Chapter 3

3

My eyes narrowed. Just then, Caleb walked in.

"Why are you still sitting around? Didn't we agree to go to the bridal shop today?"

His words were so absurd I almost laughed.

"Who did you agree with? It certainly wasn't me. I was the last person to find out our wedding was even postponed."

Caleb's handsome brow furrowed at my tone. He gestured for Riley to head out first.

Riley shrugged and gave him another playful kick on her way out.

"Don't get into a fight with her, Caleb. If you make her cry, I'll break your legs!"

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you. You're the boss."

Caleb practically bowed her out of the room. As soon as the door closed, his face went cold.

"Are you done yet? You really can't take a joke? You ruined the vibe last night, and now you're going to drag this out all day?"

"Don't forget, your family needs our medical reputation to break into the healthcare industry. If you keep this up, you won't get a cent of that deal!"

The way he threatened me was a stark contrast to how he treated Riley.

This was the first time I realized how well Dr. Pierce could wear a mask.

Three days ago, Caleb had invited me into his group chat, saying they were all 'brothers' he grew up with.

At first, I thought it was sweet that he wanted me in his inner circle. I even introduced him to all my friends.

But his 'brothers' were different from my friends.

He and his brothers shopped for wedding lingerie and played with toys until someone needed stitches.

He even let himself be treated like a dog by a woman he called a sister.

The image of him barking flashed in my mind. I pressed a hand to my stomach and nodded.

"You're right. I was being immature."

Seeing me back down, Caleb's posture relaxed.

"I'm glad you understand. Riley and I grew up together. There's no gender between us. We're just bros. It doesn't affect our relationship."

"Besides, she was just kidding last night. If it really bugs you, I'll tell her to tone it down."

I forced a smile. Before I could speak, Riley called him.

"Caleb! How long am I supposed to wait? I've already eaten all the snacks in your car!"

He hurried toward the door. "I'm coming!"

I watched his back and checked my phone. My friends were blowing up our group chat.

"They say finding out about a cheat before the wedding is a gift from the universe."

"Tell us the plan, Elara. We're ready to ruin him!"

I typed back a simple message: "Be patient."

"He still has to be the groom. Let's not ruin his prestigious image just yet."

On the way to the shop, their flirting didn't stop for a second.

When we arrived at the bridal boutique, Riley hopped out of the passenger seat and pointed at my custom gown.

"Caleb, you actually have good taste. This dress is fire. Let me try it on."

The staff stood there awkwardly, looking at me for direction.

Caleb just laughed as he walked inside.

"I thought you hated dresses? Didn't you say wearing one made you feel naked?"

"Shut up. This is a wedding dress, it's different. Are you going to let me try it or not?"

"Fine, fine. If the boss wants to play dress-up, who am I to say no?"

Caleb waved at the staff. They had no choice but to take the gown down and lead Riley to the fitting room.

Only then did he remember I was standing there.

"Riley never wants to get married. Just let her have some fun with it."

"Don't worry, she knows the limits. It'll still be your dress in the end."

I dug my nails into my palms inside my pockets, keeping my face neutral.

"It's fine. Let her wear it as long as she wants."

Caleb seemed surprised by how compliant I was being.

He frowned slightly, but then Riley's voice echoed from the fitting room.

"Caleb! Get in here and help me! I can't reach the back!"

He didn't hesitate for a second. I called out to him.

"Caleb."

He paused in the middle of the room, looking back over his shoulder, but his body was still angled toward her.

"What?"