She’s a fashion designer. 

I messaged her from a burner account and said I wanted her to design my wedding dress and reception 

gown. 

We agreed to meet at an open–air café. 

“Anna! Over here!” 

I waved and called out her name. 

The second she turned and saw me, her face completely changed. 

But she quickly forced a smile. 

“Cousin? Wow, I didn’t expect it to be you.” 

Anna’s technically my cousin, but we’ve never been that close. 

Plus, she had me blocked on social media, so I never saw what was going on between her and Dashiell. 

“Yeah, I’m getting married.” 

“Heard you were in fashion–figured I’d keep it in the family and hire you.” 

She blinked, clearly caught off guard. 

“So… that was you who asked me to design their wedding dress?” 

“Yup.” I nodded. 

A flash of panic crossed her eyes, but she covered it up quickly. 

“Of course! I’ll make sure you’re the most stunning bride anyone’s ever seen.” 

While she spoke, I flagged down a server and ordered two coffees. 

Then I pulled out my phone and texted Dashiell: “At Juniper Café.” 

I’d invited him, too. 

Let’s see what kind of show they’d put on for me face to face. 

JT–T–4 11:– pln 

DA 

Chapter 6 

This time, Dashiell replied fast: “Be there soon.” 

Anna sat across from me, smiling a little too sweetly. 

“So… where’s the groom?” 

“Shouldn’t he be here for this kind of thing?” 

I smiled calmly. 

“Work’s been hectic for him lately.” 

“No matter how busy he is, you’d think he’d make time for something this important.” 

I didn’t argue. Instead, I shifted gears. 

peaking of weddings… I saw on Instagram you got married a couple months ago.” 

“Kinda weird I didn’t hear about it.” 

Anna’s expression stiffened. 

“Oh… yeah, sorry.” 

“It must’ve slipped my mind.” 

Probably afraid of slipping up even more, she quickly changed the subject. 

“But really, if he won’t even show up to design his own fiancée’s wedding outfit, do you think he really 

loves you?” 

She said it with a smirk and a sharp gleam in her eye. 

Yeah. She was married to Dashiell. 

I was the loser in this scenario. 

Of course she wanted to gloat. 

I shrugged. 

“Honestly, I’ve been questioning that myself.” 

“That’s why I broke up with him last week.” 

“But he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” 

23:05 

Seven Years Together… And I Was Just His Plan B 

4.8% 

Chapter 6 

“He’s been calling my entire family, begging them to talk me out of it.” 

“Said we’ve been together for seven years and I’m throwing it all away. 

“What do you think, Anna?” 

“Should I give him another chance?” 

Anna frowned, something bitter flickering across her face. 

“Well… it’s not about what he says.” 

“It’s about what he does, right?” 

“I mean, I studied overseas for seven years, and he waited for me that entire time.” 

e got married the minute I moved back.” 

“My husband treats me so well.” 

“When I got home, I wasn’t used to the food, and he cooked my favorite meals every day.” 

“No matter how busy he is, all I have to do is call and he makes time for me.” 

Listening to her talk about Dashiell… it felt like I was hearing about a complete stranger. 

Turns out, he could be kind and thoughtful. 

Just not to me. 

Thinking back on the last seven years, a dull ache settled in my chest. 

Anna kept going, rambling about their love story. 

I didn’t interrupt. I just sat there, quietly listening. 

Until I saw Dashiell’s figure in the distance. 

I raised my hand and waved. 

“Dashiell! Over here!” 

Anna immediately stopped talking. 

Her expression froze on her face. 

Chapter 7 

Chapter 7