On the eve of my wedding, I overheard my fiancé’s wicked plan through the car’s dashcam. He said he was only marrying me to spite my ex. He planned to publicly call off our wedding during the broadcast to utterly destroy my reputation. He thought I was oblivious, still dreaming of becoming Mrs. Gerald. He had no idea I’d already replaced the ceremonial video file with that very recording, along with undeniable proof of his affairs. Caroline POV In seven days, I would marry Isaac. Our entire social circle buzzed with the same gossip: how I’d hit the jackpot, transforming from Floyd’s persistent admirer to Isaac’s cherished fiancée. Even I started to believe it. For years, Isaac had treated me like a treasure. He would drive across the city through a storm to bring me hot soup. He would postpone billion-dollar mergers to sit with me when I was unwell. He’d said, “Caroline, I’m going to give you a wedding for the century. The kind that silences every critic for good.” I believed him. Until ten minutes ago, when I received his text. “Honey, I had someone drop off the dashcam’s SD card. Could you grab the video of the fender bender for the insurance company?” This was followed by a voice message. “Thanks, babe. I’ll take you to that French restaurant tonight.” I smiled, typing “Okay” back, and inserted the card. The video was easy to find. After handling the accident, Isaac didn’t head to the office. Instead, he picked up two friends. I was about to close the file when a mocking laugh echoed from the speakers. “Isaac, that female driver was really checking you out. Caroline would be so jealous if she knew, right?” My hand, on the mouse, froze. I expected Isaac to defend me. “Jealous?” Isaac’s voice was cold, accompanied by the crisp click of a lighter. “Right now, all she can think about is being the most beautiful bride. She wouldn’t have time for jealousy.” My smile stiffened on my face. The conversation in the car continued, every word like a dagger. “Spending millions on this wedding just to spite Floyd, is it really worth it?” “What if Caroline clings to you afterward? You’ve been living together for four years, after all.” On the screen, Isaac exhaled a smoke ring, blurring his handsome profile. But it didn’t hide the coldness in his eyes. “A few million to see Floyd’s face fall flat? That’s a bargain.” He chuckled, as if discussing a worthless object. “On the wedding day, I’ll announce ‘game over’ in front of everyone.” “Floyd’s reaction will be priceless.” The car filled with the men’s crude laughter. “What about Caroline then? Getting dumped at the altar, live-streamed across the city – her life will be ruined, won’t it?” Isaac flicked his cigarette ash, indifferent. “It’s an adult game. If she’s stupid, who’s to blame?” The video cut abruptly. My study was deadly silent. I sat frozen in my chair, my blood turning to ice. So, those four years of deep affection were nothing but a meticulously planned deception. My stomach churned. I rushed to the bathroom, retching over the toilet, but nothing came up. Tears splashed onto the floor, and I fiercely wiped them away. Caroline, don’t cry. He’s not worth your tears. I splashed cold water on my face, looking at my pale reflection in the mirror. So, you want to play dirty? Fine, I’ll play along. I returned to my computer, my hands still trembling, but my eyes had grown cold. I backed up that five-minute recording of their car conversation, along with the accident video, to my cloud storage. Then, I only clipped the accident footage and sent it to the insurance specialist. My phone lit up with a message from Isaac: “Did you send the video? I’ll be back to pick you up soon. Wear that red dress tonight, you look gorgeous in it.” I stared at his familiar profile picture, my fingertips turning white from how hard I pressed them. Finally, I replied: “Sent.” Putting my phone down, I walked into my walk-in closet. The red dress hung in the most prominent spot, flown in from Paris by him last week. He’d said only my skin tone could pull off that shade of red. Memories flashed back to that stormy night four years ago. Floyd had thrown the birthday gift I’d made him into the trash, mocking me in front of everyone. “Caroline, do you not understand ‘no’? Just looking at you makes me sick.” Everyone laughed, and I felt like a pathetic clown. It was Isaac who emerged from the corner, draped his suit jacket over me, shielding me from those humiliating stares. “Come with me,” he’d said. “I’ll take you home.” That night, I thought he was my savior. Now I knew, all of it, every single thing, was a lie.
Caroline POV At 7 PM, Isaac arrived promptly to pick me up. He wore a deep gray custom suit, his tie the one I’d personally tied for him that morning. As soon as he got in the car, he leaned over and kissed my forehead. “Why are your hands so cold?” He held my hand, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with concern. “Did you leave the study air conditioning on too high?” If I hadn’t heard that recording. I would have certainly believed myself to be the happiest woman in the world right then. I pulled my hand back, pretending to adjust my dress. “Maybe I’m just hungry.” Isaac didn’t suspect anything, smiling as he started the car. “Then let’s go, wouldn’t want my fiancée to starve.” The restaurant was on the top floor, offering a panoramic view of the city lights. As I cut my steak, I spoke casually. “Isaac.” “Hmm?” He smoothly swapped our plates, placing the neatly cut beef in front of me. “I ran into Austin today.” I watched his eyes, not missing a single flicker of expression. “He asked if I was nervous.” Isaac’s hand, mid-cut through the meat, paused. It lasted only a second, too brief to catch. Then he looked up, his smile perfect. “Don’t mind him. You just focus on being beautiful.” “He also said…” I tightened my grip on the knife and fork, my fingertips pressing hard. “Floyd’s back in the country recently, and he asked if that would make you awkward.” “Caroline.” Isaac put down his cutlery, reaching to cover my hand. His palm was warm, but his tone held an unyielding firmness. “Why bring that person up? I told you, we’re getting married. Everything from the past is over.” He looked at me, his eyes so deep with affection they could drown a person. “I only want you.” If that recording wasn’t still sitting in my cloud storage, I would have almost believed him again. “Right, it’s over.” I lowered my head, spearing a piece of beef and putting it in my mouth. Medium-rare, still a little bloody. It was premium quality, yet it tasted like sawdust in my mouth. “Oh, right.” Isaac seemed to remember something, pulling out a delicate velvet box and sliding it across the table to me. “I almost forgot, this is your pre-wedding gift.” I opened it. It was a sapphire necklace, deep in color and clearly very expensive. “Do you like it?” He looked at me expectantly. I gazed at the deep blue, suddenly recalling an Ins story Bethany had posted last month. The caption read: “Love this profound blue, but Isaac said it doesn’t suit me.” So, it didn’t suit her, and that’s why it came to me. Or perhaps, he bought two, and this was the leftover one? “I love it.” I closed the lid, curving my lips into a smile for him. “Must have been expensive, right?” “Spending money on you, any amount is worth it.” Isaac ruffled my hair, his eyes full of doting affection. I made an excuse to go to the restroom to touch up my makeup. Standing at the sink, I looked at the woman with perfect makeup in the mirror, forcing a smile that was uglier than a cry. If you want to play the doting fiancé, then I’ll help you out. I pulled out my phone and dialed my immigration lawyer. The call was answered immediately. “Miss Caroline, have you reached a decision?” I looked at my reflection, my voice chillingly calm. “Please reschedule my flight.” “To when?” “The morning of the wedding. Ten o’clock.” I hung up and reapplied my lipstick. Watching the vibrant red take shape, I felt my heart harden. Isaac. This last dinner, I will remember it well. When I returned to the table, Isaac was replying to messages. Seeing me, he quickly turned off his screen, smiling as he stood up. “Let’s go, home.” I linked my arm through his, feeling his muscles tense for a split second. “Okay, home.”
Caroline POV Five days before the wedding, Bethany arrived. Under the guise of helping with preparations, she brazenly moved into the Gerald estate. She was Isaac’s childhood friend. And in the circle, she was widely known as the woman Isaac truly loved. If not for the strong opposition from the Gerald family elders, the position of Mrs. Gerald would have been hers long ago. “Caroline, this evening gown is so beautiful.” Bethany stood in front of the fitting room mirror, wearing the red toast dress that was originally mine. The waist had been altered to be incredibly tight, accentuating her graceful figure. She twirled, looking at Isaac, who was seated on the sofa. “Isaac, don’t I look better than Caroline in red?” Isaac held a business magazine, not looking up. “Stop it, take it off. That’s for Caroline.” His tone was one of reproof, yet I couldn’t detect a hint of anger. Bethany pouted, reluctantly heading to the dressing room. “So stingy, I just wanted to try it on!” I sat nearby, sipping my tea, watching quietly. In the past, I would have been angry, would have argued with Isaac. Then Isaac would have patiently appeased me, saying I was narrow-minded, saying Bethany was just like a sister. Now, looking back, I realize how foolish I must have seemed. “Caroline, don’t mind her. Bethany’s just spoiled by me.” Isaac put down his magazine and reached for my hand. “If you don’t like it, I’ll ask her to move out.” “It’s fine.” I avoided his hand, pouring him a cup of tea. “It’s lively with more people. Plus, there are plenty of rooms.” Isaac paused. He clearly hadn’t expected me to be so generous. Before, whenever Bethany appeared, all my defenses would go up. “You’re not mad?” He looked at me, testing the waters. “Why would I be mad?” I smiled. “She’s a friend, and she’ll be a frequent guest. Besides, it’s just a dress. If she likes it, let her wear it.” After all, I wasn’t planning on wearing that dress anyway. A flicker of surprise, then relief, crossed Isaac’s eyes. “Caroline, you’ve really changed. You’ve become more mature.” Mature? You all forced me to be mature. Just then, a sharp crash came from the dressing room. Followed by Bethany’s cry. “Oops!” Isaac’s expression shifted. He tossed the magazine aside and was already moving. So fast, I didn’t even react. At the dressing room door, Bethany was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by shattered ceramic pieces. It was a sculpture by a modern art master, which Isaac had paid a fortune for and gifted to me. “Isaac, I didn’t mean to…” Bethany’s eyes were red-rimmed, looking utterly pitiful. “I tripped, and I tried to catch the sculpture, but then…” Isaac didn’t even glance at the priceless artwork. He immediately knelt down, taking Bethany’s hand to check it. “Did you cut your hand? How can you be so clumsy?” “It hurts…” Bethany whined delicately. I stood a few feet away, watching the jarring scene. That sculpture, Isaac had once cherished it, saying it represented our unbreakable love. Now it was shattered into pieces, and he didn’t even bat an eye. “Caroline!” Isaac turned to me, his voice urgent. “Go get the first-aid kit, Bethany cut her hand.” I looked at him, unmoving. “What’s wrong?” He frowned, seemingly annoyed by my slow reaction. “Nothing.” I turned towards the cabinet, my voice calm. “It’s broken, so what? “It was old anyway. Time for a new one.” Isaac’s body stiffened. He seemed to infer something from my words, yet also seemed to miss everything. His attention was entirely focused on Bethany’s wound, which wasn’t even bleeding. I returned with the first-aid kit, placing it on the table. “You two can take your time. I’m tired, I’m going upstairs to rest.” As I turned to go upstairs, I heard Bethany whisper. “Isaac, is Caroline mad?” Isaac’s voice was irritable. “Don’t mind her. She was never this cold-hearted before.” I didn’t stop. Reaching the second-floor landing, I took out my phone and sent a message to the pet transport company: “Please add another pet transport ticket. I’m taking Buddy with me.”
Caroline POV Three days before the wedding, the jewelry company delivered the wedding rings. Isaac was on a video conference in his study, so he asked me to sign for them. I signed the receipt and took the heavy box into his study. He was listening to a subordinate’s report, his expression serious. Seeing me enter, his eyes softened instantly. He pointed to the corner of the desk, signaling me to put it down for now. I placed the box on the desk. As I turned, my elbow accidentally knocked over a stack of documents. They scattered across the floor, revealing a design blueprint hidden beneath. I bent down to pick them up. My movements paused the moment I saw the blueprint clearly. It was a rough sketch of a ring design. The main stone was a rare pink diamond, and the inside of the band was engraved with “Only One.” The date on it was half a month ago. The wedding ring I had just signed for, however, had a white diamond as the main stone and was engraved with the first initials of our names. Isaac took off his headphones and walked over. “What’s wrong?” He followed my gaze to the blueprint, his expression stiffening. He discreetly pulled it out and tucked it into a folder. “Nothing, just a discarded draft.” His tone was natural as he put an arm around my shoulder. “Did you try on the ring? Does it fit?” I looked at him and smiled. “Not yet. I’ll try it tonight.” At two in the morning, the person beside me was breathing steadily. I quietly got out of bed and walked into the study. I opened the safe; the password was my birthday. Inside, two identical dark blue boxes rested silently. I opened the one on the left. Inside was a pink diamond, engraved “Only One.” Dazzling. I opened the one on the right. A white diamond, engraved with our initials. Standard Isaac had once said, “Caroline, you are my only one.” It turned out this was the real “only one.” I took both rings out. And swapped their cases. I put the pink diamond into the box designated for the wedding, and the white diamond into the box that was originally meant for Bethany. After doing all that, I closed the safe. Back in the bedroom, Isaac rolled over, his arm instinctively reaching for me. I avoided his hand and lay on the edge of the bed. Moonlight spilled across the floor, lighting the calendar on the nightstand. A date was circled in red. Three more days until I could finally leave him.
Caroline POV Next, I started clearing out my belongings. My home was filled with all the gifts Isaac had given me over the past four years. Hermès bags, Cartier sets, limited edition high heels. Once, these were all proof of his affection. I contacted a luxury consignment store. Because of the sheer volume, they sent an appraiser directly to my home. “Mrs. Gerald, these bags are all brand new. Are you sure you want to sell them all?” The appraiser, wearing gloves, looked regretful. “Sell them.” I took a sip of coffee, my voice calm. “Transfer the money, the sooner the better.” Isaac returned just as several workers were moving boxes. The house was half-empty, feeling somewhat desolate. “What’s going on?” He frowned, looking at the empty walk-in closet. “I want to redecorate.” I walked over, helping him untie his tie. “Clear out all the old stuff. After we’re married, everything will be new. I want every corner of our home to be a fresh start.” Isaac paused. Then, a smile spread across his face. He probably thought I was hopelessly in love with him, wanting to completely bid farewell to the past and wholeheartedly become his wife. “Okay.” He took my hand and kissed my fingertips. “Whatever you want. As long as you’re happy, you can tear the house down.” I pointed to Buddy’s dog bed in the corner. “I sent Buddy to a pet hotel. It’s a bit messy here these days, and I didn’t want him to be disturbed.” Buddy was our golden retriever, whom Isaac usually doted on the most. “Whatever you say.” He didn’t show any suspicion, even looking a little touched. “Caroline, you’ve worked so hard for this home.” While Isaac was in the bathroom showering. My phone vibrated with a bank deposit notification. A long string of numbers, enough to buy a small apartment in London. I deleted the message and opened my private cloud storage. I scheduled the dashcam video to be sent at a specific time. The recipient was the wedding control center. The send time was 10 AM on the wedding day. After doing all this, the sound of water in the bathroom stopped. Isaac emerged, wrapped in a towel, his hair still dripping. “Honey, could you grab my pajamas?” I handed them to him. As he took them, he pulled me into his arms, his voice a little husky. “The wedding’s in two days. Nervous?” I leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. “Not nervous,” I said. “I’m very much looking forward to it.” I’m very much looking forward to how surprised you’ll be when you see the grand gift I’m giving you.
Caroline POV It was the day before the wedding. I went to the wedding planner’s office to confirm the final details. As I stepped out of the elevator, someone blocked my way. Floyd leaned against the corridor wall, a cigarette held between his fingers. Through the haze of smoke, his face was as cold and arrogant as ever. “Caroline, you actually dare to marry him.” He flicked his cigarette ash, looking at me as if I were an idiot. “Do you really believe Isaac would change for you?” I stopped, looking at the man I had chased for seven years. Once, I would have waited in a snowstorm for three hours just to see him. Now, looking at him, my heart was surprisingly calm. “Mr. Floyd, do you have any advice?” “Isaac is playing you.” Floyd sneered, taking a step closer. “He’s been battling me for years; marrying you is just to spite me. Believe it or not, the moment the wedding is over, you’ll be nothing but a discarded pawn.” He was right. Unfortunately, he was too late. “So what?” I looked at him, a playful smile on my lips. “Are you feeling sorry for me, Floyd? Or do you just miss me?” Floyd’s face changed, as if he’d heard a joke. “Caroline, don’t get ahead of yourself. I just don’t want to see you make a fool of yourself, and then come crying to me.” “Don’t worry.” I smoothed my wind-blown hair. “Even if I were dying, I wouldn’t beg you.” Floyd’s face darkened. “You’re truly ungrateful.” I walked past him, heading for the elevator. As I brushed past, I stopped and turned my head to look at him. “Floyd, make sure to sit in the front row tomorrow.” I smiled, my voice soft. “After all, this show wouldn’t be as exciting without an audience like you.” Floyd looked at me, brow furrowed. For the first time, his eyes held a flicker of confusion and something unreadable. The elevator doors closed, severing his gaze. My phone rang. It was Isaac. “Caroline, where are you? The planner says there’s a schedule change. They need us for a rehearsal.” I stared at the vibrating screen. A change? So they’re swapping out our memory slideshow for something else. “Okay, I’m downstairs.” I answered, my voice gentle. “I’ll be right up.”
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