He drove everyone out, leaving himself alone in the empty room. Sitting on the floor, he cradled the tattered remains of the
wedding dress in his arms. The engagement ring that had once belonged to Violet now hung from a string around his neck,
resting cold against his skin.
This was all that remained of her, the last traces of her presence.
With these, it almost felt like she was still here.
Just then, her phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, then froze. The message was from Ruby.
[Violet, so what if today is your wedding day? Do you really think I can’t call Grayson away with just one word?]
[Don’t assume being Mrs. Warhol means anything. I’m carrying Grayson’s firstborn. Now tell me, which is more important—
your wedding night or his child?]
[Last night, he pressed his face against my belly and told the baby to hurry up and be born. He can’t wait to be a father. I think
your position as Mrs. Warhol won’t last long.]
Then, a photo came through.
It showed Grayson with his face resting against her stomach. His bare upper body was covered in red marks, the kind that left no
room for misunderstanding.
His fingers stiffened He scrolled up.
Ruby had been sending messages to Violet almost every day.
[I’m pregnant.]
[Grayson and I have been together for a year.]
[You’re a pathetic excuse for a girlfriend.]
And not just messages–there were countless intimate photos.
And then, at the very end, a video.
Ruby was wearing a wedding dress beneath him.
His breath hitched. He remembered now–after hearing about his upcoming marriage, Ruby had pestered him for a wedding dress of her own. He hadn’t thought much of it. It was just a dress. He had casually asked the designer to make one for her.
Now, in the video, his own voice echoed back to him.
Back then, Violet had already regained her hearing.
He closed his eyes, and the scene at the bridal shop played out in his mind.
1/2
Chapter 14
No wonder she had shredded her own wedding dress to pieces.
His gaze fell back on the phone screen.
His grip tightened until his knuckles turned white. Flames of fury flickered in his eyes.
Ruby.
