chapter 2
By the time Charlie came back, I had already composed myself.
He held Oscar's hand and naturally led Juliet inside.
Seeing me sitting on the sofa, he paused and asked, "Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be picking out a wedding dress?"
I looked at his instinctive move to shield Juliet behind him, feeling a dull ache in my chest.
So he did remember that we had an appointment to pick out a wedding dress today.
But he only sent me one text: [I might not make it back today, you go ahead and check it out.]
He avoided my gaze and explained, "The flight changed, and I wanted to surprise you. I just happened to run into Juliet at the door."
Juliet gave an awkward smile and casually took my arm. "Perfect timing, aren't you trying on wedding dresses? I'll come along and give you some advice."
I agreed without hesitation.
At the bridal shop, the staff saw Charlie and Juliet walking side by side while I walked behind with Oscar, and naturally asked Juliet, "Miss, what style do you like? We also have new arrivals inside."
Juliet was drawn to a wedding dress in the display window, her eyes lighting up as she instinctively looked at Charlie.
I noticed it was the same style as the one she had worn abroad.
The staff quickly said, "If you like it, you can try it on first!"
Oscar also rushed forward excitedly, saying, "Aunt Juliet, this one suits you perfectly!"
"Then go try it on," Charlie said instinctively, a doting smile on his lips.
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly realized my presence, and a trace of panic flashed across his face.
He explained, "Juliet is about to remarry, so she can try it on to get a feel. Evelyn, try on whichever one you like. As long as you're happy, anything is fine."
He looked at me affectionately, but I just found it a bit amusing.
He also knew that Juliet's blind date was successful and that she was preparing to get married.
The curtain was pulled open with a "swish." Juliet, like an excited little bird, lifted her skirt and walked over lightly. "Charlie, look!"
Charlie was instantly stunned, his usually indifferent eyes filled with amazement.
"This wedding dress suits you so well, even the groom is speechless from your beauty," the staff praised, clearly assuming Juliet was the bride.
But Charlie's attention was entirely on Juliet, completely ignoring me, the real bride.
"Aunt Juliet, you look so beautiful. Let me take some photos of you," Oscar said, grabbing Charlie's phone and snapping pictures nonstop around her.
Charlie smiled helplessly, happiness almost overflowing from his eyes.
I watched the scene before me, gave a self-deprecating smile, and turned to find the staff to settle the bill.
I said, "The one she's wearing will do, and let's have the styling done here as well. When the time comes, the makeup artist can just come over and do it for her directly."
The staff said, "Alright, let me confirm, the bride is Juliet Harrison, correct?"
I nodded and smiled, saying yes.
Then, I walked up to Charlie. "Let's go, Ive paid."
He finally came to his senses, his smile suddenly froze, and he awkwardly asked, "Didn't you try it on yet? Aren't you going to look at others?"
I said, "No need, let's go home."
As soon as we got home, Oscar suddenly tugged at my sleeve and said, "Mom, my head hurts a lot."
He frowned, his eyes watery, and my heart wavered for a moment.
After all, he is the child I raised with my own hands.
The first word he learned was "Mom," which he called out while hugging my neck.
Even though he later learned about his background and became somewhat distant, in my heart, my love for him has always been unconditional.
Even just a few days ago, I saw with my own eyes how he and Charlie betrayed me, but seeing his pain now, I still grabbed the keys without hesitation.
I said, "Let's go, I'll take you to the hospital."
I walked out of the bedroom but didn't see Charlie anywhere. However, I didn't have time to care and immediately took Oscar to the hospital.
The test results were all normal, but Oscar insisted on staying in the hospital. I had no choice but to stay with him.
The next morning, I stepped out of the hospital, just about to buy breakfast for Oscar, but saw a couple passionately kissing at the corner.
Juliet said, "Hurry up, or she'll find out."
Charlie said, "It's fine, Oscar is keeping her occupied. Juliet, I really want to marry you."
"If she hadn't forced me to marry her by getting pregnant back then, I would have married you long ago."
I froze.
Seeing Charlie's face filled with resentment, I instantly felt a pang in my chest.
Turns out, Oscar was faking illness to deceive me.
Turns out, Charlie had long regretted marrying me.