She Said She’d Watch My Man. Then She Stole Him Chapter 03

She Said She’d Watch My Man. Then She Stole Him Chapter 03

We’d barely stepped into the bridal shop when the rain started.

It came down hard, like it had been waiting all day.

The manager led us to a private fitting room.

The wedding gown was laid out in front of me—

pearls sewn into the fabric, spreading like a river of light.

Dorian had designed it himself.

I went into the fitting room.

Through the rain, I heard Sera’s voice, “I decided to quit.”

Dorian didn’t answer.

The rain got louder. Then he said quietly, “Don’t.”

“I’m not joking.” Her voice was soft,

“I don’t want to hurt Mira anymore.”

There it was—that familiar crack in her voice, “She’s my best friend.”

My grip on the dress tightened, then went loose.

I heard Dorian let out a quiet sigh, “Sera, you know—”

Thunder cut him off.

I flinched. I looked through the gap in the door.

Sera was standing by the window, face in her hands.

Dorian was less than an arm’s length behind her.

I used to joke that he kept everyone at a distance.

Even when we went out together, he never stood close to her.

Now they were that close.

If she turned around, she’d fall right into him.

“What do I know?” She turned.

Her eyes welled up, “That I can’t love you. That you can’t betray Mira.”

“That we’re already wrong.”

Dorian said nothing.

In the rain, his throat moved.

I pressed myself against the wall.

The wall was cold.

The dress was heavy—like a thousand needles pressing into my skin.

He lowered his head. Like he was confessing.

I watched through the gap.

He raised his hand.

I thought he was going to wipe her tears.

Instead, his hand passed her cheek.

His fingers grazed her shoulder.

He caught the thin strap of her top and pulled it up. Slowly.

When his fingers left, his knuckles brushed her bare shoulder.

“Showing,” he said. His voice was rough.

Sera looked up. Tears slid down her cheek.

One landed on his hand.

“Dorian. You’re terrible.”

“You touched me. And you still made up an excuse.”

His fingers curled slightly.

My nails dug into my palm.

Something was hammering at my chest from the inside.

I pushed the door open and walked out.

They both looked at me.

Sera couldn’t wipe her tears fast enough.

She forced a smile. “Mira. You look beautiful.”

Dorian had already put his hands in his pockets.

He stared at me, stunned, “Stunning.”

He stepped forward and fixed the white veil at my collar.

His focus made it look like I was something fragile.

Her eyes were red-rimmed.

When she saw Dorian next to me, she looked away.

“Mira. I got to see you in the dress.” Her smile was too bright,

“I have a meeting at the office. I should go.”

Dorian’s hand stayed on my shoulder.

“It’s still raining.”

“I’ll get a cab.”

She left quickly. The door shut behind her.

I stood in front of the mirror. Dorian was behind me.

He was looking at the door.

His hand was in his pocket, fidgeting with something.

He had the car keys.

“Go after her,” I said lightly.

He turned.

Our eyes met in the mirror.

Something churned behind his gaze.

“Go. She’s my best friend too,” I said again.

I forced a smile, like I had a hundred times before.

He studied my face. Calm. Patient.

The same as always.

He nodded. And he left.

I stood there, watching him disappear in the mirror.

When the door closed, only I remained. Still in the white dress.

I opened my phone.

The post had updated.

[He caught up to me.]

[In the rain. He didn’t say a word. He pressed me against the car door.]

[He kissed me. Hard. Was it punishment or surrender?]

I put my phone away.

The rain didn’t stop.

The door creaked open.

The manager stood there, “Mrs. Sterling, would you like to try the veil?”

I turned. My voice was calm,

“No. I don’t need the dress.”

“And I don’t need the groom.”