Chapter 3 

It was late at night by the time I got home. 

I opened the fridge and saw a papaya sitting right there. 

Couldn’t eat it while I was pregnant–every time I saw one, I’d practically drool. 

Now I could eat it again, and all I wanted to do was cry. 

I headed to the kitchen and made two things. 

Tropical fruit pudding. 

And a bowl of Savory chicken porridge. 

I was just about to dig in when I heard keys turning in the front door. 

Cassian walked in, suitcase in hand. 

I frowned. He hadn’t been home since Elowen’s accident. 

“You’re back? Shouldn’t you be with Elowen?” 

He wheeled the suitcase straight into the bedroom. 

“I’m marrying Elowen, remember?” he said casually. 

“Came to grab some things–save the hassle later.” 

I gave a quiet “mm,” but couldn’t stop thinking about what Elowen had said. 

“The wedding’s in a week.” 

“You and the baby are welcome to come.” 

Right. Just a few days away. 

If he didn’t move his stuff now, it’d be bad luck‘ if he touched anything that had been around me. 

Tears dropped into my bowl, silent and unnoticed–just like his love for me had vanished without a sound. 

But it wasn’t always like this. 

He used to be excited about the baby. 

We used to be happy. For so long. 

I bowed my head, spoon halfway to my mouth, when he suddenly spoke up. 

15:30 

11.5% 

I Survived the Wedding from Hell: Now It’s My Time to Shine 

Chapter 3 

“Is that Savory chicken porridge?” 

“Elowen didn’t eat dinner tonight. This’ll be good for her stomach.” 

Before I could react, he stepped over and took the bowl right out of my hands. 

I stared at my now–empty fingers, stunned. 

It wasn’t until he started spooning it into a clean to–go container that I finally said something. 

“That was my dinner.” 

Without looking up, he replied, “There’s still food on the table. Just eat that.” 

I glanced at the pudding and gave a strained smile. 

“Pregnant women aren’t supposed to eat papaya.” 

Cassian froze, then slowly set the container down. 

“Well… maybe just a little?” 

“It’s not like anything serious ever showed up on your checkups, right?” 

I held back a sob and looked up, refusing to cry in front of him. 

“It’s fine.” 

The baby’s already gone. 

Nothing matters now. 

Maybe he noticed something in my face, because he sighed and pulled me into a hug. 

“Seraphina, can you just hold on a little longer?” 

“After the wedding, I promise–I’ll be there for you. Just a little longer, okay?” 

Inodded, but my mind kept drifting to the past. 

“Seraphina, Elowen’s clingy. Once she’s feeling better, I’ll go with you to the checkup.” 

“Seraphina, Elowen’s running a fever. Let me take her to the doctor first–I’ll call you after.” 

“Seraphina, she won’t let me leave. I’ll come home once she’s asleep.” 

Cassian, how long do you expect me to wait? 

I gently pulled away from his arms and handed him the food container. 

“Go.” 

*v. 11. A!…….. Te’s My Time to Shine 

11.8% 

Chapter 3 

Don’t look back. 

Just as the door was about to close behind him, I stopped him. 

“Cassian, do you remember how many times you’ve asked me for a divorce?” 

He paused. 

Before he could answer, I said, 

“This is the 101st time.” 

“Tomorrow, 9 a.m. at the courthouse. Don’t be late.” 

Then I stepped forward, and slowly, firmly shut the door. 

Leaning against it, I heard his shaky breathing on the other side. 

He didn’t leave. 

And I didn’t move. 

Only a 4–inch slab of wood separated us physically- 

But our hearts couldn’t have been farther apart. 

A moment later, I heard the keys again. 

Cassian opened the door. 

15:31