The Bride Who Never Walked the Aisle

"Miss Watson, as per your request, we have prepared a corpse that looks exactly like you. It will be delivered to your wedding venue with Mr. Francis in ten days."

Hearing the confirmation from the other end of the line, Simone felt a faint sense of relief ease her taut nerves.

"Alright, thank you."

"You're welcome. Please rest assured, no one will ever suspect this corpse."

With their assurance, Simone exhaled deeply. After confirming the details of the delivery one last time, she ended the call and pushed open the door to the private room.

The lively chatter inside abruptly ceased the moment she entered.

Seated at the center of the group, Tom Francis immediately rose and grasped her hand, his eyes brimming with concern as he signed to her.

"Simone, you've been gone for so long. Are you feeling unwell? I can take you home to rest right now."

Tom made a move to lead her away.

Seeing herself reflected in his worried gaze, Simone suppressed the sourness rising in her chest and shook her head.

"I'm fine. You all continue."

After her repeated assurances, Tom finally guided her back to her seat and sat down beside her.

The atmosphere in the room gradually warmed up again, until someone suddenly asked, "Tom, you and Simone are getting married soon. What are you going to do about your little assistant?"

At those words, Simone’s nails dug into her palms, her face paling.

Someone elbowed the person who had spoken. "Simone is right here—watch what you say."

The man shrugged, his tone careless. "What are you worried about? Simone can’t hear us. I’m just curious how Tom plans to deal with his little lover."

All eyes turned to Tom.

"Probably just keep things as they are," Tom replied casually as he picked up a shrimp, meticulously peeled it, and placed it in Simone's bowl. Then he continued, "She’s just a little pet I keep for amusement. The only woman I love is Simone."

"But if Simone ever found out, she’d definitely leave me, so I’ve made sure to keep it hidden. Even after the wedding, she’ll never know."

His gaze swept across the room, warning in his eyes. "And you’d all better keep your mouths shut. If anyone dares to bring this up to Simone, you won’t want to know what I’ll do."

The group, all seasoned members of the wealthy elite, were unfazed by such confessions. Infidelity was as common to them as breathing, and Tom’s answer only elicited murmurs of admiration.

"Man, Tom, that’s rough. Even my wife knows about my affairs."

"That’s because Tom isn’t like you. He takes his marriage seriously."

Suddenly, someone’s eyes lit up with a mischievous grin. "Tom, since Simone can’t hear, have you and your assistant ever... you know, in the house?"

The unfinished question left plenty of room for imagination.

Tom chuckled, twirling the engagement ring on his finger, and replied lazily, "Of course. It’s... thrilling."

The room erupted into thunderous applause, thumbs raised in admiration.

"Wow, Tom, you’re the man!"

"I bet you’ve tried every corner of the house. Man, I’m jealous!"

"Looks like marrying Simone won’t hold you back at all."

The chorus of flattery continued, but none of them noticed Simone’s grip on her spoon, her knuckles white.

No one knew she had regained her hearing long ago.

And no one knew she had already decided to leave Tom.

On their wedding day, all that would be waiting for Tom would be a corpse identical to her.

Tom noticed that Simone hadn’t touched the shrimp in her bowl and quickly signed to her, "Simone, why aren’t you eating?"

Simone looked at the man whose eyes were filled with concern and forced a faint smile.

"What were you all talking about just now? You seemed very excited."

Tom smiled warmly and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her hand.

"They were admiring the love between us, saying that we’re destined to be the happiest couple in the world."

He then made the "I love you" gesture with his hand.

The others in the room exchanged knowing glances, and Simone caught the mockery in their eyes.

Her heart felt as though it had been plunged into icy water, cold enough to numb her.

They had been discussing his affair with another woman, yet he could twist the truth so effortlessly into a declaration of love.

Tom, oh Tom, I never knew you could lie so beautifully.