Pretend to be His Bride, Let Her be the Real Bride

It was my best friend's birthday,but my fiance had prepared a surprise proposal.

He knelt down on one knee and placed my engagement ring on her finger.

My best friend,Jessica Allen,playfully scolded,Come on,Luke.You dare give me your engagement ring?Aren't you afraid Kath will be jealous?

My boyfriend,Luke Cameron,rose to his feet with a fond smile on his face.

"Kath always listens to you since she was a kid.As her favourite person,if youre not satisfied,she definitely won't agree."

Jessica nodded in satisfaction."Youre right.So if you want to marry her,you have to win my approval first.

Anyway,everything looks fine here,but the roses have to go.They're too ordinary for a wedding.Replace them with gardenias.

Hearing her suggestion,Luke immediately pulled out his phone and called the wedding planning company.

Those roses were actually chosen by me.

Yet because Jessica disliked them,he was ready to change all the wedding flowers without even asking what I thought.

The whole thing felt ridiculous.

Thinking about this,I felt a bit absurd and couldn't help but frown and say,"But I chose the roses,Luke."

Only then did Luke seem to notice I was there.

"But Jessica has good taste,Kath.Remember I promised to give you a perfect wedding.So there can't be any mistakes,okay?"

As soon as he finished speaking,the photographer pushed them together.

The couple,please stand in the center for a group photo!

Their friends immediately gathered around them,laughing and teasing.

Luke took off his suit jacket and draped it over Jessica's shoulders.

"Don't wear such revealing clothes next time."

Jessica shouted at me,"You heard that,Kath?Your Luke is such an old-fashioned guy!I'm not even his girlfriend,but he tried to control what I should wear!"

I gave no response.

Because ever since I started dating Luke,scenes like this had happened again and again.

Each time,I convinced myself it didn't matter.

But this time,I didn't want to pretend I didn't care anymore.

"Cheese!"The shutter clicked,the photo captured.

The photo came out quickly,and the photographer handed it to Luke,unable to resist praising,"You two look perfect together!Wishing you a long and happy marriage!"

Luke accepted the photo and smiled,but he didn't correct his words.

The group immediately crowded around to look.Some discussed where everyone should stand for the wedding photos,while others suggested changes to the venue decorations.

Everyone eagerly shared their opinions,and every suggestion was accepted.

But no one seemed to notice that I wasn't in the photo.No one even bothered to ask me,as the bride,what I wanted.

I looked at my so-called wedding,from the venue to the cake and dessertseverything was Jessica's favorite.

Ridiculous.

"Katherine,what do you think?"

Someone finally noticed something was wrong and looked at me.

Luke waved his hand and smiled."Don't ask her.She's always indecisive.She listens to whatever Jessica says."

My heart felt like it had been ripped open.As the cold wind rushing in,the pain making me unable to straighten up.

Indecisive?

For the past eighteen years,from our friendship days of playing together to our dating,shopping,and choosing a wedding homeevery decision,big or small,required Jessica's approval to be considered acceptable.

Luke never listened to my needs,never even considered my opinions.

And now he said I was indecisive?

Jessica raised an eyebrow,punching him in the chest."Of course,Kath trusts me the most."

Jessica was my only childhood friend.The person I trusted more than anyone outside my family.

Years ago,when her father brought his mistress home and she was locked in a storage room,I had stood outside with a fruit knife in my hand.

I swore that if anyone in her family hurt her,I would fight them no matter the cost.

But now,she was the one who had betrayed me.

As she spoke,she casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders.The scent of her gardenia perfume mixed with the familiar scent on Luke's clothes.

My heart suddenly sank.

For months,I had thought Luke had changed his cologne.

Now I understood.

It wasn't a new fragrance.

It was their scent together.

If they both belonged to each other already,then I didn't want my best friend or my fiancanymore.

I stepped back and gently removed Jessica's arm.

"Whatever you like,Jess."

After all,I wouldn't marry Luke.

Without another word,I turned and walked away.

Just as I got home,my phone rang.

It was Luke.

His annoyed voice came through.

"Kath,why did you leave without saying anything?Everyone's still here.You knew there was a party afterward."

"I only put the ring on Jessica's finger as a joke.Did you really have to get upset over that?"

"Hurry back.The ring will be yours soon enough.Don't make Jessica feel bad."

He showed no remorse whatsoever.Every word made it sound like I was the problem.

I laughed bitterly.

"Luke,I don't want the ring anymore."

Then I hung up and started packing.

I suddenly realized that nothing in this house belonged to the two of us.

There were only three identical water glasses,toothbrushes lined up side by side.Even there was no single photo of Luke and me together,except for photos of the three of us.

And of course,his photos with Jessica.

I lowered my head and smiled bitterly,taking all my belongings.

Not long after,a message popped up on my phone.

I opened it.It was a video Jessica had posted in a group chat.

In the dimly lit,lively private room,she was intimately leaning against Luke's shoulder,her arm wrapped around him.Her smile was bright and victorious.

The camera swayed slightly towards the two of them,and Jessica spoke sweetly into the lens,"Kath,I've been watching Luke for you all night.I didn't let him look at a single other girl."

"See?Nothing to worry about."

Luke glanced at the camera and smiled.

"Jess,with you monitoring me,how could I dare betray Katherine!"

The moment he said that,the friends around them burst into laughter and started teasing him.

Luke is completely wrapped around Katherines finger!Every time we hang out without her,he sends her videos to report everything.

Seriously,Katherine is the only person who can keep him in line.

Suddenly,Jessica grabbed the phone and pointed the camera at the faint red mark on her neck.

"Kath,your Luke is such a dog!He bit me so hard when I lost a truth or dare game.Remember to teach him a lesson for me,okay?"

"Hey,Jess,I didn't bite hard at all!"

The camera shakily captured the bickering and arguing,making me feel nauseous.

I couldn't stand it anymore.

Then I opened my email and replied to the overseas university that had accepted my application.

The next morning,I went to the company and handed in my resignation.

My coworkers were shocked.

Wait,are you quitting because Luke wants you to be a full-time housewife?

I shook my head.

No.I'm going abroad to study.

"Oh,aren't you getting married soon?You love him so much,are you willing to endure a long-distance relationship?"

I answered casually as I packed my things,There won't be a wedding anymore.He's not that important to me now.

In the past,I had given up too much for them.

I loved art,but I chose science because Luke and Jessica did.

I dreamed of attending art school,but I followed them to the same university instead.

Again and again,I changed my plans just to stay close to them.

For so many years,my life has always revolved around them.I had never once followed my own heart in making a choice.

This time,I didn't want to compromise anymore.

After finishing my resignation,I packed my things and went home.

Luke was already there.A faint smell of alcohol lingered around him as he approached me.

As usual,he hugged me.

"I was too tired from playing last night,and it ended too late."

He buried his face in my neck,explaining casually.

"Jessica drank too much and no one was looking after her,so I took her home.It was too late,so I just stayed at her place,afraid of disturbing your rest if I came back in the middle of the night."

I froze,completely still.

This morning,I saw Jessica's post on social media.

[A morning taking care of a drunk boy.]

The accompanying picture showed the two of them wearing matching gray pajamas,making breakfast in the kitchen.

Their figures were intertwined,like a real couple.

Listening to his explanation now,I felt nothing except disgust.

He seemed to notice my cold expression and grabbed my hand.

Okay,dont be angry.Lets go see the new house.Everythings ready,and we can move in soon.

Before I could refuse,he pulled me downstairs,shoved me into the car,and drove to the bridal chamber.

The moment I pushed open the door,I froze.

The room had been transformed into Jessicas favorite minimalist white style.The soft furnishings I had carefully chosen had all changed.

How is it?This is our bridal chamber.Perfect,right?

Luke smiled at me,then led me on a tour of each room.

It wasnt until we reached the study that I realized it had become Jessicas bedroom.

This was a space I had personally designed over six months.I had fantasized countless times about reading,drawing,and designing here.It was my only private sanctuary.

I let out a cold laugh.

This isn't our home,Luke.It's yours and Jessica's.

Luke frowned slightly,thinking I was jealous again,and looked at me reproachfully.

You know Jessica's situation.She isn't happy at home.While this place is big enough.Giving her one bedroom isn't a big deal.That way,she can stay whenever she wants and always have somewhere to go.

Back then,I said more than once that after we got married,I would definitely buy her a house across from mine.

So she could ask us as her family for help and have a house of her own.

At that time,I thought,having the person I love by my side,and my best friend across the street,would be so blissful.

My heart suddenly ached,and I gave a hoarse,bitter laugh,saying nothing more.

Luke looked at my indifferent expression.His face suddenly turned ashen and anger rising in his eyes.

Kath,when did you become this selfish,so cold-hearted?

Jessica grew up with us since she was little,all alone.Whats wrong with giving her a bedroom?

I almost laughed.I hadn't even argued.Yet he was already calling me selfish and cold-hearted.

But werent they the selfish ones all along?

Instantly,a familiar wave of grievance surged up,suffocating me.

In high school,my favorite drawing board was smashed by Jessica,and he told me not to blame her,saying she didn't do it on purpose.

In college,I fought for a competition spot for a long time,and when Jessica said she wanted it,he made me give it up.

Even on every anniversary and every trip after we started dating,he always prioritized Jessica's time,preferences,and mood.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.I was too tired to argue with him anymore.

"Fine,I'll give it to her!"

Luke sighed,impatiently loosening his tie.

"Alright,stop being short-tempered,there's still the wedding rehearsal in a bit."

Only then did I remember that today was the rehearsal day.

As soon as he finished speaking,he pulled me into the car and took me to the wedding venue.

The entire venue was beautifully decorated,with gardenias everywhere.Everything was arranged according to Jessica's wishes.

Even the person standing in the center of the stage now,wearing my custom-made wedding dress,walking the rehearsal steps for mewas Jessica.

She gracefully moved,stood,and turned with the emcee.

All the staff and wedding team members surrounded her,quietly giving instructions on the process.

"Adjust the bride's position a bit more."

"Remember to slow down the ceremony later."

Our mutual friends below the stage watched,taking photos to commemorate the moment.

"Jessica looks so beautiful in that wedding dress!"

"Everyone knows Jessica and Katherine are like one person."

"She knows Katherine is busy and worried about her getting tired,so she volunteered to rehearse the whole process for her."

Luke stood beside me,giving an awkward smile,explaining,"Jessica handled all the procedures because she's more familiar with them.Don't worry about these little things,Kath."

I chuckled softly.

In his eyes,everything was a little thing.

Looking at Jessica on stage,wearing the wedding dress that should have been mine,taking my place in everything,I suddenly realized that I wasn't so heartbroken anymore.

So I spoke calmly,"I didn't mind.Since she's so suitable,then let her be the bride."

"Luke,we're done!"

Just then,the emcee's voice echoed through the speakers.

"Where's the groom?Come here,let's exchange wedding rings."

Luke waved in that direction."Coming!"

Then he turned to me."Kath,what did you just say?I didn't hear you clearly."

Before I could say anything more,his friends rushed over and dragged him away.

What are you waiting for,Luke?Jessica's getting impatient!

I watched him walk toward her.

Then I smiled.

Turned around.

And left.

In the following days,Luke went on a business trip,and I was handling my departure procedures.

The wedding arrangements were all finalized,but I never replied to his messages.

Eventually,he noticed something was wrong.He canceled his meetings and rushed home.

The moment he saw me,he pulled me into a tight embrace.

Breathing heavily,he apologized.

"Honey,I handled the wedding room and rehearsal badly.Please don't be angry."

He excitedly took my hand,his voice unusually gentle."You've wanted to watch the sunset for a long time,haven't you?Let's go watch the sunset!"

Before I could refuse,he grabbed my wrist and dragged me out,forcibly putting me in the car.

A touch of emotion stirred within me.Back then,he confessed his love to me under the sunset.

"Kath,I love you more than my own life."

Now that I was leaving,watching the sunset with him one last time,was a final farewell to our years-long relationship.

But the car headed towards Jessica's house.

"The sunset tonight is supposed to be spectacular,so Jessica is coming with us too."

Jessica climbed into the passenger seat with a bright smile.

"Kath,I'll definitely take some great photos for you two today."

The two of them chattered excitedly the whole way,seemingly forgetting my presence.

We soon reached the mountaintop.The evening breeze was gentle,and the sky glowed with shades of gold and orange.

For the first time in days,I felt a sense of peace.

Luke reached for my hand and held it tightly.

"Kath,I've always loved you."

Bathed in the warm light of the setting sun,his eyes looked sincere.

For a second,I almost believed him.

"Tsk,so cheesy!"

Jessica rolled her eyes and stepped between us with her phone raised.She was about to take a picture when she suddenly screamed.

"Aahh!"

She fell heavily to the ground,her ankle instantly swelling and turning red.

Her eyes reddened,and she looked at me with teary eyes.

"Kath,why did you push me?"

Before I could explain a word,Luke's expression changed drastically.

He rushed over,knelt down to help Jessica up,and yelled at me,"Kath,what are you doing?!"

I froze,staring at him in disbelief.

I hadn't even moved.I had been standing in the same spot the entire time.

Jessica leaned against him,trembling with pain,sobbing,"Forget it,don't blame Kath.She probably thinks I interrupted your date."

"Luke,if I come with you next time,please don't yell at her"

"Luke,I didn't push her.I"I interrupted,shouting.

Luke's face grew increasingly grim,refusing to listen to any of my explanations,interrupting me,

"Enough,Kath!"

His brows furrowed,his eyes fixed solely on Jessica in his arms.

"Luke,my foot hurts so much."

"Don't be afraid,Jess.I'll take you to the hospital right away."

With that,he picked up Jessica and quickly left,leaving me behind.

But my phone and bag were still in the car.

The mountain quickly grew quiet as most of the visitors had already left.

The wind became colder.Dark clouds rolled across the sky.

A heavy rain was coming.

I had no choice but to hurry down the mountain,praying it wouldn't rain.But I hadn't gone far when lightning flashed across the sky,and a sudden downpour began.

Within seconds,I was soaked.Cold water streamed through my hair and down my face.

The freezing wind cut through my clothes.

Fear and loneliness settled heavily inside my chest.

I didn't dare linger for a moment,and kept running downhill.

Just when I was completely soaked and almost couldn't hold on any longer,a car stopped in front of me.

The driver and passengers inside rolled down their windows,looking at me with surprise and concern.

"Miss,it's raining,and the mountain path is steep and dark.It's so dangerous.Why did you come down the mountain alone?"

I clutched my soaked clothes,my throat tightened,and I couldn't utter a word.

One of the girls glanced at me;soaked,exhausted,and miserable,then let out a soft sigh.

"You came up with that couple,right?I saw three of you on the way here.Why did they abandon you?"

My heart sank,the pain making me forget to breathe.

Then the strangers kindly drove me home and reminded me to take medicine before leaving.

The rain outside continued to pour.

I took out my spare phone and turned it on,but there was no message from Luke.

I pulled out a treasured box from my locker.

Inside were love letters he had written to me,movie ticket stubs,travel souvenirs,and photos of the three of us from our youth.

On the back of the photos were words I had written in my youth:"We will be together forever."

I stared at those words for a long time,then I picked up a lighter.

A small flame appeared.

Without hesitation,I dropped it into the box.

The fire quickly spread,burning away our memories.

Friendship,love,I didn't want any of it.

I spent the entire night drenched in the rain.

By midnight,a high fever had settled in.

The next morning,I forced myself out of bed.My head throbbed,and my throat hurt so badly I could barely speak.

The house was empty.So yeah,Luke still hadn't come home.

I grabbed a coat and took a taxi to the hospital alone.

After my IV drip finished,I was still groggy when I passed the ward and saw a familiar figure.

It was Luke who was holding a bowl of porridge.He patiently blew on it to cool it down before feeding it to Jessica.His movements were patient and gentle.

"Eat slowly.It's still hot.Don't burn yourself."

Jessica nodded obediently,her eyes still red.

At that moment,Luke looked up and saw me.He frowned and strode towards me.

"Kath,why didn't you let me know you were safe after you came down the mountain last night?"

But he hadn't asked me anything about whether I'd gotten wet,if I was sick,or if I was afraid of the dark

Now he was blaming me for not telling him?

Jessica slowly got out of bed and walked over.She tugged lightly on Luke's sleeve.

"Don't be mean to Kath,Luke.She definitely didn't mean it."

She looked up and smiled gently.

"It's alright.Stop blaming her,Luke.Your wedding is the day after tomorrow,you should go back and prepare for the wedding.I'll be fine."

Luke pulled her into his arms,his voice was full of concern.

"How could I leave you here alone,Jess?The wedding can wait,I'll stay with you."

I chuckled softly,raising my hand to remove the jade bracelet from my wrist.

This was the bracelet the Cameron family elders had personally placed on my wrist on our engagement day,signifying my acceptance as their daughter-in-law.

I had worn it for a whole year,and now I gently removed it.

I raised my hand and placed the bracelet in Luke's palm.

"Luke,let's break up."

Luke froze.

Clutching the jade bracelet in astonishment,his eyes filled with disbelief.

"Katherine Wilkinson,what the hell are you talking about?"

"Yesterday,you were being unreasonable by deliberately pushing Jessica down.She's the one who got wronged!"

"Now that you've had your fun,you're using this bracelet and the engagement to threaten me?"

I looked up at him calmly and nodded slightly.

"Yes,I've had my fun."

Just then,a nurse called out from across the corridor,

"Miss Wilkinson,please get your medicine."

I didn't look at his shocked and angry face anymore and turned to leave.

Behind me,Jessica frantically grabbed Luke.

"Luke,go after Kath!She's probably just angry for a moment."

Luke clutched the jade bracelet in his hand,his expression darkened.

"No need to chase after her,she's just being dramatic.Just ignore her for a couple of days and she'll be fine."

"She won't break up with me,Jess.You also know,she can't live without me."

Hearing his words,I paused slightly,and chuckled softly.

Luke,I couldn't live without you when I loved you.But now I didn't love you anymore.

When I got home,I called my parents.

"Mom,Dad,Luke and I broke up.The wedding is off."

My parents exclaimed in surprise,"The wedding was the day after tomorrow,right?How could you break up so suddenly?"

I calmly told them everything.I thought they would only advise me to be patient and consider the bigger picture.

But unexpectedly,on the other end of the phone,my parents said with heartache,"Then don't get married,Sweetheart.We'll support whatever decision you make."

After hanging up,I booked a flight to go abroad the following evening.

As the plane took off,I watched the street scenes outside the window gradually shrink,wiping away the tears from my eyes,and murmured,"Luke,goodbye forever."

Then,I posted a timed update on my social media post,informing everyone that the wedding was canceled.

***

On the day of the wedding,Luke arrived at my house with a large wedding procession.He wore a tailored black suit and carried a bouquet of flowers.His face was filled with excitement.

The best man chuckled and joked,"Luke,when you pick up Katherine later,make sure she's well-behaved.Today is a joyous day!"

Luke smiled faintly,his heart filled with the joy of seeing me.

He knocked on the door,but there was no answer.

After a few seconds of confusion,everyone entered the password and opened the door.

The bedroom was empty and the wedding dress lay on the bed.

Luke froze,the bouquet falling from his hands.

"Where's Kath?"