Chapter 2
When Mara and Beckett’s brother hurriedly got married, their union was so rushed that they only signed the marriage certificate without any formal celebration or wedding banquet.
Now, with Beckett offering her the title of “wife,” I couldn’t help but think: Why not help her realize her quiet, unspoken dream of experiencing a proper wedding?
Mara’s expression softened at my suggestion. After all, what woman didn’t, at least once, dream of being a radiant bride?
Perhaps Beckett, too, found reason in
my words because his expression subtly shifted. He stayed silent, withholding any objection.
1/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
Noticing his lack of protest, I caught the flicker of conflict in Mara’s eyes. After a pause, she cautiously asked, “Can I really try it on?”
I nodded, signaling the staff to guide her into the dressing room to try on the wedding dress.
Meanwhile, Beckett had already changed into a groom’s suit, looking every inch the part. Yet, when he noticed Mara preparing to try on the gown, he began loosening his tie, appearing ready to change out of his formal wear. I stopped him before he got too far.
“Mara’s pregnant, I reminded him, my voice steady. “She’s already uncomfortable enough. What if she needs you and you’re out of reach?”
2/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
At that, Beckett froze mid–motion. Though he stayed beside me, his unease poured from him, his restlessness evident in the subtle. movements of his hands and the tense line of his jaw.
Catching his visible discomfort, I let out a quiet scoff.
Not long after, Mara emerged from the fitting room with the staff’s assistance. Since her pregnancy hadn’t started to show yet and her frame was similar to mine, the wedding dress fit her like a dream.
Despite her effort to temper her emotions, excitement danced on Mara’s face. Timidly, she asked, “Beckett, how do I look? Is this… nice?”
Her soft voice pulled Beckett out of whatever daze he had slipped into. His eyes, which
3/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
had been lingering on her, cleared, and after a moment’s pause, he answered with a low hum of agreement.
Before the moment could settle, a staff member approached, clearly captivated. “Wow! The gown is breathtaking on you,” she exclaimed. “You two make the most perfect bride and groom I’ve ever seen!”
Her words landed like a stone in water, rippling through the room. Everyone’s expressions shifted.
Mara stiffened, her anxious gaze darting to Beckett. She forced a thin smile and quickly tried to clarify, “Oh, no, you’ve misunderstood
Before she could finish, I clapped my hands together, cutting her off. “She’s right! Mara looks absolutely stunning. You’d think this
4/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
dress was designed just for her.”
Beckett’s eyes snapped to me, disbelief flickering across his face. He knew me too well–better than perhaps anyone else. He was fully aware of my penchant for guarding what was mine, especially something as personal and symbolic as my wedding dress. Yet, here I was, not only allowing someone else to wear it but also lavishing praise upon her without hesitation.
“Clara, you-” Beckett began, his voice trailing with uncertainty.
I met his gaze head–on, blinking with deliberate innocence as I interrupted him smoothly. “Relax. I’m just stating the obvious.” Glancing at my watch for effect, I added lightly, “Anyway, I just remembered I have work to catch up on. I should probably head back to the office.”
5/8
Chaptexter 2
+ 5 Points
Before he could respond, I turned on my byee and strodecto waward the boutique’s door.or
Behind me, ecaualight movement in my peripheral visiononBaseckett started to follow, but Mara reachedsolout and stopped him.
A As I reached the threshshold, I glanced back în instinctively. Beckett wasas guiding Mara
toward the fitting room wiwith a tenderness ththat struck me like a punchoto to the gut. His totouch was careful, his focususosolely on her asas though she were the only peperson in the
roroom.
FoFor a fleeting moment, I was swepeptyby an uruncanny sensation–did he many tyenen out of olibligation, as he claimed? Or had lehagagains albadcodds, fallen in love with her?r?
I dididn’t know. And frankly, I had no desireire
6/8/
Chapter 2
+5 Points
to uncover the answer, not if it meant unraveling myself in the process.
The next day, I arrived at the hospital as scheduled for my pre–operative exam.
When the doctor asked casually about the child’s father, I offered a cool, detached reply: “He’s busy with work and couldn’t make it.”
That morning, just after waking up, I had contemplated telling him. I dialed his number more times than I could count, but after receiving no answer, I abandoned the idea.
By the time the procedure was over, I felt drained. My strength depleted, I had to steady myself against the cold, sterile walls just to navigate the hospital’s glaringly bright corridors.
7/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
As I shuffled into the main lobby, my breath hitched. There, just several steps away, was Beckett. He stood beside Mara, who was cheerfully chatting with a nurse. Judging by the clipboard in her hand, they were here for her prenatal checkup.
I stood rooted to the spot, a wave of icy realization sweeping over me.
8/8
