My fiancé's adopted sister was a well-known tarot reader across the countryside. Before any wedding in the village, couples would always ask her to read the tarot. A favorable draw meant a blessed union; an unfavorable draw meant disaster. Only those who drew favorable cards were permitted to register their marriage—a custom handed down in the village for centuries. In my ninth year with Jason, our ninety-ninth tarot reading came up as an unfavorable omen yet again. Before our hundredth attempt, I caught the sound of hushed voices through a crack in the door. "Jason, truth be told, every reading has actually been favorable. Angela is honestly quite pitiful, being kept completely in the dark like this." "Exactly. Angela is naive and strictly follows the rules. Aren't you afraid she'll run away heartbroken if she ever finds out?" Jason's voice carried no warmth whatsoever, "Eve has been spoiled rotten. She's terrified that Angela will steal away her special treatment once she marries into the family. Since I can't give Eve a marriage of her own... this is the only way I can make it up to her. "Besides, Angela drifted here after losing her memory. Even if she learned the truth, where could she possibly run to? "What's more, she is utterly miserable in love with me. A few sweet words and she'll forget all about it..." Every single word Jason uttered was like a thorn driving straight into my heart. It was never a matter of us being incompatible. He simply didn't want to marry me. My entire body went numb. Trembling, I pulled out my phone and typed out a reply to my mother. Angela: Mom, I'm not waiting for him anymore. I agree to the arranged marriage. ******************* I never told you to hide this from her. Don't go putting all the blame on me! Eve Lawrence's sweet, girlish voice rang out, and everyone burst into laughter. Jason Lawrence dotingly tapped her cheek, "That's right. This was all my idea. I can't bear to let you go." Through the crack in the door, I watched Eve climb onto Jason's lap, and the two of them kissed passionately, completely lost in the moment. The heated scene burned my eyes, but the other people inside looked on as if they had long grown accustomed to it, completely unsurprised. So this was it—everyone here already knew about the secret relationship between these two. I was the only one kept completely in the dark. It felt as if something inside my chest had shattered softly into pieces. They were right. I really was a fool. A complete, utter fool. I should have realized it long ago. Jason's feelings for his adopted sister, who he'd watched grow up since she was little, had long crossed the line between siblings. He brought her with him to every important event. On every holiday, there was always a gift for her, along with the one he gave me. He never let Eve go without, even if it meant denying my gift. Even the wedding I had anticipated for so many years was postponed indefinitely, all to make up for her regrets. Suddenly, someone spoke up, "How can she even compare to Eve? Jason only took her in back then because she was hurt and had amnesia. Who would have thought she'd just leech onto him and never leave? She played so hard to get at the start, insisting on waiting until marriage. But look at her now—she's let Jason have his way with her plenty of times. She's got no curves and is completely stiff in bed. She's the only one who thinks she's anything special… Jason furrowed his brows and shot the crowd a warning look. "Angela Pearson's shy. Don't say this kind of thing in front of her, or else…" Everyone quickly agreed that they would stop. My head went off like a thunderclap, and my lips turned white instantly. It was a bright, sunny day, but I felt like I had been thrown into an ice cave, and cold seeped through every inch of my body. He only prohibited them to say these things to my face—wasn't that just proof that he agreed with every word? I couldn't stand to listen anymore. I turned, and stumbled out of the courtyard and all the way home. After crying myself out under the covers, I fell into a heavy, groggy sleep. When I opened my eyes again, Jason had his arms wrapped all the way around me. He was asleep, and there was a glaring red stain smudged on his white shirt. I immediately thought of the scene I had just witnessed, and my stomach churned violently. I pushed him away, got out of bed, and clutched the trash can, retching my guts out. Jason woke up to my movement. Seeing how I looked, he frowned and got out of bed, his voice laced with concern, "What's wrong, honey? Are you not feeling well?" As he spoke, he lifted his hand and reached to pat the top of my head, like he always did. I stepped back, and his hand landed on thin air. Perhaps it was the first time he had felt this distance from me, Jason froze for a moment. My face was deathly pale, but I still shook my head, "I'm fine." Jason got up and poured me a glass of water. I took the glass and tilted my head back to drink it, when I suddenly heard him speak again, "The tarot was a bad omen again this time. We'll have to put our wedding off a little longer." I lowered my head and let out a bleak smile. On the first time, it was a bad omen, so he told me to wait. Then there was a second time, a third time… I had waited for him for nine full years. Even after I recovered my memory and reconnected with my mother, I still clung to him, too attached to leave for home. In the end, I found this whole thing was nothing but a complete scam. Jason, how much longer do you want me to wait? I asked with a hoarse voice. A notification ping popped up for his favorite contact. He lowered his head, and his mind was already somewhere else. Next time for sure. His tone was light, evasive and perfunctory. I closed my eyes, my nose stinging with tears. I can't wait for that day any longer. I Chapter 2 Jason waved his phone in front of my face. "We can't get a marriage certificate, but I'll throw you a proper wedding to make up for it. This is what the venue looks like after setup." My gaze fell to the photo on his phone—The entire venue was filled with all kinds of flowers, looking lavish and grand. However, just one small thing—I am allergic to pollen. It's Eve who loves flowers more than anything. Once, I reacted so severely that I went into shock and had to be hospitalized. When I opened my eyes again, the always-strong Jason was crying like a mess in front of me. He said he would protect me from then on, and this would never happen again. But now he acts like he doesn't care at all. An elegantly arranged wedding venue, but the bride is allergic to pollen. So who exactly is this make-up wedding for? I lost all interest, quietly went back to bed and closed my eyes. Early the next morning, he drove me to the bridal shop to pick out a wedding dress. Just as I was about to get in the car, someone looped their arm through mine. Eve poked her head out in front of me and said, "Angela, I want to sit in the passenger seat." Before I could answer, Jason made the decision for me, "Honey, Eve gets carsick, switch seats with her." Eve immediately opened the passenger door with a big smile on her face. Sitting in the back seat, I watched them feed each other snacks openly and affectionately. I suddenly remembered that Jason once solemnly swore that only his future wife could sit in his passenger seat. I already get carsick, and now I felt even sicker to my stomach. When we arrived at our destination, the shop assistant led us into the store. I immediately spotted a pure white wedding dress encrusted entirely with diamonds, displayed front and center. I walked toward it involuntarily, reaching up to brush my hand over the fabric. This is exactly the wedding dress I have told Jason I dreamed of, countless times. Tears fell before I could stop them. The next second, Jason pulled my hand away. "Babe, you got the wrong one. That's Eve's bridesmaid dress. This one is yours." He led me to a plain, grayish-tinged wedding dress. A chunk was torn out of the hem, which had also yellowed, and we had no idea what had damaged it. I froze, staring at Jason in disbelief, "You call this a wedding dress?" Jason nodded as a matter of course, "I had this vintage-style wedding dress specially designed for you. Isn't it so unique?" I tried to speak, but I couldn't get a single word out. The whole situation just felt utterly absurd. Eve lowered her head, acting like she had been wronged, "If Angela doesn't like this one, we can switch..." Before she could finish her sentence, Jason pulled her into his arms, "You don't have to wrong yourself like this. No one will steal your spotlight in this dress." Then he fixed his gaze on me, "Angela, you'll already be the center of attention that day, you don't need to wear something so flashy." While we were stuck in this deadlock, the shop assistant must have heard our argument and walked over. She glanced over the three of us, then put on a professional smile. This wedding dress of ours is the best-selling style in the whole shop, she said, pointing at the diamond-encrusted gown. And it matches your temperament perfectly. When you and your fiancé stand in the center of the stage, everyone will comment on what a perfect couple you two are. " She was giving Eve an enthusiastic sales pitch. I curled my lips in a mocking smile, because she'd gotten the bride wrong. After all, anyone could see who Jason was closest to. It was really an easy mistake to make. Jason's face suddenly darkened. He enunciated each word clearly, "This is my sister. My girlfriend is over there." The atmosphere fell suddenly silent. The shop assistant glanced at me, her expression a mix of awkwardness and pity. I waved her off, then turned to look at Jason. "Since you've already decided Eve will wear that one, that's fine by me." A look of faint satisfaction crossed Jason's face. He'd expected I'd compromise for him, just like always. After all, I had compromised countless times for him before. When Eve and I wanted to eat at different places, I gave in; When we both happened to like the same item, I gave in again. Jason smiled, and raised his hand, trying to stroke my hair. I stepped back. His hand froze mid-air, and a flash of surprise crossed his face. I sighed, swallowing back the ache of tears before I forced the words out, "Jason, let's break up." II Chapter 3 Jason's expression shifted, and he spoke in disbelief, "Just because of this trivial thing about the wedding dress?" Trivial? Everything related to me is trivial, but if the same thing happened to Eve, it would be a major issue. That's right, it's exactly because of the wedding dress. Eve suddenly rushed up to me. "Angela, please don't fight with Jason because of me, this is all my fault..." As she spoke, she grabbed my hand and forced it to hit herself over and over. I tried to pull away several times, but I was completely no match for her strength. Jason wanted to step forward to stop her, when all of a sudden, Eve let go of my hand and fell backwards. I hadn't used any strength at all. The next second, Jason shoved me hard. I stumbled and fell to the ground, and my head hit the table dead-on. I gasped in shock, but Jason didn't even glance at me; He rushed straight to Eve. I raised my hand to touch my head, and my hand came away covered in blood. I called out for help instinctively, "Jason, my head..." He was holding Eve in his arms, and he looked at me with disdain. "Stop pretending! You started it! You've been in the village for almost ten years now, do you still think you're the same little princess you used to be? You're not that delicate." If anything happens to Eve, you will pay for it. With that, he carried Eve and left in a hurry. Watching his fading back, I closed my eyes weakly. When I first came here, I was injured and had lost my memory, so I was terrified of everything around me. It was Jason who helped me. He taught me the customs and ways of life here, helped me build my confidence step by step, and then he pursued me, saying he would take care of me for the rest of his life. I didn't believe him at first, but during a sudden flood, I was swept away and almost lost my life. It was he who risked his own life to save me. After I survived that disaster, he knelt on one knee in front of me and swore he'd treat me well for the rest of my life, and that if he ever broke his promise, may heaven strike him dead. And I believed him. But now, time has changed, and I am no longer the one he favors above all else. I thought of my childhood days at home. Back then, I never had to compromise for anyone. Even though my family had other siblings, my needs were always prioritized, and I was never anyone's second choice. I started to miss home. Not long after I woke up in the hospital, Jason called, "Good thing that Eve is fine. She's been big enough to forgive you, but you still have to come back and apologize to her." Then he hung up the phone. I thought it over. Even if I was leaving, I still needed to go back and get what belonged to me. Once I made up my mind, I checked out of the hospital. Back in the village, I had just stepped through the gate when I saw a whole crowd of people sitting in the yard—all of Jason's relatives and kinsfolk. I forced myself to go in and said hello to everyone. His mother glanced at me sideways, speaking in a harsh tone, "I heard your tarot reading is unfavorable again this time. How can you be so useless? It's been nine years and you still haven't married into our family." Hearing this, everyone began chattering their opinions. Isn't she some kind of bringer of bad luck… If you ask me, a hundred readings all turned out bad, there's no use forcing it. We still have Eve, don't we? I've watched that girl grow up, I'd rest easy knowing she marries Jason… Jason's family never took a liking to me, an outsider, right from the start. But for Jason's sake, I bit my tongue and backed down countless times. Now, I don't have to endure it any longer. My gaze swept over the crowd, "That's right, I've also been wondering why they kept doing the reading after getting 100 bad omens..." A flicker of guilt crossed everyone's faces. I finally understood. All these years, everyone else knew the truth about the tarot readijng. That was why, even after 100 bad omens, no one stepped forward to drive me out. Only I was kept completely in the dark from start to finish. Your family's door is too hard for me to get through. I won't force it any longer from now on, I said calmly. Only then did Jason walk up to me. "What nonsense are you talking about?" I retorted sharply, "Now you come out to play the peacemaker? Why didn't you show up when your whole family was attacking me just now?" Jason was stung by my harsh attitude, and he softened his tone, "Come on, don't say things in anger. We'll hold a grand wedding tomorrow. After that, no one will ever say you don't deserve to be my bride..." I wrenched my hand out of his grip and walked straight into the house. Suddenly, my phone chimed. I looked down to see a friend request from an unknown account popping up on the screen. III Chapter 4 After the crowd dispersed, Eve carried a bowl of rice in and set it on the table. "Angela, don't be upset. Have something to eat." I lifted my gaze, and I froze. My eyes fell on the jade bracelet on her wrist, and all the blood in my body turned cold. That was the coming-of-age gift my mother gave me. I had worn it ever since I first came to this village; even the year I was almost swept away by the flood, I clutched it tight in my hand the whole time. Later, Jason offered to keep it safe for me. He said he would put it on my wrist himself during our wedding. Why was it on her wrist now? I jumped to my feet, stepped forward and grabbed Eve's hand, "This is mine. Give it back to me." Eve stepped back. "Jason gave it to me!" Jason heard the commotion and came in. He glanced at the bracelet on Eve's wrist and immediately understood what had happened, and said offhandedly, "Eve saw it the other day and thought it was pretty, so I gave it to her." I glared at Jason furiously, "You knew exactly how much this means to me!" But he just shrugged it off, "It's just a bracelet. Eve, give it back to her." Eve pouted sulkily, pulled the bracelet roughly off her wrist, and held it out to me. I reached out to take it, and the next second, Eve let go of it. The bracelet fell to the floor and shattered into pieces. I crouched down like a madwoman to pick up the pieces. Eve hid behind Jason, her voice trembling with tears, "I didn't do it on purpose, Jason…" Jason shot me a glare. "It's your fault for being so harsh, and that scared Eve, that's why she dropped it. Are you happy now?" With that, he wrapped his arm around Eve in a protective posture and walked out the door, as if he was terrified I would hurt her. As they passed me, Eve's stepped on my hand with her small leather shoes and ground hard into it. Once the two of them were gone, a wave of belated pain came surging up. I lowered my head and saw that my hand had been lacerated by the jade bracelet fragments, bleeding non-stop. But somehow, I felt that the physical pain didn't even amount to a fraction of the ache in my heart. When Jason came back, his attitude shifted, "What are you doing packing your things?" I paused in silence for a moment, "I want to…" Before I could finish my sentence, Jason's phone rang. He held up a hand to cut me off mid-sentence and answered the call. A moment later he hung up, quickly throwing on his clothes, "Eve has a stomachache, I'm going over to check on her. We can talk about whatever this is later." With that, he turned and left without the slightest hesitation. I wanted to say, "I want to go home and get married," but the words died in my throat. I stared blankly at Jason's fading silhouette, when a car horn blared and pulled me out of my trance. I dragged my suitcase out of the house and stopped in front of a black sedan. A man I didn't know got out of the car and took the luggage from my hand. "Get in. I'll take you home." I nodded and got in the car. The familiar scenery outside the window blurred past as we drove. For the first time, I could actually feel that I was really leaving this place for good. Oddly enough, I did not feel even a shred of reluctance.
