When Alana couldnât reach Emmeline and received only a busy signal, she turned to Albus and complained, âWhat kind of man doesnât have the respect of his fiancée? She wonât be back for a few more. days.â
Albus stuttered, âEmmeline is an ambitious woman. Itâs only natural for her to be busy with work.â
Giving him a sideways glance, she said, âLet me remind you of something. Emmeline is quite remarkable. She has many suitors vying for her heart. Youâre not even good enough for her. If youâre not careful, someone might steal her away.â
Her words frustrated him, and he protested, âWeâre getting engaged soon. There wonât be any problems in the future.
She simply sneered. âAnyone can ruin a sure thing. Not to mention, youâre dealing with a woman like her.â
âWhat do you mean?â He frowned. âWhatâs wrong with Emmeline?â
âShe doesnât like you, and sheâs only following her motherâs wishes. Moreover, she has feelings for someone else.â
âWhat?â Albusâ eyes filled with hatred as her words struck him. His face turned red with anger. Who is the guy?â
âI donât know.â Alana fueled the fire. âBut Iâve heard that heâs wealthy and influential. Heâs a capable man, much better than you.â
Albus face turned pale at her insults, then his checks flushed with anger as he argued. âI might be incompetent. However, sheâs engaged to me. Therefore, she shouldnât be playing around with me.
Otherwise, sheâll learn that Iâm not someone to be messed with.â
The next morning, after finishing his IV treatment, Abel took Emmeline for a drive. He parked the car in front of a jewelry store.
She immediately understood his intention and felt a tug at her heart. The next moment, tears blurred her vision.
âThatâs not necessary.â She sniffled. âSpending money on someone to make them look good.â
âBut itâs you. Youâre not just anyone.â Abel said. Tm doing this for you, not for Albus.
After parking the car, he held her hand, and the pair entered the grand building.
Even though Emmeline was surrounded by jewelry, she frowned, not feeling the enthusiasm to shop.
She walked around the shop until Abel urged her to choose a set of jewelry. Eventually, she picked a set of pure gold accessories, consisting of a necklace, a ring, and a pair of earrings.
She must admit that she didnât put much thought into the designs as she had something on her mind.
The details were the last thing she was worried about at the moment.
Besides, she wouldnât wear these accessories in her daily life. She would only wear them for show during the engagement ceremony.
On the other hand, Abel lingered in front of the counter that showcased the diamond platinum ring.
According to Altney customs, the couple didnât need to purchase engagement rings, as the groomâs family would prepare a golden ring, a golden bracelet, and a golden necklace for the bride.
He deliberately chose a ring named Love for A Lifetime for her.
He took Emmelineâs hand and carefully placed it on her ring finger.
She stared at her finger, knowing that she would never take off the ring for the rest of her life.
Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Afterward, the pair returned to the car. Abel rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. A few minutes later, he turned to her and hoarsely asked. âEmmaâ
Lowering her head, she hummed a response.
âWould you like to be my bride, even if itâs just for a day?â
Her head jerked up at his suggestion as she questioned him with tearful eyes, âWhat did you just say?â
He smiled and pointed outside the car. She followed his gesture and saw a wedding studio. Realization immediately dawned on her.
Since she was fourteen, she had been dreaming of wearing a white wedding dress and becoming his beautiful bride, but now, she realized that a dream would always be a dream. Her dream would never come true.
Abel looked at her expectantly, but his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.
âYes!â Finally, Emmeline nodded, choking back her tears.
He leaned over, embraced her, and planted a soft kiss on her lips. âThank you, my Eminaâ
Those words pierced her heart like a dagger. She could feel her heart breaking into small pieces.
She wanted to be Abelâs bride more than anything, even if she could only make her dream come true in studio.
She put on delicate makeup and changed into a snowâwhite wedding dress.
She stood proudly as a stunning bride in Abelâs arms.
Abel, with his hair perfectly styled, was wearing a white wedding suit.
He was as handsome and elegant as ever, but there was a glimmer of sadness in his usually dominant demeanor.
The pair stood close in each otherâs arms against the backdrop of the beach. It was a beautiful scene that could touch oneâs heart.
In the eyes of the photographer, they were a perfect couple, as if they were made for each other.
âTo think I get to experience this with you, it makes my life complete.â
Pressing his forehead against Emmelineâs, Abel whispered as he held her slender waist.
Tears streamed down her face. âI wonât think about wearing a wedding dress anymore. Once is enough.â
âYou silly girl. Every girl dreams of wearing a wedding dress and becoming a bride. He comforted her softly, âDonât worry about me. I wonât mind whatâs about to happen.â
She wrapped her hands around his neck and sobbed in his arms. âI never wear a wedding dress for a man who isnât you.â