I pretended to be nonchalant.
“Oh? Who’s the bride? Did he say?”
My gossip broke the tension.
Lane smiled.
“He didn’t say, very secretive. Probably some
heiress. But she’s lucky to marry my brother.
He’s playful, but deeply devoted.”
I turned to him.
“And you? Devoted on the surface, but what
about the inside?”
As I turned, Lane instinctively recoiled.
I was used to it.
I leaned against the doorframe, waiting for his
answer.
His eyes betrayed his panic. He finally
stammered,
“I’m so good at self–control, of course I’m
consistent.”
“I hope so.”
“”
I said softly, then closed the door.
Against the door, my heart pounded.
Thank goodness, Henry kept his promise…
The next morning, before I woke up, Lane
knocked.
“Nancy, we’re going to the old house. My
く
>
brother needs help picking out wedding attire.
He says the bride is similar in size to you, and
wants you to help.”
Lane’s words jolted me awake.
I never refused a chance to go to the Gu
family’s home.
I didn’t want Lane to overthink it, so I agreed.
On the way, Lane casually said:
“Sienna’s back from studying abroad. You
know, that girl’s always been willful. Be
patient when you see her.”
When we first got together, I often argued
with him about Sienna, his supposed “sister.”
Sienna’s name was taboo. It always led to
arguments.
Lane hated arguments because of childhood
trauma. It’s hard for him now, he’s willing to
risk my anger to warn me, for the sake of his
crush.
“I saw Sienna’s post. She seems to have a
poyirienu. The intertwineu nanus in inal
picture… they really look like yours.”
Lane’s hand on the steering wheel stiffened.
He coughed to mask the panic in his eyes.
“All men’s hands look alike. If you have
nothing to say, just sleep.”
His tone was unusually irritated.
I didn’t want to argue.
I texted Henry.
“[Remember your promise.]”
The reply was swift.
A simple “[Okay]” was enough to reassure
- me.
As soon as we entered the old house, Sienna
approached Lane, holding a wedding dress.
“Lane, look how beautiful this dress is! I want
one just like it…”
Her voice trailed off when she saw me.
Lane touched his nose, a little embarrassed.
He looked at me, deflecting Sienna’s words.
<
“Nancy, try it on. My brother said you’re
about the same size as the bride.”
Avoiding Henry’s gaze, I took the dress and
changed.
When I emerged, Henry couldn’t hide his
delight.
He winked at Lane.
“Lane, isn’t Nancy beautiful in a wedding
dress? She’s proposed a hundred times!
When are you two getting married? If you
don’t cherish her, someone else will snatch
her up, won’t you be heartbroken?”
I frantically signaled Henry, but he pretended
not to see.
It upset Sienna.
She pouted, tugging at Lane’s sleeve.
“I want to wear a wedding dress too…”
The atmosphere became awkward.
Lane avoided eye contact and said nothing.
He slumped onto the sofa, asking Henry,
“Brother, forget me. Tell me about your
mysterious bride. Who is she?”
“Lane, don’t worry, you’ll get a big surprise
on the wedding day.”
Lane leaned forward.
“Oh, so she’s someone you know? I’m
looking forward to it!”
I felt my anger burning Henry.
He finally glanced at me and left with the
wedding dress.
Seeing him go, Lane and Sienna left as well.
By the door, I heard Lane’s murmur.
