Chapter 7

Harper's eyes welled up with tears. Even though she knew Callum wasn't the same man who only had eyes for her anymore, something about this moment still hit her deep. When he was still chasing her, she mentioned a silk wedding dress, wedding fanfare, and a gilded wedding contract. But truthfully, that was what she had always dreamed of. She grew up in an orphanage, lonely and bullied. If she were ever to get married, she wanted a wedding so grand that the whole world would know about it. Ironically, it was Callum who made her wishes come true. He remembered everything she wanted, but his love had long since changed. Callum asked, "Why are you crying? It's time to try the dress." Harper gently traced her fingers over their names on the gilded wedding contract and murmured, "I'm a little tired, and my face is bruised. Let's try it another time." No matter how much effort he put in, their wedding was doomed from the start. "I can't wait to see you in that dress, Harper." He got up and pulled her into his arms, his face glowing with pride. "Ever since I met you, I've hired the best to work on it. She spent three years stitching it with gold thread, diamonds, and all kinds of rare gems." He remarked with a hint of nostalgia, "When I left the Colter family for you, I didn't think I would ever see this moment." With that, he told the housekeepers to take Harper and the silk wedding dress into the bedroom. After they finished dressing her up, she looked at the dazzling woman in the mirror with a mix of emotions. One of the housekeepers gasped in awe. "You're going to take his breath away when he sees you." Harper gave in to the housekeepers and was led downstairs. The white hem of her dress trailed behind her, painting a picture of elegance with every step. When she came to the living room, she was met by someone she didn't expect. A housekeeper asked, "May I ask who you are, miss?" Callum's voice called out from behind. "This is Mdm. Prescott." Carrying a fancy coffee tray in his hands, he couldn't take his eyes off Harper, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "You're so beautiful, Harper." Sienna rested her hand on her flat belly, wearing a perfectly composed smile. "Don't just stare at how pretty she is, Callum. Harper still has bruises on her face. Let's wrap this up so she can get some rest." Callum chuckled. The housekeeper supporting Harper noticed her body trembling slightly. "You're quite thoughtful, Sienna." Harper asked, "What do you want?" Callum adjusted the coffee tray as the housekeeper poured the coffee. "Mom refused to attend our wedding, so Sienna is stepping in for her. We have this family custom where you serve a drink to an older family member as a way of requesting their blessing." Sienna leaned back, nonchalantly waiting for Harper to serve her. All eyes were on Harper. The air in the living room felt suffocating. Harper snickered at the idea of asking for Sienna's blessing when Sienna had hurt her over and over again. Harper felt like she was wearing her grandest dress, living out the most ridiculous nightmare. Just then, someone called out, "Harper!" Harper didn't know who shouted in surprise, but all she heard was a loud ringing in her ears before passing out. … Harper opened her eyes to find herself in a hospital with no one by her side. A nurse reminded her to see the doctor for her medication, and she followed the instructions like a robot. When she passed by one of the rooms, she heard Sienna's agitated voice. "Why did you call off the tradition, Callum? If you do this, where does that leave me when she marries into the Colter family?" Feeling upset, Sienna demanded an answer, but Callum didn't say a word. After a while, she choked out, "I'm fine with canceling the tradition. But before the wedding, I need to do something to make sure Harper knows her place." Peeking through the gap in the drop, Harper saw Sienna lean in and whisper something in Callum's ear. His expression grew darker, but he didn't stop her. She asked, "Will you say yes, Callum?" When Sienna posed her question, Harper instinctively held her breath. Even though she didn't know what Sienna had planned, it definitely wouldn't be pretty.