The Lies of Marriage, The Price of Love

After hanging up the phone, he smiled and hugged Kate from behind.

"Darling, you look beautiful in anything. My company has a bit of an issue, so I might not be able to go with you. Pick whichever one you like!"

Kate knew this was just his excuse and that he was really going to accompany Leona shopping.

Kate didn't ask further, simply nodding in agreement.

After he left, she called the servant over. Looking at the wedding dresses in front of her, her tone was cold. "Burn all of these dresses. Not a single one should be left."

Even though the servant had questions, they didn't dare to ask and could only obediently comply.

As the wedding dresses burned to ashes, it felt like not just the dresses, but her two years of emotions had been consumed by the fire.

A burning anger surged in Kate's heart, as though it were breaking through the constraints of the world.

Later that evening, she saw the post on Leona's social media.

Dave had bought her a new handbag and luxury items, being very generous.

Looking at the picture, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Kate's mouth.

She had already decided what gift to give them—a hand-crafted folding fan that she had custom-made herself.

Originally, the fan was meant to be used on her wedding day, but now it seemed unnecessary.

Since Leona liked her things so much, she decided to give them all to her.

The day Kate left would be the day they received the gift. She would surely wish them a lifetime of happiness.

By the time Dave returned that evening, he had remembered to bring Kate her favorite chestnuts.

"When I came back, I happened to see someone selling roasted chestnuts, so I brought some for you."

Some of them had already been peeled.

Kate was stunned for a moment. She remembered that she loved roasted chestnuts.

But ever since they were little, Leona always competed with her for everything—whatever she liked, Leona liked too.

Kate's face hardened and her expression was unreadable. "No, I don't want to eat."

Dave thought Kate was still angry about what happened earlier in the day. He reached out and pulled her into his arms. "Darling, I really had something to take care of during the day. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend time with you. And you look good in anything, so I’m naturally at ease."

These words held no credibility in Kate's heart now.

She remembered what Dave had said to Leona. Thinking about it made her feel disgusted.

She gently pushed Dave away, her voice calm and emotionless.

"Okay."

Dave smiled as soon as he heard her words. To him, Kate had always been the sensible and obedient one.

He gently took Kate's hand, his eyes full of affection and his tone softened.

"The day after tomorrow is our wedding. The family has arranged for a premarital checkup. I'll be sure to stay with you tomorrow."

His slightly squinted eyes were fixed on Kate. She froze for a moment and a fleeting sadness passed through her gaze. She turned her head away and nodded quietly.

The next day, Kate still got up with Dave as usual. Early in the morning, she received a message from the cruise company.

"Your customized cruise will arrive in two days. You can prepare for boarding in advance."

When Kate saw the message, her eyes flickered slightly.

"Darling, we need to get ready to leave!"

She quickly turned off her phone. When she looked up, Dave was holding a small bag in his hand, filled with carefully prepared items. He shook the bag in front of her, as if seeking praise like a child.

Kate didn't speak, only offering a faint, bitter smile.