Chapter 1

In Middleton city, early spring in March brought light rain and temperatures ranging from 41°F to 50°F. Chloe Hollis stood at the entrance of the residential area, waiting for her best friend Evelyn Lockhart to pick her up. Today was the day she and her fiancé Aiden Tinsley were supposed to try on wedding dresses, but Aiden had something come up last minute, so Chloe invited her friend Evelyn to accompany her. After just two or three minutes, her friend arrived. "What's wrong with Aiden? Is he so busy that he can't even accompany you to try on wedding dresses?" Shortly after getting in the car, Evelyn began to complain. Chloe quickly explained on behalf of her fiancé, and Evelyn stopped complaining. The two chatted for a while, and as they waited at a traffic light, Evelyn suddenly looked at Chloe and cautiously broached a topic. "Do you know that Ethan is getting married too? His wedding is on the same day as yours," Evelyn said as her grip on the steering wheel tightened. A frozen smile appeared on the corner of Chloe's mouth in an instant. In the end, she shook her head and looked out the window. The green light came on, and the car started moving. Evelyn looked ahead, unable to help but recall the past. "Back in school, you two were so high-profile. Everyone said that if you two ever separated, neither of you would survive it," she slowly said. "But who would have thought that you would actually break up." "People grow up..." Chloe lowered her eyes, her voice barely audible. Listening to this, Evelyn didn't bring up the topic again. On the way, Chloe opened her mouth several times, wanting to ask who Ethan was marrying, but in the end, she never uttered the question. At the bridal shop, she went to the fitting room to try on wedding dresses, while Evelyn sat on the sofa waiting. Suddenly, a familiar male voice echoed in her ears. "This one will do." The man's tone was casual, his deep and charming voice resonating. Evelyn's expression changed, instantly recognizing the man by his voice. The man was Ethan Blackwood! At this moment, Chloe had already changed into the wedding dress. She originally wanted Evelyn to help her take a look, but she noticed that Evelyn's complexion wasn't right. Approaching, Chloe looked at Evelyn in confusion, "What happened? You seem displeased." Forcing a smile, Evelyn grabbed Chloe and tried to lead her away. "This dress doesn't look good. Let's go change into another one." With a swift sound, the curtain in front suddenly got pulled open. Ethan stood there, his handsome and carefree face radiating confidence. Chloe looked up, her whole body freezing in an instant, her mind going blank. Watching him approach, her breathing became tense. Evelyn immediately stood in front of Chloe, shielding her. "I'm not going to eat her. Why are you so nervous?" Ethan chuckled. Chloe looked at Ethan, taking a moment to regain her voice. "When did you come back?" "The day before yesterday," Ethan replied casually. After speaking, he glanced up and down at the wedding dress on Chloe, his gaze darkening for a moment. "Getting married?" he asked. "Yes," Chloe responded lightly. "We're classmates. Should I get an invitation?" Ethan said with a faint smile. Chloe, looking at that smile, suddenly tightened her grip on her palms. Back then, it was because of such a smile that she lost her composure and ended up with a self-delusional and wishful outcome. Chloe curved her lips into a slight arc, trying to calm herself as much as possible. "Next month on the 19th. I don't think you will have time," she answered. Ethan stared at her motionlessly, his gaze suddenly growing darker. He pushed Evelyn away, slowly leaned in, and whispered into Chloe's ear. "Does your fiancé know that you were already tainted before the wedding?"