Charles and Hannah’s highly publicized wedding, causing a stir in Kensbury City and Northfield, was to take place tomorrow. Hannah lay in bed, struggling to sleep. She’d been sleepless on the eve of her wedding in her previous life, but for a different reason. Then, she’d been consumed by excitement; now, her mind raced with plans to expose Charles’s true nature.
Late that night, the phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, Hannah recalled a similar call from Oscar in her past life – a call proposing a “bride kidnapping” at the wedding. She steadied herself and answered, “Oscar.”
“Is our agreement still in place?” he asked calmly, devoid of any apparent emotion. It wasn't the exact phrasing she remembered; this Oscar wasn't drunk.
“Did I suggest breaking our promise?” she retorted.
“All the news about you and Charles Sawyer this month—wedding photos, dress fittings, constant displays of affection—it makes me wonder if you're joking,” he said.
Hannah’s expression hardened. You’re the one who’s lost your mind! she thought. Her recent preoccupation with wedding preparations had been a deliberate strategy to lull Charles into a false sense of security, to push him into revealing his true self. The higher he climbed, the harder his fall.
Since their one-night encounter a month ago, Oscar had been silent. Hannah had almost contacted him several times, questioning his attendance, but she'd resisted. She wouldn't force his cooperation. Even without him, she could expose the incriminating video and bring Charles down. However, revealing the video after marrying someone else would deliver a devastating blow to Charles.
“As long as you come tomorrow,” she said firmly.
“Hannah Cooper,” Oscar said, his voice unusually earnest. “Don't fool me. You can't afford that!” He hung up before she could respond.
Hannah stared at the phone, lost in thought. Oscar hadn't given a definitive answer. Would history repeat itself? Would he even show up?
…
Dawn broke. Wedding staff filled Hannah’s room with equipment. Hannah rose, dazed after a scant hour of sleep. The weight of her anxieties had prevented true rest. Sleep itself had brought only nightmares and flashbacks from her past life, struggles she found difficult to overcome.
After preparing, she sat at her dressing table. She couldn’t recall her exact mood during her previous wedding preparations; now, she felt utterly emotionless, the impending encounter with Charles making her feel almost frantic. She’d been battling these feelings for so long.
Susan, the bridesmaid, arrived half an hour later, unusually early despite still being late. In her past life, Hannah had constantly urged Susan, fearing lateness; this time, however, Susan’s punctuality seemed less critical.
Susan, slightly flustered, explained, “I hit snooze, slept half an hour longer, and didn’t even have time for the bathroom! Am I too late?”
“Don’t worry, Ms. Phillips. The bridesmaid makeup isn’t complicated. Perhaps you should freshen up first?” the staff suggested gently.
“Gosh! Did you see something on my face?” Susan asked bluntly.
Her candidness belied her wealthy upbringing. The staff chuckled; Susan’s easygoing nature had earned her a good reputation in various service industries.
“You have drool at the corner of your mouth,” the staff explained.
“Oh, really?” Susan wiped her mouth. “I dreamt of drumsticks last night. I dieted all evening just to be your bridesmaid!” She then turned to Hannah, playfully demanding, “I sacrificed so much for you. Do you love me?”
“I love you so much. Now go wash up,” Hannah urged.
“Sounds a bit insincere,” Susan pouted. Hannah, however, felt Susan's sacrifice was meaningless in the context of her wedding to Charles.
After freshening up, Susan settled in for her makeup. Laughter filled the room, a stark contrast to Hannah’s somber mood. Fortunately, Susan’s carefree nature masked Hannah’s true feelings; any observation would likely be attributed to pre-wedding nerves.
More than three hours later, Hannah and Susan were ready. Susan exclaimed jealously, “Hannah, how can such a simple wedding dress look so stunning on you?”
Hannah examined her reflection. The dress was indeed unremarkable. She'd deliberately chosen a plain gown for this wedding, lacking any expectation. Charles hadn't been particularly attentive during dress selection, simply picking out a few options, the same ones from her last life. In her previous life, Hannah had tried to please Charles, accepting his choices despite her preferences.
Now, however, she saw a radiant bride in the mirror—a naturally beautiful woman whose simple attire enhanced her striking features. The media's praise of her wedding appearance in her previous life had nothing to do with Charles's so-called meticulous planning.