I really don't feel well today. My head's spinning."

"And... there's a lot to prepare for tomorrow."

"Let's just get some sleep."

In the darkness, I could feel her gaze on me, filled with astonishment and a hint of rejected anger.

But she said nothing more, silently turned over, and lay with her back to me.

Soon after, I heard the steady rhythm of her breathing, whether real or feigned, I couldn't tell.

I, however, had no sleep in me. My eyes remained open until the sky began to lighten.

...

On the morning of the engagement party, while Serena was getting her hair done, I quietly picked up her phone.

The password was still the one we'd set when we first started dating; she'd never changed it.

The latest messages were from Blake, sent in the early hours.

"The thought of you marrying him makes me sick."

"Where's the dressing room? I'll come find you before the ceremony."

"Wearing that gown... I want you right there."

"Consider it an engagement gift for Alex!"

I smirked, silently placing the phone back.

Screen down, as if untouched.

Then, I pulled out my own phone and sent a message.

"Dressing room, before the ceremony."

"Everything else, as planned."