Chapter 4

"If you can fit in it, I'll consider giving you the dress. Haley, that gown is in the store's largest size. But with your figure—sorry, it's no use gifting it if it won't fit you, right? Such a shame."

Haley's face twisted in disbelief, staring back at me like I had lost my mind to be this battered and still throw jabs her way.

For a moment, her expression hovered in stunned silence before she raised a trembling finger, pointing at me, her lips curling into a crooked sneer. "Alright, just you wait. I'll show you."

She yanked off her jacket and slipped the wedding dress over her head with a feverish kind of desperation.

Two girls scrambled up beside her, trying to pull the gown wide enough to squeeze her inside. The dress stretched unnaturally, the silk straining against her curves, until the threads started to snap, audibly giving way under the pressure.

But Haley didn't seem to notice or care. She twisted her body left and right, satisfied with the reflection on her phone screen.

"It looks perfect on me. Why don't I just propose to Ryan today? There's no way he'll turn me down anyway, " she said.

Her entourage chimed in with eager encouragement. "Exactly, you're his dream bride! Unlike some people, you don't have to trap him into marriage—he'll be thrilled!"

The words had barely left their mouths before a loud ripping sound cut through the room, rendering everyone silent immediately.

The dress split open from the waist up the back, exposing a thick roll of flesh that spilled out like it was trying to escape the garment.

Haley shrieked, hurriedly covering herself with her hands, and screamed at everyone to turn around and look away.

I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing. And that one laugh was all it took to send her over the edge.

Red with rage, she wriggled free of the shredded dress, barely managing to button up her oversized shirt before lunging at me with wild eyes. "What are you laughing at? You think you can laugh at me, you pathetic, unwanted mistress?"

With a crazed look, she grabbed a massive pair of scissors from who knows where and charged at me, raising them like she meant to strike my neck.

But right then, a familiar voice broke through the chaos. "What are you doing?"

The room stilled instantly, and everyone's gaze shot to the banquet hall's doorway, where Ryan stood, confusion plastered on his face. "Haley, didn't you tell me to come here? What is going on?"

Haley's expression softened, and her eyes instantly filled with crocodile tears. "R-Ryan, it's about time! I was about to be bullied to death here!"

She dropped the scissors and threw herself into Ryan's arms.

He pulled her close, smoothing her hair with a soft expression. "There, there, baby, I'm here now. Don't cry. Tell me who hurt you, and I'll make sure they pay."

Haley lifted her head, the hint of a victorious smile tugging at her lips. "You're the best, honey! It's nothing, though. I've already dealt with her. Let's see if she tries to steal my man again!"

She added, "Oh, honey, what would you do if another woman wanted to propose to you?"

Ryan wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing in a breath as he answered, "Baby, I already told you, didn't I? In this life, I only want you. Even if another woman stood before me in a wedding dress, begging for a yes, I wouldn't give her a second look."

They stayed there, wrapped up in each other as the crowd slowly dispersed, leaving only me still lying there on the stage, barely collecting myself, while they basked in their little world.