Chapter 2: Carsick

Anton froze, but only for a moment. Very quickly, he returned to his usual cold, indifferent self.

"All the more reason for you to be understanding. You can imagine how awkward it was for her the first time. Even after I stepped in and finished the ceremony, the experience still traumatized her. Yes, the next eight times were staged, but I only did it to help her get over that trauma."

I closed my eyes and replayed the first time Lina was dumped at the altar. Everyone backstage was chaotic. Lina was still dressed in her gown, crying her heart out.

I kept consoling her and trying to come up with an explanation that would calm the guests down. At the same time, I heard Anton talking to his friend.

"You're going to take the groom's place, Anton? But what about Lina?"

Anton carefully adjusted his tie, smoothing out every last crease. "You know, Lina and Emilia made a promise. Emilia's not marrying anyone until Lina does. If Lina becomes afraid of marriage because of this, then it's over for us too."

His friends began teasing him. Praising him. Lavishing him with admiration.

"You love your girlfriend so much that you're willing to sacrifice yourself just to help her best friend recover from trauma."

"When you and Emilia finally get married, I want the biggest reception platter."

They were laughing, but my heart went cold. It felt as if something had quietly left my soul. Yet I had no proof.

During the wedding ceremony, I watched them exchange rings, and my knuckles were clenched so tightly that they turned white.

My close friends kept telling me this was just for show and not to take it seriously. They said the same thing when the second time came, then the third. Eventually, they stopped trying to convince me.

Even though Anton would stay with me after the fake wedding, I had a feeling the distance between us was widening.

Lina slowly stood up. The tear tracks on her face had not even dried. "Let me have this one last wedding, and I'll never disturb you again."

With a gentler voice than I had ever heard him use, Anton said, "You can't say that. Emilia's still your best friend. Just call us if you need anything."

Then he turned to me, his tone instantly becoming commanding. "We're going to the bridal shop. Take that gown we were planning to use. That should be enough as an apology."

"I'm not going," I said coolly.

Lina's eyes filled with tears again. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have held this wedding! If you won't forgive me, I'll give my life to you!"

She made a move as if she was about to rush forward, but Anton stopped her at once. "I already called professional makeup artists for you. Just stay backstage and wait for us. We'll be back right away." His voice was soft, as if he were afraid of breaking something fragile.

He then dragged me by my arm all the way to the car.

"Ow!" My right arm had once been fractured because I had rushed to deliver an urgent file to Anton. Ever since then, I could not lift anything heavy with that arm. Being yanked like this was the one thing I could not endure.

Still, Anton did not loosen his grip. He tossed me onto the passenger seat.

"I guess I've spoiled you too much, Emilia." He started the car and sped straight toward the bridal shop. "I'm helping her for your sake. You were the one who insisted she had to get married before you. You think I want to do this again and again?"

He was driving at 150 miles per hour.

I wanted to speak, but nausea surged up from my stomach and swallowed my words. He knew I got carsick easily, but he would not even roll down the window.

All for the sake of that gown.