She would rather believe I was just dawdling on the road than face the reality that the gambler she had tortured almost to death was her fiancé.

"Celine, aren’t you going to play a bit more? You’re leaving so early?"

Her friends, disappointed by the way things turned out, hadn't fully enjoyed themselves.

Celine’s expression instantly turned cold. "Tomorrow is my wedding with Kristian. If I’m not going back to be with him, am I supposed to stay here with you?"

The group fell silent.

But Liam boldly wrapped his arm around her waist, pouting. "Celine, can you stay with me tonight? From tomorrow on, you won’t belong to me anymore, I’m so sad..."

"Liam! You need to know your place. I said I’d spoil you tonight to help you unwind, and you should be grateful. I don’t like greedy men!"

Her harsh words were easily shattered by Liam. "Celine, I bought the suit you love. Tonight, you can enjoy it to your heart's content..."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

I could hear Celine’s breathing growing heavy, her eyes swirling with lust.

She pulled out her phone and sent me a voice message in a tone so sweet it seemed fake. "Kristian, I had a bit too much to drink at the bachelorette party, so I’m staying at my friend's place tonight. Be good and sleep well, and tomorrow, I’ll marry you."

As soon as she finished, she jumped into Liam’s arms, kissing him passionately.

I watched them leave in a hurry, their backs full of impatience. Silent tears streamed down my face, but the pain from the cuts on my face made it so I couldn’t even cry properly.

So this was her kindness.

So this was her love.

I closed my eyes, and memories rushed in like a tidal wave.

Two years ago, when Celine accepted my proposal, her eyes were filled with starlight.

"Kristian, marrying you is my lifelong wish. In this life, I will love only you."

Six months ago, after working late, I prepared a surprise for her birthday.

Celine held me in her arms, concerned. "Fool, you're a thousand times more important than any gift."

Yesterday, she kissed my lips, vowing solemnly, "Kristian, starting tomorrow, I’ll be your Mrs. Hamilton. Please take care of me for the rest of our lives! I promise, I’ll never let you suffer a single grievance."

The Celine in my memories was nothing like the cruel, violent, and unfaithful woman I saw today.

I curled up in the darkness, my body cold, my consciousness sinking into an abyss.