C06
His words left me momentarily stunned. Upon further inquiry, I discovered that Cody had actually announced our marriage on his social media.
immediately called and scolded him, “Cody what do you mean by this? I already told you I won’t marry you!”
Seven Years of Love Lost, After the Stand–in Left, He Wont Mad
He answered, “Elise, you’re just upset right now. Once you calm down, I’m sure you’ll still want to marry me. I’m simply making preparations in advance so that when the time comes, you can be a happy bride.”
No matter how much I protested, he was convinced I was just angry and that I would eventually agree to marry him. Frustrated, I hung up on him.
Coincidentally, the wedding date he had chosen was exactly two weeks away, the same day I planned to leave the country. When that day came, he’d finally realize just how serious I was.
On the day of my discharge from the hospital, Cody arrived early to handle the paperwork and eagerly escorted me home.
- me.
I had initially planned to stay at a hotel, but knowing his persistence, he’d probably just show up there to harass
It was better to avoid unnecessary complications, I’d be gone in just a few days anyway. When I got home, I found the place festively decorated, resembling a wedding suite.
“This is all arranged according to what you mentioned before. Do you like it?” Cody asked, his voice full of anticipation.
Before I could respond, Brittany emerged from the bedroom with a bouquet of white lily, forcing them into my hands and said, “Elise, congratulations on your discharge.”
I threw the bouquet back at her with force, “Brittany, you’re not congratulating me, you’re wishing I’d died in the hospital.”
She clutched her arm dramatically and cried out softly, “Cody, that hurts…”
But for once, Cody didn’t rush to her defense unconditionally. Instead, he frowned and reprimanded her, “Brittany, how could you give her white lily, flowers meant for the dead, to someone who’s just been discharged from the hospital?”
Immediately, Brittany looked aggrieved and explained, “Cody, I ordered a bouquet of carnations. It’s the flower
shop that made the mistake. I didn’t even have time to exchange it before you came back.”
Cody’s expression softened slightly as he turned to me, “Elise, Brittany didn’t mean it. It was the flower shop’s
fault. Don’t take it to heart.”
Sometimes I couldn’t tell whether Cody was truly this idiot or just pretending to be. Either way, it no longer
mattered to me.
I spoke coldly, “Cody, I don’t want to see her in this house ever again.”
He hesitated before turning to Brittany, “Brittany, you should leave. Don’t come here anymore.”
Brittany looked at Cody in disbelief, unable to believe that he was actually going to chase her away. “Cody, you’re asking me to leave?” she whined.
Caught between my cold demeanor and Brittany’s tearful gaze, Cody finally sighed and said, “Brittany, Elise and I are getting married soon. It’s best we stop seeing each other.” Tears streaming down her face, Brittany ran off in despair.
Watching her retreating figure, Cody took a deep breath and turned to me as if to make a solemn promise, “Elise, I know you’ve never liked Brittany. From now on, I swear I’ll cut all ties with her and never see her again.”
But his belated promises were as cheap as his so–called love. Seeing that I didn’t respond, Cody offered to cook
for me.
In the seven years we’d been together, I’d never once eaten anything he’d made. But I knew he could cook, I’d seen it in Brittany’s social media posts.
Barely two minutes after he entered the kitchen, his phone started ringing.
