Heart in Ashes

Half an hour later, Luna sat in a cab, her eyes fixed on the pink Mercedes G-Class not far away.

Simon opened the sunroof, and within a minute, the pink G-Class started rocking rapidly.

A crowd began gathering nearby, some stopping to gawk, exclaiming in astonishment, "Wow, making out outdoors. How exciting."

"Tsk, tsk, rich people sure know how to have fun—lakeside, a G-Class, and a beautiful woman. It's going to be one heck of a night."

Luna's eyes reddened as she stared at the swaying vehicle. Her entire body felt cold to the bone. Hands trembling, she recorded a five-minute video.

Afterward, she sent the video to Susanna with a raspy voice note. "Play this during the wedding."

Once the message was sent, Luna dialed Maple Morgan, her mother.

"Mom, I'll come to Naavi in seven days to see you and Dad."

On the other end of the line, Maple sensed the slight quiver in Luna's voice and immediately frowned. "Is Simon coming with you?" she asked.

"I'm coming back alone," Luna replied.

"Alright, don't be upset," Maple said, her tone grim. She had a rough idea of what had happened, so she reassured her daughter, "I'll pick you up from the airport."

Late into the night, Simon returned home noisily, waking the sleeping Luna. Reeking of alcohol, he stumbled over to her, cupping her face in his hands as he began kissing her.

Perhaps uneasy over Luna's earlier outburst, he murmured drunkenly, "Darling, I love you so much. You can yell at me, curse me, even hit me, but don't ever leave me, okay? Baby, don't worry. I'll never cheat on you."

Luna, on the spacious bed, coldly stared at Simon.

Simon had clearly drunk too much last night. He even returned home without wiping the red lipstick marks on his neck.

Yet the love in his eyes seemed so genuine, without a hint of deceit.

The next morning, Luna woke up groggily to find that Simon had squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush, prepared warm mouthwash, and even laid out an outfit for her.

Once Luna was ready, Simon accompanied her downstairs.

Simon's phone at the breakfast table buzzed soon. He glanced at the message and then looked at Luna apologetically. "Lulu, I won't be home tonight. There's a gathering."

Luna paused mid-bite of her waffle. She knew very well that Simon was planning to spend the evening with Sophie, but she couldn't even muster the energy to expose him.

"Alright."

After Simon left, Luna hailed a cab and quietly followed him.

20 minutes later, Simon drove into a well-maintained residential area.

Sophie, dressed in an elegant white Chanel-inspired outfit and a matching scarf, looked stunning and refined.

When she spotted Simon's Bentley from a distance, she waved excitedly before running over to get into the car.

The two stayed in the car for a while, likely caught up in their intimate activities before Simon drove out of the neighborhood.

Half an hour later, the black Bentley stopped in front of a wedding photography studio.

Sophie stepped out from the passenger seat. As Simon joined her, she affectionately looped her arm through his, and they walked inside together.

A staff member at the entrance greeted them warmly. "Mr. Fulmer and Ms. Sutherland, welcome! We've cleared the studio for you. Let me show you the styles of wedding photos we'll be shooting today."

Luna sat expressionlessly inside the cab as she watched the scene unfold. A chilling numbness washed over her.

Her phone suddenly rang then.

She glanced at the caller ID—it was her best friend, Clover Lambert.

Swiping to answer, Luna held the phone to her ear.

Clover's cheerful voice quickly filled the line. "Lulu, where are you? Let's grab afternoon tea."

Luna directly gave Clover the address of the wedding photography studio.

On the other end, Clover went silent for a few seconds, then let out a dramatic wail. "You've been married to Simon for five years, and yet, you're taking wedding photos again now! My goodness, look at you two getting more in love as time goes by. Ugh, you're killing this single lady here with envy."

Luna seemed slightly out of it as she replied bitterly, "Clover, he's not taking wedding photos with me."

Clover was stunned for a few seconds before realizing something was wrong. "With another woman? Simon cheated? That's impossible! Hold on, I'll be there in 20 minutes!"

20 minutes later, Luna got into Clover's car.

As Clover anxiously questioned her, Luna explained how Simon had cheated on her with Sophie after Sophie's return to the country.

Then, she played a provocative voice message that Sophie had sent from Simon's phone a month ago. Pointing at the bridal shop, Luna smiled bitterly.

"Clover, as you can see, it's Sophie's birthday today. Simon brought her here to take some wedding photos."

Clover followed Luna's gaze.

Inside the bridal shop, Simon had his head down as he adjusted the neckline of Sophie's wedding gown. His expression was gentle, and his movements were cautious. It was as if he were handling a delicate piece of art.

"I can't take this anymore." Clover's eyebrows pulled together into a deep frown. "I'm going in there to beat them up and avenge you!"

Clover had a fiery temper. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to storm into the shop.

However, Luna stopped her.

"Wait, I want to see what they'll do next."

Half an hour later, Simon and Sophie walked out of the bridal shop.

One was dressed in a sharp black suit, the other in a white fitted wedding gown. Hand in hand, they got into a Bentley.

After some time, they arrived at a lakeside.

The wedding photo shoot area had been cordoned off in advance to prevent any potential paparazzi.

When the two arrived, the photographer, who was already waiting, flattered them with a big smile. "Mr. Fulmer and Ms. Sutherland, you are such a perfect match. You're the most attractive couple I've ever photographed."

Sophie said with a playful smile as she held Simon's arm. "Well, I've got an eye for men. It's true that my husband is dashing."

Over the next half-hour, the two changed into three different sets of suits and wedding dresses.

With the winter temperature on the colder side, Simon thoughtfully picked up a thick shawl during breaks in the shoot and draped it over Sophie's shoulders.

Whenever Sophie struggled to find the right mood for the photos, Simon would coax and encourage her until she naturally eased into the right mood.

After the shoot was completed, Simon didn't rush to leave. Instead, he suddenly got down on one knee.

Under Sophie's surprised gaze, he brought out a bouquet of roses and an engagement ring he had prepared long ago.

"When you mentioned that you wanted to take wedding photos, I always felt we should have a proper proposal ceremony. You've been so understanding, constantly reassuring me that there's no need for a proposal.

"But I can't let you settle for less. Sophie, will you marry me?"