Chapter 4

The next morning, I got a call from an unknown number.

It was Vivian.

"Aria, Lucas said you agreed to be his side piece?"

On the other end, her voice dripped with triumphant arrogance: "Since you're the other woman, you should know your place."

"Come to the downtown bridal shop. I have something for you to do."

She hung up before I could respond.

I stared at my phone, a cold smile tugging at my lips.

Perfect. I wanted to see what other tricks this pair of scumbags had up their sleeves.

As soon as I walked in, I saw Lucas helping Vivian try on wedding dresses.

Vivian wore a million-dollar mermaid gown, preening in front of the mirror.

Lucas sat on the nearby sofa,furrowed his brow, clearly bored.

When he saw me enter, he jumped to his feet, panic flashing in his eyes.

"Who told you to come? Didn't I tell you to wait at home?"

"Do you think this is the kind of place you belong?"

He spoke while nervously glancing at Vivian, afraid she'd blow up right there.

The classic cheater move—trying to keep his wife and mistress separate. He played the part perfectly.

"I'm the one who called her."

Vivian lifted her skirt and walked over, wearing a smug smile.

"Lucas, since you can't bear to get rid of this country bumpkin, why not make her my bridesmaid?"

"Let her watch our happiness firsthand. That way she'll learn her place faster, don't you think?"

Lucas's face darkened significantly: "Vivian, knock it off. Aria doesn't know anything about this."

Vivian latched onto Lucas's arm, pouting while shooting me a provocative gaze.

"Aria, don't you love Lucas? If you do, can't you handle this little compromise?"

Lucas, clearly fed up, looked at me helplessly: "Aria, since Vivian's set on this, maybe you should..."

"Just do me this favor."

He leaned close to my ear, speaking so only we could hear:

"Seeing you in a bridesmaid dress will tide me over. Then tonight I'll come to your place and make it up to you properly."

Absolutely revolting.

Looking at Lucas's two-faced hypocrisy, I agreed without hesitation.

"Sure."

"Since you're both so eager, I'll definitely play along."

Lucas froze, clearly surprised by my willingness.

A glint of victory flashed in his eyes.

He thought I was still that Aria who loved him desperately, willing to endure any humiliation for him.

Vivian pointed to the corner: "There, that's yours. Go change."

"Don't let your filth ruin my clothes—they're imported."

I took the dress and headed for the fitting room.

Looking at the cheap, neon green dress in the mirror, I smiled coldly.

But I put it on anyway and pushed open the door.

Sure enough, Vivian doubled over laughing, holding up her phone to take pictures:

"Oh my god, it's perfect on you! Don't you look just like a green worm crawling out of a garden?"

Disgust flashed in Lucas's eyes. He waved dismissively.

"Take it off. Keep the dress and bring it to the venue yourself tomorrow."

He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and tossed it to me: "This is the condo address. The code is your birthday."

"Don't go wandering around, and definitely don't go back to the pig farm. I don't want you bringing that smell with you."

I silently picked up the paper and changed back into my clothes.

Lucas. Vivian. Laugh all you want.

Because after tonight, neither of you will ever laugh again.