Chapter 4

After removing the tattoo, Vanessa went upstairs without glancing at Waverly and Harris. In the days that followed, she made every effort to avoid contact with Harris and immersed herself fully in planning her wedding. Her days were consumed with trying on dresses, selecting rings and jewelry, and methodically erasing Harris from her mind. One day, as Vanessa was about to leave the house, she saw Harris taking a phone call on the couch. "Harris, I'm getting married in two weeks." Hearing Blake's voice, Vanessa froze, her hand pausing mid-motion as she changed her shoes. She looked up at Harris' profile. Harris looked surprised and let out a low chuckle. He questioned teasingly, "Who's the lucky bride? Which family's daughter managed to capture your heart?" Blake's laughter carried through. "You'll find out by then. Just be ready to drink a few rounds." Relieved, Vanessa resumed tying her shoes. Harris heard her movement and turned to glance at her. Then, he said somewhat regretfully, "I won't be able to make it. I'm also getting married on the same day." "Really? What a coincidence." "Yes. I can't attend, but you're my best friend. I'll send over a gold bracelet as a wedding gift. Congratulations to you both." Vanessa didn't listen to the rest. Picking up her phone, she made her way to the door. Harris had just ended his call when he stopped her abruptly. He checked his watch. Over the past several days, Vanessa had been leaving around the same hour and only returning late at night. At this thought, his voice carried a subtle irritation he didn't seem to realize. "Out again? What have you been so busy with lately?" Vanessa casually tapped her phone screen and offered a vague response before walking out the door. … At the Bowen residence, Vanessa stood in front of a mirror, her breath catching as she stared at her reflection. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with delicate strands framing her face. The strapless white gown, adorned with intricate craftsmanship, perfectly accentuated her figure. Vanessa's stunning appearance drew gasps of admiration from those around her. Rose snapped several photos and claimed she would send them to Blake. Blushing, Vanessa retreated to the fitting room to change. Moments later, the doorbell rang, and soon Finn entered carrying an exquisitely wrapped gift box. "Mrs. Bowen, this is a wedding gift from Mr. Harris for Mr. Blake." Rose opened the box to reveal a gold bracelet of immense value. "Such a thoughtful gift," she remarked. Vanessa, now dressed, approached just as Rose waved her over. "Vanessa, come see this. Your brother sent it as a wedding gift. Honestly, he could've just handed it to you instead of going through all this trouble." Vanessa recalled Harris' words from that morning. Before she could refuse, Rose slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. At ten that evening, Vanessa opened the door to her home and saw the lights were on. Inside, she immediately spotted Waverly lounging on the couch in a silk nightgown while Harris sat beside her, peeling an orange. He meticulously removed the white pith before offering a piece of orange to Waverly. When Waverly's lips accidentally brushed his fingers, Harris paused, and a faint flush spread across her cheeks. Vanessa looked away and calmly changed her shoes. The soft sound of movement brought the two on the couch back to reality. Harris casually wiped his fingers with a handkerchief and then walked toward Vanessa, who was heading upstairs. "Waverly's house is under renovation. She'll be staying here for a few days." Vanessa nodded indifferently as she removed her coat. Her composed reaction seemed to stir a hint of displeasure in Harris. He said, "And don't entertain any improper thoughts…" He stopped mid-sentence, and his expression darkened. The next moment, Harris grabbed Vanessa's wrist forcefully, his voice trembling with restrained fury as he bellowed, "Why do you have this bracelet?"