He's Married Yet Desperate to Stop My Wedding

After what happened last time, I still get a little freaked out just thinking about it.

I decided I should just start my own business instead.

"Hillary, I know you're going to be a famous designer!"

Leander helped me set up an online shop called "Becoming a Butterfly."

The idea was about transforming into something beautiful.

The day my shop launched was also Colton's wedding day.

His wedding was the talk of the town.

I didn't have time to go, not like I wanted to, so I just had Colleen give a cash gift on my behalf.

I heard the ceremony was over the top.

But honestly, I didn't care.

My shop officially opened.

And it got its very first client—Leander.

"Can you design me a one-of-a-kind ring?"

I froze for a second when I heard his request.

There's this weird pang in my chest.

Was he… also getting married?

Noticing my reaction, Leander quickly explained, "Valentine's Day is coming up next month, and the company's planning a special event. I want a unique ring to be the highlight."

"Sure!"

I felt strangely happy and couldn't resist joking.

"Guess you're giving me free advertising, huh?"

"Yeah. Who knows? Maybe your shop will blow up overnight."

I thought he was just joking, but holy cow—after his company promoted the ring, my small shop actually became popular!

Orders came flooding in, one after the other.

Every day, all I did was eat, sleep, and hunch over my tablet, working on designs.

My savings started stacking up fast!

It was exhausting but kind of exhilarating.

When Colleen's birthday came around, I splurged on a loose diamond and used it in a custom necklace design for her.

I planned to have someone deliver it.

But she insisted I come to the party, so I put work on hold and went.

The venue was filled mostly with familiar faces.

When I spotted Colton and his wife, I made sure to avoid them and found a seat at another table.

"Hillary! Sit over here!" Colleen called, patting the empty seat beside her.

It looked like she'd saved the spot for me.

What choice did I have other than to go over?

"Happy birthday! Here's a gift for you."

I handed her the present I carefully prepared. Right after that, I was about to make up an excuse to leave but...

"Buying stuff with the Wrights's money—do you even call that a gift?"

A sarcastic voice said that.

The room quickly fell silent, the air thick with awkward tension.

I looked blankly at the person who said that. She was giving me a look of pure disdain, taunting me.

It was Colton's wife.

And right next to her, Colton sat with a look like he couldn't care less.