4

Chapter 4

He was silent for a few seconds before finally speaking. "Ellie... I might not be able to go with you to take wedding photos tomorrow."

I looked up at him without saying anything.

James lowered his gaze, his tone careful yet matter-of-fact. "Rebecca wants to take some wedding photos... it's one of her last wishes. She's emotionally unstable today. I need to go with her."

His voice was soft, but every word landed on my heart.

I just nodded calmly. "I understand."

He seemed slightly surprised that I was being so reasonable.

"You... you're really not angry?"

I answered quietly, "No."

He relaxed, continuing with his real plan. "After the shoot, the doctor suggested she change environments. I'll take her to an island for a few days. You know... her health isn't good right now. She needs someone with her."

He spoke as if it were natural, expected, like this was simply his duty.

I still just nodded. "Okay."

James studied me for two seconds, as if confirming I truly wasn't opposed.

Seeing my calm expression, he completely let down his guard, like he'd just completed what he considered a "difficult conversation."

"You can keep preparing for the wedding. Contact me if anything comes up."

He said it breezily. "I'm really looking forward to our wedding."

I looked at him, my voice soft, almost emotionless. "Mm."

He nodded with satisfaction, picking up his car keys. "I'm leaving then. I won't be back tonight. Don't wait up."

The door closed gently.

The apartment fell silent again.

I stood there, my breathing so light it barely existed.

Then I walked to the desk and picked up the wedding planning calendar.

It was filled with plans: "Take wedding photos," "Finalize menu," "Wedding countdown."

I picked up a red pen and crossed out each item.

Red lines slashed through all my hopes, cold and glaring.

When I got to the last item, "Wedding countdown: 8 days," I stopped.

My fingertips lightly traced that line of text.

Eight days from now should have been the day I wore my wedding dress.

But now—

It had become the countdown to leaving him.

I looked around the apartment at everything I'd decorated bit by bit during our relationship, filled with warm, romantic memories.

But now, looking at it all just hurt my eyes.

Since I'd decided to leave, these things would just become trash eventually. Might as well clean them up now.