You Had Me, You Lost Me, You'll Never Find Me novel Chapter 148

The bridal boutique.

"Miss, would you like to try this one on?"

The associate handed Sylvia a stunning silver mermaid-style gown. Since the primary dress was encrusted in diamonds, it required a hoop skirt underneath, which perfectly concealed any signs of her pregnancy. The back featured an adjustable corset, allowing it to be tailored precisely to her changing figure.

Every girl harbors a secret dream of trying on wedding dresses. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Sylvia felt a surreal daze wash over her.

For the very first time, the reality that she was actually getting married finally settled into her bones.

"That looks incredible on you," Julian said from the sidelines, his eyes filled with warm admiration.

Sylvia snapped out of her daze and smiled. "So this is the one?"

"There's no rush. Take your time and look around."

Sylvia tried on several more options but ultimately decided the silver mermaid dress was her favorite. She locked it in, and the boutique staff began adjusting the measurements to fit her properly.

When they finally stepped out of the boutique, a light drizzle was falling over the city.

Ashton was standing at the corner of the street not far away. He had no umbrella. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and dark gray slacks, he stood rigidly in the rain.

It was impossible to tell how long he had been standing there. The damp chill clung to him, his eyelashes heavy with moisture. His gaze pierced through the hazy drizzle—an agonizing blend of aristocratic pride and hollow detachment.

The bridal boutique had floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It was glaringly obvious that he had watched the entire process of her trying on the gowns.

Sylvia met his eyes for a split second before coldly averting her gaze. The boutique entrance had a small flight of stairs leading down to the pavement.

Keeping her head down, she navigated the steps carefully. Suddenly, a figure blocked her path. Her heart leaped into her throat, causing her to miss a step, but strong hands immediately caught her.

Ashton's face went completely blank, his eyes sliding past Julian to focus entirely on the woman hiding behind him.

"Who the hell are you to speak for her? Let her tell me that to my face."

Julian stood his ground. "I know you can't accept losing her. You targeted my hospital, and I took the hit. But you have no right to punish Sylvia. She used to truly love you, yet you treated her like a substitute for a dead woman. Do you honestly think you are in the right here?"

Ashton's eyes remained frighteningly hollow. "Is that how you manipulated her into your bed? She has loved me from the very beginning, and she will only ever love me! You have no idea what we shared. What do you mean 'substitute'? If she was just a substitute, why would I be going insane trying to get her back?"

His knuckles turned stark white, looking as though he was seconds away from throwing a devastating punch.

"None of that matters anymore."

Sylvia finally stepped out from behind Julian, her voice quivering slightly. "Ashton, I am begging you. I just want to live a quiet life now. Stop intruding on my life, please. I never want to see you again."