A Love Only the Past Knows

As soon as Seth sat down, his eyes lit up as he pointed at the gift box on the table.

"Laura and I picked out this watch together last night!" he exclaimed.

Ryder glanced at Laura, noticing her gaze was fixed on Seth. Her eyes were warm, and her faint smile carried a subtle tenderness.

"You've got a good eye," she said, adding food to Seth's plate. "He really likes it."

Seth turned to Ryder. "Ryder, don't blame Laura. She stayed up so late last night working on the wedding plans. Good thing I was there to help, or she wouldn't have even had time to drink water."

Although his words were directed at Ryder, his gaze lingered on Laura, his expression faintly accusatory.

Laura shot him a playful glare. "Alright, alright, you've done so much. Thank you."

At the table, Ryder might as well have been invisible. He couldn't get a word in.

For a moment, he laughed bitterly to himself before quickly masking his emotions.

"I'm done eating," he said. "You two go ahead. I have something I need to take care of."

Laura finally turned her attention to him. "Alright. Be careful on the road."

As Ryder stood, his eyes caught on Laura's neckline—it was bare.

"What happened to the necklace I gave you?" he asked.

Laura instinctively touched her collar. "Oh, the pearl necklace? It broke, so I put it away."

Her voice was hesitant, her explanation weak.

Ryder didn't press her. He simply turned and walked out the door. Before it closed completely, he could still hear their voices from inside.

-

Ryder met up with his close friend, Harry Milliman, at a custom suit shop.

The two had known each other since childhood.

When Ryder's parents were still alive, their families had business dealings together. They'd studied abroad at the same time and had grown closer over the years.

This was the shop where Laura had recently ordered a suit for him. Situated near the river, the store had an elegant and upscale interior.

Dressed in clothes that radiated sophistication and wealth, Ryder and Harry caught the manager's attention as soon as they stepped in.

"Are you here to order suits today?" the manager asked with a warm smile.

Ryder shook his head. "A few days ago, Ms. Laura Moon placed an order for a custom suit, right?"

"And you are?" the manager inquired.

Ryder held up his ring and a photo on his phone. "I'm her fiancé. I'm here to place an additional order."

After confirming his identity, the manager's smile widened. "Of course, sir! Will it be the same measurements?"

"No," Ryder replied. "Actually, Laura's best friend is getting married on the same day as us. To keep things coordinated, I'd like to order a matching suit for the other groom."

At that moment, Harry nudged him.

"What's up?" Ryder asked.

"Look over there. Laura," Harry muttered.

Following Harry's gaze, Ryder spotted her across the street near a bustling shopping district. She wasn't alone—Seth was with her.

Seth was carrying several large shopping bags while Laura wore his jacket over her shoulders, laughing sweetly at something he said.

Ryder only looked for a few seconds before turning away, ignoring it altogether. He handed the manager a sheet of measurements. "Please use these to make the suit."

The manager studied the numbers carefully before glancing at Harry. "These aren't for this gentleman, are they? The fit doesn't seem right for his build."

"No, it's not for him," Ryder explained. "He's just a friend who happened to come with me today."

The manager nodded in understanding. "Got it. By the way, you and Ms. Moon make such a handsome couple—a perfect match!"

Ryder smiled faintly but turned his gaze back toward the shopping district.

Laura and Seth were gone.

Before leaving, he gave the manager one final instruction. "Oh, one more thing—don't mention this to my fiancée. She doesn't know her friend is getting married on the same day. It's supposed to be a surprise at the wedding."

"Of course, Mr. Lineker. Don't worry—I won't say a word," the manager promised.

After stepping out of the shop, Harry insisted on dragging Ryder to the shopping district.

"Where'd you get those measurements?" Harry asked.

"Six months ago, Laura's company held a gala, and she asked me to get a suit made for Seth," Ryder explained.

"What?" Harry's voice was so loud it made Ryder's head throb.

"Keep your voice down," Ryder said, rubbing his temple.

"She asked you to make a suit for her assistant? The nerve of her!" Harry hissed.

Ryder chuckled helplessly.

He remembered that argument all too well. It had been one of their bigger fights, but, as always, he had ended up compromising in the end.