Chapter 145

The past few days had been a dream for him, a taste of a life he never wanted to let go of.

Naturally, he kept these thoughts to himself, not sharing them with anyone.

Soon, the store clerk came back with the prepared contract. This time, Christina didn't hesitate and signed her name right away.

William swiped his card to pay.

The clerk then led Christina to a back room to take detailed measurements. "Ms. Windsor, once the wedding dress is ready, it will be shipped from overseas to our store. I'll notify you to come in for a fitting. If there are any issues, we can send it back for adjustments."

"Will that delay things a lot?" Christina asked, a bit worried.

If the wedding date was far off, it wouldn't matter, but if it was soon and the dress got stuck in transit, she'd be disappointed.

She had already chosen her dream dress and didn't want to settle for anything less.

"Ms. Windsor, the dress is custom-made based on today's measurements. If your body doesn't change, it will fit perfectly. If you gain or lose weight, adjustments can be made quickly. We use air shipping, so it won't get stuck in transit," the clerk explained patiently.

Christina felt reassured.

After leaving the bridal shop, she checked the time. "I didn't expect the dress fitting to go so smoothly. It's still early. How about we look at wedding rings too?"

It would be great to get everything done in one trip, saving them from having to come back tomorrow.

She had plenty of time, but William was always busy.

"Sure," William agreed, wrapping his arm around her waist. They looked like a couple deeply in love.

There was a large jewelry store downstairs. The air conditioning was strong, and Christina felt a bit cold when they walked in.

She wanted a hot coffee but felt too shy to ask.

"What's wrong?" William noticed her discomfort. "If you're tired, we can go home and rest. We can look at rings tomorrow."

Christina shook her head. "I'm not tired, just a bit thirsty. Let's finish picking out the rings first."

"I'll get you a coffee. Three sugars, warm, right?" William knew her favorite order.

Christina nodded, feeling understood.

While William went to get coffee, Christina browsed the rings alone. She was quickly drawn to the store's centerpiece. "Can I see this ring?"

"Of course, ma'am. This is the only 'Cupid's Kiss' in the country, symbolizing eternal love," the clerk said, carefully letting Christina try it on.

Just then, Jennifer walked by outside.

She saw Christina inside and her smile vanished.

What was Christina doing in a jewelry store?

Was she trying to force William into marriage?

Jennifer stormed in, standing behind Christina, her jealousy almost palpable.

William should be her husband, and that ring should be hers.

Why did Christina get everything?

"Ma'am, your fingers are perfect for jewelry. This ring also has a matching necklace and earrings. It's pricey, but worth it."

"Price isn't an issue. Show me the matching men's ring," Christina said, knowing William's worth.

They had money, so there was no need to be frugal about their wedding.

Jennifer couldn't take it anymore.

She slapped Christina's hand away and pointed at her. "You're shameless!"

"Who are you?" Christina had no idea who she was.

To Christina, she was just a stranger causing a scene.

"If you're sick, take your meds. If that doesn't work, get hospitalized. Don't come out here acting crazy."

The clerk also looked at Jennifer disapprovingly. "Ma'am, our rings are very valuable. If you damage anything, you'll have to pay for it."

Jennifer, already consumed by jealousy, exploded.

"Who do you think you are, a mere clerk? I can afford a ring, and I don't need to beg a man to buy it for me!"

Christina knew this was aimed at her.

She wouldn't take it lying down. "If you can afford it, buy it now. Once it's yours, do what you want with it. As for me, my husband is happy to spend money on me. It's mutual. None of your business."

The word "husband" was like a knife to Jennifer's heart.

She dreamed of walking down the aisle in a white dress to William, of being called his wife.

Why Christina?

"Do you really think William loves you? He can't stand you! If you weren't so shamelessly clinging to him, he'd never be with you. You think forcing him into marriage will make you Mrs. Cavendish? It's all a fantasy!"

Jennifer's voice grew louder.

The clerks exchanged looks, ready to call security to remove her.

Christina initially thought Jennifer was just crazy, but something felt off.

It seemed like Jennifer knew William.

"If he doesn't like me, who does he like? You?" Christina asked, genuinely curious. "If so, why didn't he marry you?"

She couldn't understand it.

William was the Cavendish heir, influential in his family, not someone who just followed orders.

He had his own mind and wouldn't just go along with things.

If he didn't like her, why pretend to love her?

"Because..."

"Jennifer." A threatening voice interrupted.

William was back with the coffee.

He handed it to Christina. "It's still a bit hot. Drink it slowly."

His warmth vanished when he turned to Jennifer, replaced by coldness.