A Love Misgiven

I grabbed a quick breakfast and remembered the wedding dress I had ordered a month ago was ready to be picked up. I drove to the bridal shop on my own.

The manager was there, and I told him why I had come.

"Hello. I'm here for the wedding dress I ordered a month back."

He looked at me, puzzled. "Ms. Larsen, didn't someone pick up your dress a couple of days ago?"

I froze, shocked. It had to have been Edward.

The manager caught my silence and quickly jumped in with an explanation.

"Ms. Larsen, I wasn't in the store that day, but let me get the surveillance tape for you."

In no time, a clerk was by our side with the video ready to play.

There on the screen was Chloe, draped in my wedding gown, her cheeks pink with shyness.

"Edward, do I look good in this?" she asked.

Edward gazed at her, all soft and gooey, and said, "You look stunning. Give me a pinch, will you? I need to know this isn't just a dream. For years, I could only dream of marrying you."

He took Chloe's hand gently, his eyes full of care. "A dream? No way. Lucky for me, you showed up when you did, or I'd be marrying someone else."

They wrapped their arms around each other, their lips coming together in a kiss.

I had convinced myself that Edward felt sorry for Chloe, just like he said. However, there they were, together, and I had no clue when it all started.

That image was like a punch to the eyes, and my heart ached like crazy.

I had made up my mind not to care, so why was that hurt so hard to shake off?

The manager noticed my teary eyes and sensed trouble. He whipped out his phone and dialed Edward.

"Mr. Carter, Ms. Larsen is here and..."

"Did Jennifer come to collect the wedding dress? Just tell her I'll give it back when we're done. It's not like anyone's fighting her for it."

I was close enough to catch every word, and anger flared up inside me. I gestured for the manager to hand over the phone.

My voice was firm and loud as I barked into the phone.

"Edward, my wedding dress is a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece, and it's not cheap. It cost me seventy-five thousand dollars. You didn't think to ask me before you took it?"

"What's that supposed to mean? I only borrowed it for Chloe to wear. Are you seriously talking about money with me right now?"

I was about to say something when Chloe's voice, thick with hurt, came through the phone.

"Edward, if we can't be together, does that mean I can't even keep the wedding dress?"

I could not see Edward's face when he heard her, but his words left me squirming with discomfort.

"You're after money, aren't you.

"Alright, I'll send it to you right now.

"You love money so much, go rent another dress from the bridal shop when we get married. It'll save us some cash."

Edward's voice was a mix of warmth and anger as he hung up.

I had barely pulled my phone away when it buzzed with a PayPal alert.

The money was in my account. He really was generous.

Then, my brother called. I quickly dried my tears and steadied my voice before picking up.

"Jennifer, have you caught the news today?"

I was about to ask Henry what he meant when the news headline on the television caught my eye.

[Capital's most eligible bachelor announces wedding plans overnight]

"Henry, are you talking about the wedding announcement?"

"Yes. He was so eager once he heard you'd marry him. He blasted the news out like he wanted every stranger on the street to know you're his. He's even got the world's best wedding planners on speed dial, wondering if you've got any special requests."

I paused before replying, "There's no need for that. I've got the wedding planning covered."

"Edward, you're not the only guy in the world. There are others who care about me too. I just hope you don't end up regretting this on our wedding day," I muttered to myself.