He Let Her Try On My Wedding Dress

Chapter 4

At noon on the day of their wedding, I took my suitcase to Corven Hotel.

The ballroom on the second floor was ready. White roses flown in from abroad filled the room.

They were Nadine's favorite flowers.

I avoided the guests in the lobby and went straight to the groom's dressing room.

The door was ajar. I could hear Nadine inside.

"After today, you have to make it up to Ms. Fenton. She loves you so much. I'm sure she'll forgive you."

Emmett stood in front of the mirror adjusting his bow tie. Even his suit was the one that had been made for our wedding.

"She's just stubborn. She'll get over it in a few days."

Nadine smoothed a crease at his shoulder. "You're that sure she can't bear to leave you?"

Emmett looked up without a moment's hesitation.

"It's been 8 years. She can't live without me."

Nadine laughed softly. "True. She loves you so much. I'm pretty jealous, actually. At least she has a right to call you hers. I only get to borrow you for today."

Emmett frowned. "Don't get carried away. Just enjoy today."

Nadine's eyes reddened slightly. She rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for giving me such a beautiful dream."

Emmett didn't pull away. Instead, he reached up to straighten her veil.

"Your makeup's a little smudged. Touch it up later."

I pushed the door open.

Emmett turned and saw me. The tenderness in his expression vanished in an instant.

His brow furrowed when he noticed the suitcase at my feet.

"Didn't I tell you not to come today? What's the suitcase for? Are you planning to make a scene?"

Nadine immediately tried to soothe him. "Don't say that. She just can't bear to be without you."

I wasn't interested in arguing. I took a document envelope out of my bag and set it on the table.

"I'm here to give you your freedom back. Remember to sign the papers inside."

Emmett didn't pick it up. Instead, he reached out and felt my forehead.

"You don't have a fever. What are you playing at now?"

I stepped back, out of his reach.

Emmett's face darkened a little, though he kept his voice low. "I don't have time to calm you down today. Go home and wait for me."

He took a black credit card from his wallet.

"Go shopping. Buy whatever you like."

I put the card back on the table.

"Don't come home looking for me tonight."

Emmett frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Read the papers. You'll understand."

I turned and left.

Behind me, Emmett finally raised his voice. "Celia, what the hell are you trying to pull now? Once I'm done with all this in a few days, I'll come home and deal with you."

Nadine caught his arm. "Leave it. She's angry right now. If you chase after her, she'll only think she's won."

Just as she'd intended, Emmett stopped.

The elevator doors slowly closed. My last glimpse was of Nadine in my wedding dress, wearing my mother's necklace, with Emmett beside her adjusting her veil.

At 2:50 p.m., I was sitting in the departure lounge. The boarding announcements had begun.

My phone rang. It was Emmett.

I answered.

He asked, barely containing his anger, "What is that divorce agreement in the envelope supposed to mean?"

I looked out at the distant tarmac. "Exactly what it says. We're getting divorced."

There were 2 seconds of silence. Then his angry voice came through the phone.

"You're choosing today to make a fuss over something this small? Do you even know what day it is?"

I stood up and took hold of my suitcase.

"I do. It's the day you and Nadine get married. Emmett, congratulations on your wedding."