Chapter 4

After a long silence, Ezra and Kaitlyn sighed heavily. “It’s our sons who aren’t worthy of you. We’re sorry,” they said, accepting the gold necklace but firmly refusing the bank card. “Emelie, keep the money; you might need it.”

Emelie smiled gently, pushing the card back. “I’d feel uneasy if you didn’t take it. My parents left me a sizable inheritance I haven’t touched. Besides, after all these years, I consider you my parents. I’ll be leaving home soon now that I’m married.”

Helplessly, Ezra and Kaitlyn accepted the card.

In the following days, Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor did not visit Emelie. Ezra and Kaitlyn learned from the household staff that the three brothers had been spending all their time with Melissa. This angered them further.

“Emelie, wait here. We’ll bring them over to see you. It’s unacceptable they haven’t even visited!”

“No, you don’t have to. Having you both here is more than enough,” Emelie quickly stopped them. Seeing her sincerity, they relented.

The day Emelie was discharged, Tyler called. His usually cool voice was unexpectedly warm. “I designed a wedding dress and had it delivered to your house.”

Emelie asked in astonishment, “You design wedding dresses?”

Tyler chuckled. “Sometimes. I just wanted to give my wife something special.”

Emelie’s cheeks flushed. She stammered a few vague replies, her mind going blank as a warm feeling surged in her heart.

Arriving home, she saw a stunning white wedding dress. Its vast train, adorned with countless sparkling diamonds, shimmered like starlight. The only flaw? Melissa was wearing it.

Holding the hem, Melissa twirled coquettishly. “Guys, how do I look?”

“Beautiful, like a fairy!”

“Even more gorgeous than most actresses I’ve worked with!”

“Mel, you’ll be the most stunning bride in the world!”

Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor showered her with compliments. Melissa’s smile was radiant, even bashful under their praise.

Emelie’s blood boiled. She stormed toward Melissa. “Melissa, this is my wedding dress! Who gave you permission to wear it? Taking something without asking is stealing! Take it off!”

Melissa flinched, tears welling. “I didn’t know it was yours. I thought it was pretty. I’m sorry, Ms. Richmond. I didn’t mean to.” Yet, she didn't move, smoothing the fabric affectionately.

“Then take it off!” Emelie clenched her fists.

Melissa remained reluctant, clutching the dress. “I’ve never worn such a beautiful dress. It’s exactly like the one in my dreams. Ms. Richmond, you’re not even getting married. Can’t you just give it to me?”

“Are you deaf? My wedding is soon! This is my wedding dress! What am I supposed to wear?” Emelie snapped.

Melissa’s eyes reddened. Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor immediately defended her.

Anthony pinched the bridge of his nose. “That’s enough. It’s just a dress. You’re not getting married. You bought it to fool us. Aren’t you taking this too far?”

“Right. You just want to make us jealous. I told you to stop playing games,” Marcelo added impatiently.

“It’s a prop. Since Mel likes it, give it to her. Where did you buy it? I’ll pay,” Connor offered, producing a black card.

Emelie breathed deeply, exasperated. “For the last time, this isn’t a prop! I’m married, and my husband designed this dress. It’s priceless. Melissa must take it off and return it!”

The brothers’ tempers flared at the word “husband.” Just as they were about to argue, Melissa clutched their sleeves, sobbing. “Anthony, Marcelo, Connor, don’t fight. I’ll take it off.”

She ran off crying. Returning, she held the wedding dress—shredded to pieces.

“Sorry, Ms. Richmond. I accidentally tore it,” she said meekly, though triumph glinted in her eyes. The dress was clearly cut with scissors.

Emelie gasped for breath, furious. “Do you take me for a fool? You did this on purpose!”

“I didn’t! I’m sorry! I’ll pay you back! How much does it cost?” Melissa whimpered, her crying intensifying.

Before Emelie could explode, Anthony pulled Melissa into his arms. “Stop! How long will you keep this up? Fine. If your husband designed this, call him. Let’s see how much it costs. I’ll pay.”

Marcelo and Connor agreed. Their goal was to expose what they believed was Emelie's lie. Her constant mention of marriage, her husband, and the dress drove them insane. The only way to stop her was to expose her.

To their shock, Emelie gritted her teeth. “Fine.” She dialed Tyler’s number in front of everyone.