Running Away from Marriage, Leaving Deception Behind

After a brief pause, Ambrose summoned someone to bring over a few dresses.

“Hazel,” he said softly, “I know you’ve been busy lately, so I asked Scarlett to pick out a wedding dress for you. Take a look and see if any of them catch your eye.”

Scarlett’s voice rang out cheerfully as she leaned in close.

“Sis, I’m your bridesmaid, remember? We’ll be walking down the aisle together, and everyone will see just how stunning we both look!”

Her father, a picture of affection, ruffled Scarlett’s hair with a proud smile.

Ambrose, too, grinned at the father-daughter moment, clearly pleased.

But Hazel couldn’t tear her eyes away from the wedding dress in front of her.

The fabric had yellowed with age, the cheap material stretched thin, and a large tear marred the chest. It stood out in stark contrast to Scarlett’s bridesmaid dress, elegantly designed with delicate lace and a fishtail cut that hugged her figure. If anyone looked like a bride, it was Scarlett.

Scarlett twirled with delight, her excitement evident in every spin.

“It’s gorgeous! If I had a crown, it would be perfect.”

Ambrose, never one to miss a beat, responded, “That’s easily arranged. Hazel has one, right? She’s the older sister; she wouldn’t mind handing it over.”

His gaze shifted to Hazel, but he paused as he caught sight of the wedding dress in her hands.

“How did this happen?”

Hazel’s eyes flicked toward Scarlett, and before she could speak, Ambrose stepped protectively in front of her.

“It must have been a mistake at the shop. It’s nothing to do with Scarlett. I’ll have someone fix it right away.”

Scarlett feigned concern, her voice sweet with a hint of mockery.

“But it’s so late now. The bridal shops must be closed... How about we borrow a second-hand dress for now? After all, didn’t you always say you wanted a simple wedding, Sis?”

All eyes turned to Hazel.

For two powerful families like theirs, finding a brand-new dress wouldn’t be an issue. But instead of going the extra mile, they seemed content to let Hazel compromise. After all, she’d always been the one to bear the brunt of their demands.

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t want to trouble anyone,” Hazel replied with a graceful smile. “You all have your own matters to attend to. I’ll handle it myself.”

Her smile swept through the room, effortlessly dissolving the tension.

The group returned to their chatter and coffee as if Hazel’s silent suffering hadn’t even been there.

Ambrose’s gaze lingered on her, his heart heavy with the knowledge of how much this wedding meant to her, yet his hands were tied. He feared the disappointment that might flicker in her eyes.

With a quiet sigh, he pulled out a bank card, handing it to her with a soft, reassuring tone.

“Don’t worry about the cost. Whatever makes you happy, that’s what matters.”

Hazel hesitated for a moment, the card feeling like an invisible barrier between them as she accepted it, her gratitude simple but final.

That soft “thank you” hung in the air, a silent line drawn between them.

Ambrose’s chest tightened, discomfort swirling inside him, but the words to bridge that gap refused to come.

Scarlett watched them closely for a moment, then, ever the opportunist, retrieved a camera from the bedroom.

“Why don’t we take a family photo now? Tomorrow will be so chaotic that the pictures might not come out right.”

Ambrose agreed without a second thought, drawing Hazel into the center, her presence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest.

Just as the shutter clicked, Scarlett darted forward, stepping between them.

In the instant that Hazel lost her balance and tumbled to the floor, Ambrose’s heart lurched in panic.

“Hazel!” He cried, reaching out instinctively to catch her.

But Scarlett, ever the actress, burst into tears at that very moment.

Ambrose froze, just for a heartbeat. Three seconds of indecision. Then, with a swift motion, he turned to Scarlett.

He abandoned Hazel to crash against the sharp edge of the shelf, his hands gently pulling Scarlett into his arms, wiping away her feigned tears with a tenderness that sent a chill through Hazel’s veins.