4

Chapter 4

Dawn broke, the window showing a gray morning.

I'd sat on the sofa all night.

The lock turned with a "click."

Ethan pushed open the door.

Dark circles under his eyes, collar wrinkled, expression exhausted, yet still holding himself upright.

He glanced at me, his tone neither cold nor warm: "Go make some porridge. I need to take it to the hospital for Judy later. I'm exhausted and need to lie down for a bit."

I looked up, my tone flat: "I have work today. I need to organize lab materials ."

His brow furrowed slightly, as if about to say something, but he ultimately suppressed his anger.

He sighed, his tone somewhat helpless: "Anyway, stop overthinking things. Judy's condition is really bad right now. I can't get away."

I didn't respond.

He rubbed his temples, seemingly forcing himself to be gentler: "I know you're upset, but she really doesn't have much time left. Once this period passes, I'll listen to you about everything."

After saying this, he checked the time and pulled out his phone: "I need to go to the hospital. Judy has tests today."

He grabbed his coat and hurried toward the door.

I suddenly remembered that tomorrow was supposed to be our wedding photo shoot.

But since he'd already gotten his marriage license with Judy, there was no need for wedding photos anymore.

I couldn't help wanting to remind him.

But unexpectedly, Ethan suddenly stopped in his tracks.

After a few seconds of silence, his voice lowered: "Sarah, tomorrow... can we not do the photo shoot? Judy, she..."

"Yes." I responded calmly.

He was clearly stunned, as if he hadn't expected me to agree so quickly: "You're not angry?"

"No." I said gently. "I'll cancel the appointment."

"No need." His tone relaxed somewhat. "I already changed the appointment. We gave our time slot to Judy. I have to fulfill her final wish."

His tone was casual, as if discussing the most natural thing in the world.

I nodded: "That's fine."

He seemed to find the atmosphere somewhat strange, and tried to reassure me: "Once she's better, I'll do a makeup shoot and give you the most perfect wedding photos, okay?"

"Okay." I remained calm.

Ethan finally showed a trace of relief.

He walked to the balcony to take a call, his voice low: "Yeah, I'll be there soon, don't wander off... I'll take you to do the photo shoot, don't worry."

After hanging up, he returned, his expression back to its usual indifference.

"Sarah, after the wedding photos tomorrow, Judy and I will go on a honeymoon to an island. You'll need to oversee the wedding preparations next week yourself. If the budget isn't enough, just use my account. I'll transfer money to you."

As he said this, he didn't even look up, just searched for his keys.

I nodded lightly: "Okay."

He finally breathed a sigh of relief, as if completing a task.

"I'm leaving then. Won't be back tonight, don't wait up."

The door closed again.

I stared at that door, standing still for a long time.

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

It was densely filled with plans:

"Wedding photo shoot" "Dress fitting" "Confirm banquet menu" "Wedding rehearsal."

I picked up a pen and crossed them out one by one.

The red marks looked like wounds, cold and thorough.

When I reached the last item, "Wedding countdown: 7 days," I paused.

My fingertip lightly traced those words.

Seven days from now was supposed to be the day I wore my wedding dress.

But now, on that day, I would leave this place. Leave him.

No longer Ethan's fiancée, and no longer the woman who humbly waited for him to turn around.