The Deaf Bride Isn't Deaf?

Violet took a deep breath, pressing down the dull ache in her chest. Just as she was about to leave, a pair of strong hands held her in place.

"Violet, why didn't you wait for me? Are you feeling down today?" He signed. "How about I take you to try on the wedding dress? The custom-made one has arrived. Let's see if you like it. If not, I'll have them alter it."

He wrapped her in his arms, his fingers ruffling her hair with indulgent affection.

"I don't want to go," she signed. "You can decide on the dress."

She would be gone by the wedding day. She wouldn't be there to wear the gown, so what did it matter what it looked like?

Perhaps Grayson sensed her indifference. He hesitated before signing cautiously, "Violet, why do I feel like you're not excited about our wedding at all? Do you... not want to marry me?"

His eyes held a flicker of panic. Violet met his gaze and, for a moment, wanted to tell him the truth.

'Yes, I don't want to marry you.

'It was you who betrayed me first. You trampled our love into the dirt. You are the one who made me lose all hope in this marriage.

'So what right do you have to ask me now?'

But she had no intention of revealing everything just yet.

At the bridal boutique, the moment they stepped inside, the staff pulled back a curtain, revealing the wedding dress that had been prepared in advance.

"Miss Hudson, the custom gown Mr. Warhol ordered for you from France has arrived. Please let us know if any adjustments are needed."

Before the words had even fully landed, a translator stepped forward and swiftly signed them in Violet's direction.

The employees exchanged glances, their voices lowered in admiration.

"Mr. Warhol is incredibly attentive. He even hired a sign language interpreter just for her.

"And not just that. Look at this dress—the main diamond was personally acquired by Mr. Warhol at a Sotheby's auction. He specifically instructed the designer to set it in the gown.

"He even paid an exorbitant price to secure the designer's exclusive service for the entire year, ensuring they worked on nothing but this one dress."

Their awe-filled murmurs made Grayson smile. He pulled Violet close, his arm around her waist.

"Take a look at it. Do you like it?"

At the center of the dress was a pink diamond, large as a dove's egg. The train stretched a full five meters, shimmering under the lights with countless embedded diamonds, dazzling as a galaxy scattered at her feet.

Violet reached out, tracing the fabric lightly.

She couldn't deny it. This gown was exactly to her taste.

When they were in love, she had often mentioned her fondness for pink, her love for trailing wedding dresses. He had remembered every word, committing them to heart, turning them into reality.

But no matter how exquisite the dress, no matter how brilliant the diamonds, none of it could mend the fracture in her heart.

"Violet, look closely at the center of the diamond," Grayson signed. "It's engraved with 'V&G Forever.' A diamond lasts forever. And so will my love for you. I had our initials carved into it to symbolize my eternal devotion."

Instinctively, Violet looked down. In the very heart of the stone, there it was—tiny yet unmistakable, those delicate letters.

She turned to face Grayson, his eyes brimming with love. Her heart trembled as she asked, "Will your love for me truly last forever?"

Fearful she might misunderstand him, he rushed to respond, hands moving in hurried gestures. "I will love you forever, Violet. In this life, and in every life to come. If I break this vow, may the heavens strike me down."

Such deep, earnest words. And yet, they could not warm a heart already turned to ice.

He had already broken that vow. And now he stood before her, putting on a show. Wasn't he exhausted?

Violet turned away, unwilling to look at his false sincerity.

He looked as if he wanted to say more, but just then, his phone rang.

His expression flickered. Without hesitation, he strode to the side, away from prying eyes, and picked up the call.

When he returned, there was a trace of apology in his gaze.

"Violet, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go back. You try on the dress, and let the staff know if any alterations are needed. I'll have the driver take you home after."

He signed the words quickly, then turned and left in a rush. Unlike before, he didn't even have time to give her a hug.

The moment he was gone, the staff broke into excited whispers.

"Oh my god, that was the most romantic confession I've ever heard. I almost cried.

"Even when he's in a hurry, he still takes care to make sure Miss Hudson is comfortable. What a perfect man."

Violet found it laughable.

Grayson had never left her behind because of work. Not once.

And after that call, there had been something else in his eyes—desire.

How could this possibly be about work?

Most likely, he was rushing off to see his little mistress, Ruby Lockwood.

The corner of her lips curled slightly in irony as she turned to leave.

A staff member hurriedly stepped forward to stop her. "Miss Hudson, you haven't tried on the dress yet."

Violet shook her head calmly. "No need."

After all, on the wedding day, the bride would be nothing more than a corpse.

There would be no use for a wedding dress.