Chapter 1

My wife went back to her hometown to visit family, and I realized she'd forgotten the specialty snacks she bought for them.

I rushed to catch up to her, only to see her stepping out of a car in a full wedding gown.

Waiting to greet her was none other than her childhood sweetheart.

They held hands, smiling at each other like a pair of blissful newlyweds.

It was only when she saw me standing a short distance away that she hastily pulled her hand away from his.

"His mother is gravely ill," she explained. "Her only wish is to see him get married and start a family. I'm just helping a friend in need."

I gave a faint smile, nudged her back towards her childhood sweetheart, and joined in with the cheering crowd.

"So when's the baby due? I need to know when to send a gift!"

...

My arrival seemed to draw an even bigger crowd of onlookers.

The man, Sterling, ushered the rowdy guests into the house before finally walking over to me.

"Merrick, don't be angry. Rosalind and I are just putting on a show."

"If you're really not okay with this, I can go explain everything to them right now."

I nodded, gesturing for him to go ahead and clear things up.

But Sterling just stood there, frozen.

Rosalind yanked him behind her and shot me a glare.

"It's just a favor, Merrick Thorne! Have you no compassion? Are you ever going to stop getting jealous over every little thing?"

I chuckled. "In that case, congratulations on your wedding. May you have a child soon."

Rosalind's face turned ugly as she dragged me into a corner.

"Merrick Thorne, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

I didn't say a word.

Yesterday was my birthday. I had planned a romantic evening for the two of us.

But she called me in a panic, telling me something had happened to her mother and she had to go back home immediately.

I offered to take time off work to go with her, but she refused, saying she didn't want to mess with my job.

And the result? The "mom" she was talking about was Sterling's mother.

While I was sick with worry, she was here, lovingly getting married to her childhood sweetheart.

Looking at the perfectly tailored wedding dress on her, I realized this wedding must have been planned long ago.

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

She thought I was just sulking. "I already told you, I'm just helping Sterling out. Don't be so petty."

I shook my head. "You're overthinking it."

"When the wedding's over, the three of us should go to the courthouse together. We'll get our divorce certificate, and you two can get your marriage license. Think of how much time we'll save."

The word "divorce" made her freeze.

Just then, Sterling walked out, supporting a middle-aged woman.

"Rosalind, my mom was worried when you didn't come in, so she wanted to check on you."

The woman was stooped over, coughing into her fist. She looked at Rosalind with a loving expression.

"Rosalind is such a good girl. Sterling, you have to treat her well from now on. Oh, and who is this? A friend of yours?"

Seeing Sterling's mom looking at me with curiosity, Rosalind quickly jumped in.

"Oh, he's just a stranger who was asking for directions. Mom, it's windy out here. You should go back inside before you catch a chill."

I heard the familiar way she called the woman "Mom," and a bitter laugh escaped me. I turned to leave.

Rosalind looked like she was about to chase after me.

But Sterling's voice rang out again. "The ceremony is about to start! We should get inside. All our friends and family are waiting."

Then, the sharp crackle of firecrackers exploded behind me.

Rosalind didn't follow.

It was clear then. No matter what, she would never choose me.