I used to think Oliver’s “baby syndrome” was just his way of showing how deeply he loved me. We sent over two hundred SnapChat messages a day, and he insisted on eating my home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He would FaceTime me for a kiss whenever he was exhausted from working overtime, and he’d act clingy at parties, begging me to feed him fruit. I got used to this for three years. But right before our wedding, his childhood friend Vivian found me. She looked at me with a patronizing, pitying smile. “Do you honestly believe a CEO actually has ‘baby syndrome’?” “I came up with that for him. It was just a test to see if you were suitable to be his wife.” “But you two can’t get married. Because the spot next to him belongs to me in the end.” As it turned out, it was all just a test he set up for me. I sat frozen for a long time, then called my best friend, Chloe. “Chloe, I don’t want to get married anymore.” “Well, thank God you finally woke up. Stop talking nonsense and get back to your bed. Your IV drip is almost done,” Chloe grumbled over the phone. I looked down at the cold food container in my lap, my eyes stinging. Half an hour ago, Oliver had texted saying he wanted my homemade lasagna. At the time, I had fainted from low blood sugar while planning the wedding and was rushed to Urgent Care for an IV drip. Afraid I wouldn’t make it in time, I begged the doctor to let me go home to cook. Chloe had scolded me furiously for being a doormat, staying at the clinic just to make sure I didn’t sneak out. Just as I was about to speak, Oliver’s notification popped up. 【Hey baby, who are you on the phone with? I’m meeting an old friend for lunch today, so don’t wait up for me.】 My throat tightened. Before leaving, Vivian had glanced at the container in my bag. She raised an eyebrow and said, “I haven’t told Oliver I’m back yet. I want to surprise him. Sorry about your food.” My nails dug into my palms, my body trembling with rage. I wanted to scream at her, to tell her she knew nothing about our relationship. Oliver never missed a meal with me. He used to say these cozy moments were too precious to lose. Even after late-night business dinners, we’d sit at the table to share a mug of sweet hot cocoa. But now, his text felt like a slap in the face. Leaving me utterly speechless. After giving Chloe a vague reply, I texted Oliver back: 【Is the old friend Vivian?】 Oliver didn’t reply. He probably hadn’t seen it. I was on his “favorites” list; he used to reply to me within seconds. And normally, he would have asked me in shock how I knew. After all, for the past three years, he had never once mentioned Vivian’s existence. Unable to bear the thoughts, I grabbed my bag and caught a cab back to the clinic. When I pushed open the door, I saw my mom and Chloe surrounding a pile of cardboard boxes. I looked around, and seeing my expression, my mom sighed. “Don’t bother looking. Your dad was so furious with you that he refused to come.” My dad had never liked Oliver. He always said, “Are you dating a man, or are you raising a son?” But I had stubbornly believed that since Oliver was a high-powered CEO at work, his child-like dependence on me at home was just his unique way of showing love. My dad had ignored me for a long time, but a few days ago, he suddenly brought a long list of wedding demands for Oliver. Oliver had just nodded agreeably. “Just discuss this with Stella, Dad. Don’t worry about the money.” My dad’s face had darkened instantly, and he walked out. Oliver had wrapped his arms around me, his eyes red with grievance. “Does your dad hate me? Will I still be able to marry you?” My heart had ached for him, and I even called my dad afterward, accusing him of being unreasonable. My mom set down some wedding favor boxes and pulled my hand. “Your dad was just worried you’d be exhausted. He’s just bad with words.” Now that I had calmed down, I finally understood. I was the one handling the catering, the venue, and even the guest favors. Oliver only had to deal with the invitations. My mom had come to celebrate, but she ended up doing all the heavy lifting for me. How could my dad not be angry? Chloe tried to change the subject, pulling over an insulated bag. “Stella, you’re so lucky. This smells amazing. Your dad’s cooking gets better and better.” My eyes welled up as I smiled, tossing my cold container into the trash. Once I was back on the IV and eating, I finally asked, “How did we get this private room anyway?” Chloe coughed guiltily, her tone annoyed. “Oliver arranged it. He said he was busy and asked me to take care of you. Honestly, why are you the one stressing over everything? It’s not like you’re the only one getting married…” I interrupted her sharply. “When did you call him?” “About half an hour ago.” I froze. My heart sank into an icy abyss. Oliver knew I was sick, yet he still chose to have lunch with Vivian. He even took Chloe’s call but ignored my text. My mom’s smile faded at Chloe’s words, but she patted my shoulder gently. “A one-sided relationship doesn’t last, sweetie. Marriage requires communication. We just want you and Oliver to be happy.” I nodded bitterly. At the very least, I needed to hear Oliver’s explanation with my own ears.
At ten in the evening, Oliver finally came home. He paused when he saw me, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he came over to hug me. I stiffened but didn’t pull away. He leaned in to kiss my ear. “Hug me, baby. Why aren’t you asleep yet? Have you eaten?” I shook my head, frowning. His clothes reeked of smoke, alcohol, and a familiar perfume I had smelled earlier today. It seemed he had a wild time with Vivian. Oliver pulled out his phone, looking worried. “It’s so late. Are you feeling sick?” He opened a food delivery app, but I pressed my hand over his. “Oliver, make me some sweet hot cocoa.” He blinked, then laughed helplessly. “You know I don’t know how to cook, baby. Let me order it for you.” I pulled my hand back, disappointed. In the past, whenever he cutely claimed he couldn’t learn to cook, I would always spoil him. But now, suspicion was like a thorn, piercing through my self-deception. Oliver had once learned how to play chess overnight just to impress a client, even playing them to a draw. He was perfectly capable of learning. After ordering the food, Oliver said he was going to take a shower. I called out to him. “Why didn’t you reply to my text today?” Oliver froze, then tugged at his collar and sat down beside me. “I wanted to explain Vivian’s situation to you in person.” “Stella, if she told you anything about some bet we had, that’s all in the past.” I clenched my fists, instinctively wanting to block it out. “She’s just a girl from next door. I did like her once, and when she moved abroad, I was bitter. That’s why I agreed to that stupid ‘baby syndrome’ test. But later, I genuinely fell in love with you. I really do rely on you.” I kept my lips sealed and said nothing. Oliver rubbed the back of my hand. “Do you have any other questions?” …No. How honest, how comprehensive. A perfectly prepared answer. If I pushed further, I would look like the unreasonable one. Oliver let out a sigh of relief. “Actually, there’s something else I want to discuss. I want to change our wedding venue to the mountain resort.” “What?” I stared at him, dumbfounded. Oliver didn’t notice my shock. “Vivian’s parents aren’t in good health, and they’re currently recuperating at that resort. Since they’re our elders, it’s just easier for them.” I was utterly speechless. It had taken me half a month just to choose the hotel. From the theme down to the floral arrangements, I had reviewed everything five times before finalizing it. And he wanted to change it just like that! Noticing my terrible expression, Oliver explained gently, “Baby, my parents already agreed to it.” I swallowed the suffocating lump in my throat. “Fine.” As a future daughter-in-law, I had to keep the peace with his parents. Oliver kissed my cheek, satisfied. “I knew you loved me. I’m going to shower. Grab my pajamas for me, baby.” I stared at his retreating back, taking a deep breath. My parents were running themselves ragged, yet he told me to handle them. But when it came to Vivian, he was more than eager to be thoughtful and accommodating.
The next morning, I was awakened by a delicious aroma. Last night, I used the excuse of being unwell to sleep in the guest bedroom. Oliver had tried to cling to me, bringing his work files to keep me company, but I had shut him out. Yet when I woke up in the middle of the night to grab a glass of water, I heard laughter coming from the master bedroom. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” Oliver asked, busy frying eggs in the kitchen as he glanced at me. I snapped out of my daze and forced a smile. “You managed to wake up on your own.” In the past, he always insisted I wake him up. I figured this breakfast had a very special destination. Just as I thought this, Oliver placed a plate in front of me. “Try it. Is it good?” I blinked in confusion. “For me?” Oliver grinned. “Of course. Don’t be mad about the hot cocoa last night, baby.” My heart flooded with a sudden wave of bitterness. I couldn’t help but feel my eyes grow hot. Oliver hugged me from behind. “I have to run. Lunch together today?” I nodded, watching him leave. But my smile froze when I saw an insulated lunch bag sitting near the entrance. I rushed into the kitchen. Sure enough, the trash can was filled with food scraps meant for three portions. I stood there for a long time, then sat back down and finished my breakfast in silence. Returning to the living room, I noticed a bag on the coffee table. It contained the wedding invitations. He must have forgotten them on his way to print them. But as I flipped one open, the blood in my veins turned to ice. The names were already written in elegant cursive: Groom Oliver, Bride Vivian! The warmth from earlier felt like a cruel joke. We had agreed to handwrite the very first copy together as a keepsake. It should have been done long ago, but Oliver kept delaying it, claiming he was too busy. It turned out he was just waiting for Vivian… Why was I still playing the fool of a bride? I drove straight to the hotel banquet hall. My dad was discussing something with the staff. Seeing me, his face hardened. “This banquet hall is too small. It makes me look cheap giving away my daughter.” I didn’t say a word. My dad looked displeased. “Fine, we’ll just add a few more dishes. After all, Oliver is…” I interrupted him quietly, telling him about Oliver’s decision to change the venue. My dad stared at me in stunned silence for a few seconds before erupting in fury, marching toward the exit. “Who does he think he is?! I’m going to have a serious word with his parents right now…” I hurriedly called my mom to stop him. The venue coordinator was also flabbergasted when I told her. “Miss Stella, all the materials have been prepared. You want to change it now?” I remained silent for a long moment, making my final decision. “We’re not changing it. We’re canceling it.”
After handling everything, I went straight to Oliver’s office. He seemed to have just finished a meeting, collapsing into his chair with a confused look. “Did you forget to bring my lunch, baby?” I replied flatly, “I didn’t cook.” Oliver stiffened, assuming I was still feeling unwell. I stared blankly at the fresh roses sitting next to his bookshelf. He had already ordered takeout for us. I didn’t sit down. I just said calmly, “Oliver, let’s break up.” Oliver snapped his head up, pausing for a moment before letting out a soft laugh. “Stop playing around. Are you still mad about Vivian?” “I’m serious—” Oliver cut me off helplessly. “I told you, that’s all in the past. Besides, once I’m done with these next two busy days, I’m taking some time off to help you prepare for the wedding.” He thought I was just throwing a tantrum. I kept my mouth shut. Oliver pulled me down to sit. “Not mad anymore? Feed me a bite.” Just as I lifted the fork, a knock sounded at the door. Vivian stood there. Her face paled, and she turned and left immediately. A faint smirk played at the corner of Oliver’s lips. The very last shred of affection I had for him shattered into dust. We never finished the meal. Both Oliver and I received calls from our respective mothers. He rushed out in a panic, and I guessed it was because of my dad. As soon as I got into a cab, I called my parents. The other end of the line was a chaotic mess of crying and shouting, and then my dad roared angrily, “Get back here right now! Your mother is crying her eyes out. Is marrying this guy really that important to you?!” “…Dad,” I choked out. “I’m not marrying him. I canceled the wedding.”
My mom had followed my dad to meet Oliver’s parents. They had intended to discuss things calmly. But Oliver’s parents were businesspeople. They didn’t say anything outright nasty, but every word subtly reminded my parents of a daughter-in-law’s “duties.” My dad held back his anger, but my mom couldn’t. She wept as if her world had ended. When she heard I canceled the wedding, she immediately wanted to rush back and apologize to them. Yet, my resolve only grew stronger. “I’m the one who decided this, Mom. I don’t want to degrade myself anymore. Dad, Mom… I want to go home.” They didn’t say another word. After a long silence, a look of pure relief washed over their faces. That evening, Oliver came over with a grim expression, demanding to talk. His very first words were full of blame: “Stella, if you didn’t want to change the venue, we could have talked. Why did you have to send your parents to make a scene? It’s going to be so awkward for me to face them after we’re married.” I stared at him. “Then let’s not get married.” Oliver’s face darkened, his voice laced with suppressed anger. “Stella, I just want you to apologize and smooth things over with them. Isn’t that what you always do?” I wanted to laugh. Oliver didn’t understand. In the past, I humored his parents out of love for him. But things were different now. “Oliver, let’s call off the wedding.” Just as the words left my mouth, his phone began to ring. The apartment was quiet, and I could faintly hear the voice on the other end crying, “Oliver, Vivian is missing!” Oliver’s body tensed instantly. He muttered a quick reply and got up to leave. “Stella, the dress and the rings are already made. Stop messing around. Something happened to Vivian, I have to go.” The moment Oliver left, I went straight to my room and began packing my bags. I still had to deal with the rings, since I paid for half of them. Oliver didn’t return all night, nor did he send a single text. For the first time in years, I slept peacefully. I woke up, finished packing, and headed to the jewelry studio. The sales associate warmly handed me our custom rings, complimenting how beautiful they looked. I offered a polite smile, took them off, and handed them back. “I’d like to refund these, please.” The associate was taken aback, pausing for a few seconds before going to find the manager. Oliver was the one who signed the contract, so getting a refund myself would be tricky. Hearing footsteps, I forced a smile onto my face. But when I turned around, I froze. “Julian?” We hadn’t seen each other since graduation. He was the class genius, and everyone always teased him for skipping reunions. Seeing him now didn’t feel awkward at all. Julian looked equally surprised. After some brief small talk, he asked seriously, “Are you not happy with the rings?” I waved my hands awkwardly. “No, it’s just… the wedding is off.” Julian was clearly shocked, but he didn’t pry. “According to the policy, I need Oliver’s consent to process this for you.” By the time he dialed the number, I was ready to give up. Julian quickly stated the reason for the call: “Hello, Oliver. Stella is here to return the rings—” Before he could finish, Oliver interrupted irritably. “Fine, whatever she wants. Just do it.” Before the call disconnected, I clearly heard a woman whimpering in the background. It seemed Oliver was still busy comforting Vivian and had no time for me. Julian looked at me with pity. But I actually burst out laughing, tears streaming down my face. I booked the earliest flight home and called my parents. After processing the refund, Julian handed me a small, elegant box. Inside was a beautifully crafted sunflower brooch. “Consider this a freebie. Congratulations on your freedom.” A wave of warmth rushed through me as I accepted it. Time flew by. Even as the plane touched down, I still felt like I was in a dream. Just as I walked out of the airport, Chloe called. “Stella, Oliver came to corner me. He refused to take the bill and the credit card you left.” I looked at my parents’ backs and the sky of my hometown. My heart felt incredibly peaceful. “Let him be. Either way… it’s completely over.”
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