Chapter 2

Because he had missed countless weddings on time before, my wedding with Kody was very simple.

This time, only a handful of friends were present, mostly from my side.

Kody's friends likely predicted that we wouldn't be able to get married, and they all found various excuses to be absent.

Kody's parents had been traveling the world and seemed indifferent to our wedding. Or perhaps, it was me they didn't care about.

Otherwise, they wouldn't so casually excuse Kody's repeated absences from our ceremonies. "Tonya grew up with him, so he treats her more attentively. Besides, it's not like she does it on purpose. Things just happen. Why make a fuss over it?"

It always ended up being my fault.

"Clara, didn't your parents teach you to be tolerant? Kody wants to marry you, or he wouldn't keep organizing these weddings. Don't keep arguing with him, or he'll get fed up and refuse to marry you. Then you'll regret it."

It wasn't just Kody's parents, even mine sided with him.

My family wasn't what it used to be. They relied on the resources Kody carelessly gave them to sustain the family business.

So, despite more than a thousand disappointments, they never showed Kody a cold face.

Seeing that this 1314th wedding scene was turning into another embarrassing situation, my mother pushed the door open first.

"Clara, don't argue with Kody. If he weren't delayed by something urgent, he would be here to marry you. You can postpone it until next time."

I glanced at her coldly, staying silent.

As her daughter, my sister, Izabella, married during our family's glory days, in a grand ceremony. Her rich husband still treated her well.

And me?

They feared that I would throw a tantrum and refused to marry Kody, wishing I would beg him instead.

As the time approached, my father was already nodding and apologizing to Kody's parents. "It's all Clara's fault for picking this day. We've already scolded her. Kody? How could Kody be at fault? There aren't many like him, such a rare gem of loyalty. Don't worry, Clara is perfectly fine with it all."

My mother added with a forced smile, "Any day can be a wedding day. Tonya's injury is more important. Clara will visit her soon."

I bit my lower lip, so deeply disappointed that I was numb to the pain.

My phone buzzed with a message.

"On my way. Wait for me." It was from Brody Ward, my last-minute savior.

Seeing the message, my mood eased considerably.

Kody wasn't the only one with a childhood sweetheart to care for.

Echoing in my mind was the gentle response Brody gave after I made my request, just minutes ago. "I told you, whenever you need me, I'll be there. Clara, you'll always come first for me."

I nervously confirmed with him again and again, "Even if I ask you to marry me?"

"Yes, I would."

Although I couldn't see him clearly through the phone, I seemed to see his warm smile when he said this.