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

His eyes slowly filled with disgust.

To him, I was nothing more than a suitable marriage partner from start to finish.

It's okay, Declan … the bride has changed.

After the gathering ended, Sadie leaned against Declan's shoulder, intoxicated. Their posture was intimate. When he heard Sadie's uncomfortable moans, Declan gently caressed her face and whispered, "We're almost home."

As I sat in the passenger seat, I sorted through my mind about which things I needed to throw away and which things I took from Declan's house.

The designated driver interrupted my thoughts. Through the rearview mirror, he stared straight at the two people who were cuddling in the backseat and said, "You two must be newlyweds, huh? You're so much in love."

Declan gave an awkward smile. “No, the one in the passenger seat is my fiancée.”

When we arrived at the destination and paid, the designated driver apologized to me, "Sorry. I misunderstood."

I just smiled and said, "It's okay."

When I looked back, Declan and Sadie were already almost out of sight, as they disappeared at the end of the road.

As the streetlight went out and I walked in the darkness, I felt as if I was suddenly transported back to summer six years ago.

Back then, the old alley often lost power and every time, Declan would arrive early at the alley entrance to pick me up. No matter how many times I told him it wasn’t necessary, he showed up anyway.

His love made me forget that I was never afraid of the dark, to begin with.

When I arrived home, Declan poked his head out of the bathroom. His face and neck were covered in Sadie's lipstick marks.

“Alice, you go to sleep first. I'll come later," he said.

I stared at the hickey on his neck, a hint of sarcasm flashed in my eyes and I said lightly, “It's okay. Even if you don't come to bed at all … sharing a room with Sadie is fine."

“What? Are you jealous now?” Declan's tone grew harsher. "Sadie and I are just friends."

In the dark, damp basement, we watched a tacky soap opera. Back then, Declan had rested his chin on top of my head and said in disgust, "The male lead knows his behavior is inappropriate, yet still makes excuses."

Then he promised, "Don't worry. I’ll never be like that.”

He kept his promise, always maintaining proper boundaries before doing anything or staying alone with a woman … until Sadie came back.

"Declan." Sadie's voice floated from the bathroom. "My head’s spinning. Can you come in immediately?”

Her tone was practically suggestive. Declan immediately said, "You can think whatever you want." Then he turned around and entered the bathroom.

Since I tossed and turned, unable to sleep, I got up and began packing my belongings. Everything Declan had ever given me, I tossed into the trash.

Perhaps the sound of me opening and closing the suitcase was too loud because Declan pushed open the door and said in a deep voice, "Don't you know we're sleeping? What are you doing so early in the morning? A big cleanup?”

I replied casually, “Something like that.” However, my eyes fell on the pajamas he was wearing. Those were the couple’s pajamas we bought in Paris on our anniversary.

Declan cleared his throat twice. “Sadie didn’t have anything to wear, so I just grabbed a pair of pajamas for her. If you mind, we can buy another pair next time we go to Paris.”

“No need.” I hid the suitcase and said, “It’s just a pair of pajamas. It's no use to be upset over it."

Declan embraced me. "Alice, you’ve matured. You’re so understanding now. There’s a meeting this afternoon, so come early."

That man still did not get it. I stayed calm because my love for him had gone. That was the reason.

As soon as I arrived at the company, I received a message on my phone about a meeting in the conference room.

As I pushed open the door, Declan and all the board members turned to look at me. Unlike before, today their eyes were filled with anger and resentment.