An Unexpected EncounterThat afternoon, Evan and Michelle were walking through an exclusive boutique, searching for a wedding dress. Michelle looked excited, though she occasionally glanced at Evan, who remained mostly quiet.
"You're not excited, are you?" Michelle teased, nudging his arm gently.
"It's not that." Evan gave a faint smile. "I'm just thinking… you'll look beautiful in anything."
Michelle chuckled softly, when suddenly—
"Evan?"
A familiar voice made Evan turn instinctively.
There stood a woman in a striking red dress. Celline.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Evan, then flicked to Michelle at his side.
Michelle, on the other hand, showed no odd reaction. She simply smiled politely, clearly not recognizing Celline.
"Uh, hi?" Michelle was the first to speak, as friendly as always.
Celline gave a small smile. "Hi. Are you… Evan's fiancée?"
Michelle nodded. "Yes. Michelle. And you are?"
Celline looked at Evan with an unreadable expression before finally smiling sweetly at Michelle. "Celline. An old friend of Evan's."
Michelle wasn't suspicious at all. "Oh, nice to meet you, Celline."
While Michelle remained warm, Evan just wanted to get out of the situation as fast as possible.
But before they could leave, Celline leaned slightly toward Evan and whispered, "Never thought you could actually be serious."
Evan glanced at her briefly, then without replying, took Michelle's hand and walked away.
One thing he realized—although Celline was gone, the uncomfortable feeling lingered.
Michelle wasn't the type to get jealous without reason. But she wasn't naïve either.
Since that encounter, Evan's expression had shifted slightly. He still held her hand, still helped her pick out dresses, but there was something in his eyes that told Michelle—there was something Evan hadn't said.
Michelle didn't ask.
She simply waited, letting Evan decide whether or not he wanted to explain.
Later, as they sat at a café after dress shopping, Michelle stirred her coffee slowly.
Evan, who was usually more relaxed, looked like he was deep in thought.
Michelle waited patiently.
There was silence, until finally Evan took a deep breath.
"I used to know Celline."
Michelle raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt.
"She was… my ex."
Michelle had already guessed that, but she kept listening.
"It wasn't anything serious. I ended it when I realized it wasn't going anywhere."
Michelle took a sip of her coffee and looked at Evan intently.
"Okay."
Just that.
Evan frowned. "Okay?"
Michelle shrugged. "If you ended it, then that's that. I'm just curious—why did you end it?"
Evan fell silent.
He knew Michelle wasn't angry. She just wanted to know if he had truly changed, or if circumstances had simply changed him.
Evan looked at her for a long moment before speaking honestly.
"Because I was tired of that kind of life. And I didn't want to disappoint you."
Michelle gave a small smile. Then, without another word, she gently held Evan's hand on the table.
No need for more words. That was enough.
Laras CateringAs the wedding day approached, Evan and Michelle began planning all the details.
One evening, while having dinner together, Evan brought up a suggestion.
"Michelle, I have a catering recommendation for our wedding," he said, sipping his tea.
Michelle looked interested. "Oh? Which one?"
"Laras Catering," Evan replied. "The food's great, and the price is reasonable. I tried it at a friend's wedding, and I think it's a good fit."
Michelle nodded, then asked, "Who owns it?"
Evan had expected that question. He took a breath before answering. "Her name's Laras. We met at Reza's wedding—Sienna was there too."
Michelle didn't react right away, but Evan could see a slight change in her eyes.
He quickly added, "It's purely about the food and professionalism. It has nothing to do with who runs it."
Michelle gave a small smile. "I believe you."
Evan watched her carefully, checking for any sarcasm in her tone.
But truly, Michelle didn't seem angry or overly suspicious. Still, there was something in her eyes—like someone mentally filing away this information for later.
"Alright," Michelle finally said. "If the food's good and it fits the budget, I have no objections."
Evan nodded, feeling slightly relieved.
But inside, Michelle couldn't quite shake off her curiosity.
The Secret OrderMichelle knew the situation well. Laras would never accept an order from Evan. Not because of the food quality, but because of a past that couldn't easily be erased.
Evan's company had taken over Hendra's business—Sienna's father—and that takeover had caused a tragedy that could never truly be forgiven. Laras, as Sienna's guardian, surely still carried that wound.
That night, Michelle sat in the family room and called her mother, Aunt Mirna.
"Mom, I want to order catering for the wedding," Michelle said casually.
"Oh? Have you found a good one?"
"Yes. I want to use Laras Catering."
Aunt Mirna paused. "Laras? I think I've heard of it. But why are you the one ordering, not Evan?"
Michelle bit her lip. "Because Laras won't agree if she knows it's for Evan's wedding."
There was silence for a moment, then a sigh from Aunt Mirna. "So, you want me to place the order?"
"Yes, Mom. Please use your name. And don't mention Evan at all."
More silence. Michelle guessed her mother was hesitant. But finally—
"Alright. I'll take care of it."
Michelle gave a small smile. "Thanks, Mom."
As the call ended, Michelle stared at her phone, thoughtful.
She trusted Evan. But a part of her wondered—what would happen if Laras found out the truth?
Leading Up to the Big DayEverything went smoothly. No drama, no wild gossip. Even the catering arrangement with Laras went without a hitch.
But there was one tradition Evan and Michelle had to follow—they weren't allowed to see each other the day before the wedding.
For Evan, this felt strange. In his ever-changing life, such rules were foreign. But this time was different. Michelle was different.
The night before the wedding, Evan sat in his apartment, feeling restless. It felt odd not being able to see Michelle after spending nearly every day together.
His phone buzzed. A video call from Michelle.
He picked up instantly.
On screen, Michelle smiled in comfy pajamas. "Hey."
"Hey," Evan replied, feeling calmer just seeing her face.
"How does it feel, not seeing me for a whole day?" Michelle teased.
Evan leaned back on the sofa. "Weird. We've seen each other almost every day."
Michelle giggled. "Just be patient. Tomorrow you'll see me again—but this time, in a wedding dress."
Evan smiled softly, eyes locked on her. "I can't wait."
Michelle blushed, then spoke gently, "Get some good sleep, Van. Tomorrow's going to be a long day for us."
Evan nodded. "You too, Chel."
They exchanged smiles before ending the call.
Evan set his phone down and exhaled deeply.
Tomorrow, his life would change again. But for the first time, he hoped this change would last forever.
A Shocking StatementThe wedding reception was simple, intimate, and full of warmth. No over-the-top luxury—just family, close friends, and a cozy atmosphere. Evan and Michelle spent the day smiling.
Sienna, who was helping with the catering, looked more mature and even more beautiful. Occasionally, Evan glanced at her—not with fear, but with a lingering guilt that never really went away.
After the event, as guests began to leave, Sienna approached the couple at the wedding stage.
"Congrats, Uncle Evan, Sis Michelle," she said lightly. But in the next moment, her expression went blank. "Enjoy your happiness… before I kill Uncle Evan."
Michelle was stunned, turning to Evan as if asking for an explanation.
Evan remained calm. His eyes locked on Sienna's, trying to read the emotions behind her words.
There was no explosive anger, no aggressive vengeance. In fact, her calm tone made it all the more terrifying.
Michelle finally spoke, her voice a little shaky. "Sienna… are you joking?"
Sienna gave a faint smile and stepped back slowly. "Of course, Sis Michelle. Just my own way of saying congratulations."
She then turned and walked away, leaving behind a cold air that lingered in the space she had just occupied.
Michelle looked at Evan, confused and worried. "Van, was she serious?"
Evan sighed. In his heart, he knew. That wasn't just a joke.
Michelle kept staring at Sienna's fading silhouette. The previously warm atmosphere suddenly felt cold.
Still seated on the stage, Evan whispered quietly, "She's the catering girl from the old rumor, Chelle. After seeing how she acts… do you still think people would believe I was the one chasing her?"
Michelle finally looked back at Evan. Her eyes were full of questions, but one thing was certain—Sienna wasn't just an ordinary girl.