Chapter 9 Darian didn't leave , but I acted like he wasn't there . My studies and Rodrick filled my days . Even though Darian showed up around me every day , he felt more and more like a stranger . Sometimes I'd look up and think he was no different from any other face in the crowd . Rodrick moved quickly . He told both our families we were together . Everyone knew each other well , and marriage plans were soon underway . I made my own wedding dress . When I tried it on , Rodrick cried . Darian watched me through the window . He was smiling , too . " It's been six months , Darian . This is pointless . " " Not to me . In my dreams , I never get to see you in your wedding dress . " This time . I'll remember it . " Rodrick stepped out to give us time to talk . " Can we really not go back ? " Darian murmured , almost to himself . Then he looked at me . " What if ... " " There are no what ifs . " The hurt he and Yvette caused me didn't happen in a day . One sentence couldn't just erase it . Darian reached out and smoothed a wrinkle on my dress . " Can I have an invitation ? " " No. Stay out of my world , Darian . You only make me unhappy . " He looked at me intently , as if memorizing my face one last time . " Is my leaving the only thing that would make you happy ? " " Yes . " 08:43 Chapter 9 He nodded slowly " Okay I'll leave tomorrow . " 289 Wouders Wind chimes tingled softly . I sat on the sofa and wiped a tear from the corner of my eye . Darian went back . He cut Yvette out of his life completely . " Yvette , we both made mistakes . I won't hurt you , but I won't help you either . " Just go . " He didn't really hear what she said , maybe something about her future . But it wasn't his concern . His own life was already headed downhill anyway . On my wedding day , I received a gift . Darian had sent an expensive present , but a small box caught my attention . I opened it . It was the ring that had fallen down the drain . " What's that ? " Rodrick asked curiously . " Just trash I never threw away . ' I dropped the ring box into the trash and took Rodrick's hand as we walked toward our parents . From that day on , my life was a new beginning . Far away in the motherland , Darian woke up from another dream . He tried to close his eyes again , but ended up letting out a long sigh . " So mean ... You won't even let me see you in your wedding dress in my dreams ... " A tear rolled from the corner of his eye onto the pillow . Darian thought he probably wouldn't have any good dreams for the rest of his life . 08:43