Seven Years Shrouded in Shadows, Only to Wake from The Dream in an Instant

“Don’t worry about her!” Declan punched the wall hard. “I’ve spoiled her too much!”

Even though the hot water washed away the exhaustion from my body, Declan's words echoed in my mind.

Am I really spoiled?

When I first got together with Declan, we had to live in a basement with no sunlight and the stench of mold filled the air. That was all we had.

As my career began to take off and I graduated, I accompanied Declan to every social gathering and business dinner as his financial manager. Through this, I gradually became his backbone and confidant.

I remembered every single step we took and never once complained about the hardship we endured.

However, in Declan's eyes now, none of my contributions and companionship mattered, like a canary in a cage.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, he had placed a bowl of oatmeal on the table and said, "All the food today is spicy, which isn’t suitable for pregnant women. I asked Lorrie to make it for you."

The way he said a bowl of oatmeal as if he was fishing for applause.

Seeing that he hovered awkwardly by the bedroom door, I let out a sigh and said, "If you have something to say, just say it.”

"Alice, our university classmates heard that Sadie has returned to the country and insisted on organizing a class reunion …. Will you come with us?"

“No!” I replied without hesitation. Ever since I knew Declan and Sadie were lovers back in college and everyone knew about it, I made a rule never to go to his class reunion.

Declan always knew about it, but this time, he insisted. "Alice, they’ve been asking to meet you. We’re getting married soon. You can’t possibly meet my friends for the first time on our wedding day, right?”

Suddenly, without me noticing it, Sadie was already at the door. "Alice, join us."

I did not say anything for a long time. However, seeing impatience growing on Declan's face, I nodded.

His classmates’ intentions were obvious. They just wanted to compare me to Sadie.

Sure enough, as soon as we arrived, everyone's eyes kept darting between me and Sadie. Seeing us, they laughed. "I think Sadie is more beautiful."

Declan was a bit angry. "This is my fiancée, Alice. Alice Sanders."

He pulled me into his arms. “If you can’t respect her, you’re not respecting me.”

Everyone laughed and tried to smooth things over, “We wouldn’t dare.”

The repeated “Hello, sister-in-law” made Sadie's expression grow sour.

After three rounds of drinks, I felt Declan's arm around my waist, his breath, tinged with alcohol, brushing against my ear, "I'm happy you agreed to come to the class reunion with me.”

I smiled faintly. “Well, it’s the last time.”

He chuckled. “Right. I won’t make you come again.”

He did not catch the real meaning behind my words and I did not have any intention to tell him.

Suddenly, the loud clink of a glass hitting the table made everyone jump.

“Sorry, I think I'm a bit drunk.” Sadie looked at me and asked, “Can you accompany me to the restroom?”

She pressed me against the wall. “How long will you be gone? Don't tell me hearing you were called ‘sister-in-law’ a few times and you refuse to leave.”

“Don't worry.” I met her gaze. "I keep my words."

When I went out, Declan was smoking with his back to me.

His classmate joked, “So you’re really going through with this marriage? I thought you’d wait for Sadie forever."

Declan exhaled deeply. His tone was filled with bitterness. “I won't lie to you, Sadie has always been in my heart. However, getting married and being in love aren’t the same thing.”

He continued, "Alice is smart. She supports my career and takes care of the family. It’d be hard to find someone better.”