Between dresses three and four, Keeley needed to use the restroom. She excused herself (though no one noticed, as they were too busy arguing) and found the facilities.

On her way back, she passed another private dressing area occupied by a bride and her mother. She recognized the mother—Pearl Knighton.

Lacy burst from the dressing room, loudly complaining in a diamond-encrusted ball gown.

"This dress doesn't have enough diamonds! I have to be the most dazzling bride our circle has ever seen! Everyone's still talking about Alice Kelly's wedding dress from almost three years ago. I have to surpass her!"

"You will, dear," Pearl said soothingly. "You'll be the most ravishing bride ever."

Since when was Lacy getting married? In Keeley's previous timeline (2013), Lacy was obsessed with Aaron and trying to break up his marriage. There was no way that woman would give up on him if he were single.

The only logical explanation was that she was marrying Aaron, but that seemed impossible.

Everything Keeley had seen indicated Aaron despised Lacy. After learning the truth about their past, she understood the depth of his loathing. He would never marry her.

Unless…was Aaron planning to subdue her after marriage? He had emotionally destroyed Keeley, whom he deeply loved, by ignoring her and forcing her to change for him. It was possible.

Lacy was obsessed with him. If he gave her what she wanted in name only but treated her terribly, it would be cruel. Would he really go that far for revenge?

Lost in thought, Keeley didn't realize she'd been spotted until her worst enemy yelled her name. "Keeley Hall! What are you doing here?!"

She plastered on a false smile and deadpanned, "Lacy, how nice to see you. It's been six or seven years, hasn't it?"

"Answer the question," Lacy hissed, looking ferocious despite her gaudy dress.

"I'm the maid of honor for a friend, and she brought me to help her choose a dress."

Lacy scoffed. "As if any of your friends could afford to shop here."

"Lacy," Pearl warned, but Lacy ignored her mother.

Lacy had become careless about her image around Keeley in this life. In their previous encounter, she'd maintained her composure until after their marriage.

"My friend's fiancé is paying. I assume you've heard of Cameron Singleton?" In her obsession with Aaron, Lacy had to know those close to him.

Lacy's eyes narrowed. "The Hale Investments board member?"

Keeley nodded. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should return to my friend."

She turned to leave, but Lacy grabbed her arm. "Wait! You should know—I'm choosing my wedding dress to marry Aaron Hale. You lose."

Keeley looked at her former enemy with disgust and snorted. "Why would I care? I never liked him; he was the clingy one. I haven't seen him since high school. I have a boyfriend now who's far superior to Aaron Hale."

The lies were necessary. She'd fallen off Lacy's radar and didn't want to be back on it. Lacy would be furious if she knew her fiancé was still pursuing Keeley.

Lacy's expression soured, but Keeley broke free and hurried back to her group. Jennica was trying on the fifth dress, admiring its skirt in the mirror.

It had a sweetheart neckline, a ruched bodice, and a moderately ruffled, flared skirt. It was far subtler than the previous, overly ruffled dress.

"I want this one," Jennica announced, then frowned slightly. "But it feels like something's missing."

The attendant, relieved, showed a flicker of emotion. "A wide belt in one of your wedding colors is very popular this season for dresses like this."

Jennica's eyes lit up. "My colors are red, orange, and hot pink."

"I'll bring a selection of accessories. Please allow me a moment."

She bowed and left. Jennica continued admiring herself. Even her mother couldn't fault the dress; it was beautiful, if less princess-like than she'd initially expected.

Keeley was relieved. Her role was over. She could relax until it was time to leave and return to her mounting homework.

The problem with relaxing was that it gave her time to think. It was insulting to learn that a man who professed love two months ago was marrying someone else, even someone she disliked.

More than that, she felt a sourness at the thought of Lacy winning. She'd become Mrs. Hale, just as she'd schemed for years.

Why did it matter now? Before knowing the truth, hadn't Keeley expected this outcome? She'd even hoped for it, so Aaron would leave her alone.

The truth changed everything. No one should marry someone they don't love, even a heartless man like Aaron Hale.

No, he wasn't heartlesshe was different than she'd thought. He clearly had feelings but couldn't express them. That made it worse.

He claimed to love Keeley, yet he was marrying the woman who'd killed his child and later, his wife. An odd way to show his love. Even for revenge, it was inexcusable.

It was stupid that she cared. Aaron was always destined to marry a socialite. He could do as he pleased.

Butshe didn't want to be seen as the other woman. She needed to tell him to stop sending her food. If he was getting married, it was time for a clean break.

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