I wiped my eyes quietly, trying to hold my emotions together, but the weight of everything I'd lost hit me like a freight train. All that effort, all that hope…was ruined in an instant.

If a single wedding dress could teach me everything I needed to know about someone's character, then maybe I should consider myself lucky.

After all, I was finally seeing Simon for who he really was—no delusions left.

Tonight was the family dinner where I’d officially meet Daniel.

First impressions were everything, and I knew I had to look my best. I didn’t want to give anyone the chance to question me, especially not after everything that had gone down with Simon and Audrey.

I took a quick moment to freshen up and gave myself a little pep talk. When I felt ready, I headed down to the underground parking garage. And that's when I noticed it—Simon's Maserati, gently rocking back and forth in the distance.

Curiosity gnawed at me as I walked closer, but when I got close enough to see inside the half-open window, my stomach twisted. There they were—Simon and Audrey. She was sprawled across his lap, her eyes half-lidded as she moved up and down.

Even though I already knew Simon didn’t love me, seeing it with my own eyes still hit like a punch to the chest.

For a brief moment, our eyes met. There was a flash of panic in his gaze, but it was gone in a second, quickly replaced by that smirk of his. To taunt me even more, he gently swept Audrey’s hair aside and kissed her deeply, his movements slow and exaggerated.

Audrey’s soft whimpers echoed in the garage, loud and calculated.

I turned away, trying to keep my face neutral, and climbed into my own car. I had more important things to focus on tonight.

As I made my way to the Hughes family estate, I stopped by a store to grab a gift—a high-end silk tie for Daniel. When I arrived, I was surprised to find Simon pulling up at the same time.

He stepped out of his car, and from where I stood, I could clearly see used condoms scattered across the passenger seat.

'Real classy.'

For a moment, his expression flickered with something like embarrassment when he saw me holding the gift bag. But that passed quickly, replaced by his usual smug look.

“Bought me a gift?” he drawled, taking a step toward me. “Let me see it.”

I jerked the bag behind my back, pulling it out of his reach. “It’s not for you,” I said flatly.