Seven Years Love Was A Lie I Left

Chapter 1

Imogen's POV:

For the 7 years we were together, Julian Beckett took me shopping for one wedding item each year. He said we'd get married once we had the complete set.

In the seventh year, he took me to choose the last item: my wedding dress.

I wasn't happy with the style his executive assistant, Celia Rourke, had chosen, so I went back to pick a different dress.

I had just reached the formalwear section when I heard Julian speak in a strained, low voice.

"Celia, if you keep shutting me out, I'm really going to marry someone I don't love and spend the rest of my life with her."

Celia, who was usually so composed and efficient, was shaking with sobs.

"For 7 years, you've made me choose her diamond ring and her wedding dress myself. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?"

Julian pulled her against him. His eyes were red as he demanded, "And you think it doesn't hurt me? I'm forcing the woman I dream of marrying to plan my wedding to someone else! I was only using her to get you back."

I froze, a chill spreading through me.

Now I understood why Celia had been there every time we chose a gift over the past 7 years, and why Julian always asked for her opinion.

I'd thought it was his way of showing how much he loved and valued me.

Instead, I was just a prop in their "tragic" love story, someone they used to hurt each other.

If that was what this wedding was about, I didn't want it anymore. I didn't need to finish collecting those gifts.

I stood in the shadows and watched them slowly draw apart.

Julian wiped the tears from Celia's eyes as gently as if she were a priceless treasure.

I turned away and dug my nails into my palms.

I didn't unclench my hands until the pain turned sharp. Then I walked back into the main showroom as though I'd just finished trying on a wedding dress.

Julian came straight over when he saw me.

"Why are you so pale? Did you skip breakfast? Has your blood sugar dropped again?"

Before I could answer, he pulled a piece of chocolate from his suit pocket with practiced ease, peeled back the gold wrapper, and held it to my lips.

That was Julian. He was always attentive, always quick to notice the slightest sign of discomfort.

I lowered my eyes and quietly moved away from his hand.

"I'm fine. It was just a little stuffy in the fitting room."

His hand hung in the air. After a second, he drew it back.

"Then let's hurry and choose a dress so we can get you home to rest."

Celia suddenly pointed to the bridal gown on the rack.

"Ms. Prescott, Mr. Beckett ordered this couture gown 6 months ago."

She walked to the mirror and held the diamond-studded mermaid gown against herself.

"You said you didn't like the neckline, but this style looks lovely on. If you don't mind, I could try it on for you so you can see the overall effect."

I watched her calmly. Suddenly, it all seemed almost laughable.

"Julian and I are here to buy my wedding dress. You're his executive assistant. Since when do you get to try on my dress?"

Celia went pale. She abruptly let go of the dress, and its heavy skirt dropped onto the carpet.

"I'm sorry. Mr. Beckett had me try on the other gifts we picked before. I thought you didn't mind."

Julian stepped in front of her, shielding her from me.

"Imogen, what's gotten into you? Celia was only trying to help. If you don't like it, she won't try it on. Do you have to be so cruel?"

The way he instinctively protected her made my stomach churn.

"Julian, we're about to get married." I looked him straight in the eye. "Once we're married, I don't want an executive secretary who crosses the line like this around my husband. Fire Celia."

My mind was racing. If he would only agree, I could still lie to myself and pretend none of this had happened.

He barely hesitated. "Absolutely not. The company has several major acquisitions next month, and Celia has been involved from the start. There's no time for someone else to take over. Can't you be reasonable instead of throwing a tantrum right now?"

I let my lips curve into a smile.

"Are you saying the CEO of Beckett Group can't find another competent executive assistant? Or can't you find Ms. Rourke a new job anywhere in Bellhaven, Mr. Beckett?"

Celia's face was drained of color. She bowed her head in apology.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here getting in your way."

She covered her face and ran out of the bridal shop.

Julian's expression turned thunderous.

"Imogen Prescott, you've gone too far today."

He left me with that accusation and immediately ran after her.