2 I pulled out my phone and saw Ashley's Ins post. "Everyone, please don't misunderstand. Big Brother Daniel just sympathized with my poor health, which is why he took wedding photos with me. We're just good friends, really." The sickly sweet fake innocence was practically dripping off her post. Soon, several mutual friends of Daniel and I started sending me messages on SnapChat. "Chloe, you shouldn't bother with Ashley. Daniel is just taking care of her. Everyone knows Daniel only has eyes for you." "There's absolutely nothing going on between Ashley and Daniel. They grew up together; don't overthink it, okay?" "Daniel just feels too sorry for Ashley. His true feelings are for you. Don't take it out on Ashley." I let out a bitter laugh as I read those messages. It just showed how much sway Ashley had, sickening me while making me out to be the jealous, petty one who couldn't tolerate her. But it didn't matter. I didn't want Daniel anymore, let alone these outsiders. I blocked everyone who had sent me messages, one by one. Next, I called the wedding planning company. The person on the other end was very enthusiastic: "Miss Chloe, your wedding plan has been revised according to your requests. When would you like to come in to finalize it?" I said blandly, "No need. My wedding is canceled. I apologize for all your work on the plan; you can keep the deposit."' From start to finish, Daniel had shown no interest in the wedding. Whenever I asked for his opinion, he'd just say a wedding was a meaningless performance. For Ashley, it was "fulfilling a dream." For me, it was "a meaningless performance." What a double standard. all. Hanging up the phone, I let out a long breath. It turns out letting go of a fixation wasn't that hard after Marrying Daniel and starting a family had always been my dream. My family wasn't well-off, so I got a part-time job in the campus cafeteria during college. Daniel often came to my serving window. He said I was always generous with portions, making sure everyone got a full plate. I smiled and gave him an extra scoop of rice and a bit more soup. Later, Daniel told me to quit, saying he could work part-time to support me. I laughed, calling him silly, wondering why I'd quit such a good job. We made a pact: every month after payday, we'd go out for a big meal. The rest of the money, we'd save. Every time we saved a sum, Daniel would happily hug me. "Chloe, I'm one step closer to marrying you." Those days, though poor, were filled with sweetness and hope. Now, we had enough money, but we detested each other. Daniel sent me a SnapChat message: "Friends' dinner tonight. Get ready and come over."' "Ashley wants to explain things to you herself." Explain what? To gather a bunch of people as Ashley's advocates, just to criticize my pettiness again? I wasn't that desperate. "Can't make it, busy!' I refused directly. I wasn't lying to Daniel; I truly was busy, packing my things. This apartment was Daniel's; it was his pre-marital property. Since we were breaking up, I naturally had to move out. We'd lived together for too long, accumulated too many things. I needed to buy some large boxes. As soon as I stepped out, I ran into Daniel. "Where are you going?" Daniel grabbed me. "To buy some things." I turned sideways, trying to leave quickly. Daniel pulled me directly into his car. "Stop being dramatic. All our friends are here tonight, and you're the only one missing." The ride was silent. I was fiddling with my phone, but then I noticed the passenger seat floor mat had been replaced with a cartoon design. Sailor Moon, of all things. Daniel saw me staring at the floor mat and said, a little sheepishly, "Ashley said my car was too boring, so she took the liberty of changing the floor mats."' I glanced at Daniel's feet; his side also had cartoon floor mats. Ever since Daniel bought this car, he'd never allowed anyone to decorate it freely. I once bought a few cute ornaments for the passenger seat, and he'd immediately thrown them out. "Putting these things in a perfectly good car really cheapens it."' After that, I never bought any car decorations again. It seemed it wasn't the ornaments that cheapened things, but me. Realizing this, I actually found it a little laughable. "Hm, they're nice."" Daniel opened his mouth, as if to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He just floored the gas pedal. I knew Daniel was angry. He thought I was being petty and jealous again. In the past, I would have argued with him, but every argument always ended with my compromise. So why bother making myself unhappy? When we arrived at the restaurant, before I even got out of the car, Ashley practically fluttered over like a butterfly, the small, jade-like amulet on her neck swaying and glinting under the lights. "Sister Chloe, you're here!" Ashley intimately linked her arm through mine; anyone watching would have thought we were close sisters. We barely settled down. Ashley, acting like the hostess, began to address the others: "Everyone, please make yourselves at home. Big Brother Daniel is treating us tonight, so don't be shy!' That "Big Brother Daniel" nickname made my stomach churn. Ashley raised a glass of wine to me, apologizing: "Sister Chloe, Big Brother Daniel and I really didn't have any other intentions with the wedding photos. I just wanted to experience wearing a wedding dress. You know I can't ever get married because of my heart." As she spoke, tears welled up and rolled down Ashley's face, making her look utterly pathetic. The others started to chime in: "Exactly, Ashley is just a kid at heart. Chloe, don't hold it against her." "Ashley's so considerate. Chloe, just drink it. You two will still be good friends afterwards." Everyone stared at me, as if refusing Ashley's apology would be a crime. I looked at Daniel. His arms were crossed over his chest, his head down, wearing an expression of smug confidence. He was signaling that I had to drink this wine, whether I wanted to or not. Ashley's wishes were his wishes. He was certain I wouldn't dare publicly embarrass him. I smiled faintly, taking the glass from Ashley.