His last words made Annabelle Linton’s eyes well up again.

’I don’t know what to feel.’

’I’m getting engaged to him tomorrow, yet I’m still caught up with my ex-husband and I even lied to Aaron. I’m such a terrible person.’

She threw her arms around him and cried for a long, long time. Aaron Wyatt comforted her in a low voice, then carried her upstairs.

Upstairs, Aaron Wyatt got a clean towel. He cupped her face with one hand and gently wiped away her tears with the other, murmuring for her to stop crying.

After he dried her face, they ate the dinner he had prepared. It had gotten a little cold, so he reheated it, explaining he’d made it an hour ago.

When they finished eating, he ran a bath for her and then dried her hair.

Once everything was taken care of, he tucked her in and went to his own apartment next door to sleep.

He had promised he wouldn’t touch her before they were married.

Annabelle said, "Thank you."

Aaron Wyatt turned and said, "Don’t mention it. You’re going to be my wife. It’s only natural I’d do anything for you."

And for reasons she couldn’t explain, Annabelle started crying all over again, for a long, long time.

...

「The next day—the day of the engagement.」

As if to reflect a certain mood, the weather was dreary.

However, it had little effect on the engagement ceremony, which was being held indoors at a hotel.

Annabelle sat in the dressing room, staring blankly at her own reflection.

Even though she had cried all night, her makeup concealed any trace of it.

’It’s just like with people. No matter how much pain you’re in, as long as you hide it well, no one can tell what you’re truly thinking.’

Ryan Linton was dressed in a slim-fit, light blue suit and a white shirt. His fluffy hair was parted in the middle. For an eighteen-year-old, the suit wasn’t awkward at all; in fact, it suited him perfectly, making him quite a handsome sight.

He looked at Annabelle and asked blankly, "Do you love him?"

Annabelle fell silent for a moment. Gazing out the window, she said softly, "We’ll be happy together. At least, our life will be a good one."

’That’s enough.’

Ryan Linton watched her for a long time before sighing. He gently pulled her into a hug, his voice thick with sorrow. "Sis, no matter what, I just want you to be happy. Remember, whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you."

Annabelle ruffled his hair and gave a faint smile. "I’ll be fine."

’Annabelle Linton, your new life begins today. You have to live this hard-won life to the fullest.’

’Besides, from the moment you decided to be with Aaron Wyatt, you knew you couldn’t hurt him again.’

’Starting next month, you will officially be Aaron Wyatt’s wife. For the rest of your life, you must be devoted, faithful to your marriage, and fulfill your duties as a wife.’

She forced a smile at her reflection.

The engagement ceremony began.

Many people had come—classmates, colleagues, friends, and relatives.

Aaron Wyatt, dressed in a black suit, looked handsome on a whole other level.

He gazed at her tenderly and said with a smile, "Annabelle, I finally have an official title."

Annabelle smiled and jokingly replied, "Same here."

The process was similar to a wedding. An emcee hosted from the stage, and the couple played their part.

The atmosphere was wonderful, filled with blessings, lighthearted banter, and the palpable excitement of a wedding.

Following the emcee’s lead, the time came for them to exchange engagement rings.

Before putting the ring on her finger, Aaron Wyatt spoke softly to Annabelle. "Annabelle, you still have a chance to back out. Do you want to? I’ll respect your decision."

Annabelle froze. An image of Leona Grant trying to kill himself surfaced in her mind...

The desperate, tear-filled look in his eyes seemed to play before her again. That profound obsession terrified her...