At the sight of her concern for Caleb, contrasting with the indifference she'd shown me, I felt a dull ache pierce through the part of my heart that I thought had already frozen over.

The last bit of affection I had for her had finally vanished.

I nodded, pulling out my copy of the marriage certificate. "That's up to you, but there's no need to make up for the wedding. I've already married Layla."

Carol's face turned ashen when she saw the document in my hands.

"Are you kidding me, Justin? You actually went ahead and married that halfwit?" she exclaimed.

“You must be out of your mind to do something like this. If word gets out, how am I supposed to show up in public?”

Up until now, she only cared about appearances.

After all, if word got out that the esteemed CEO of Leeds Group had married a halfwit instead of her, the ridicule she'd have to endure was boundless.

Caleb sneered drunkenly, his words slurring. "I really have to hand it to you—going to such lengths just to spite Carol. Embarrassing yourself is one thing. Why drag her into this?"

Hearing this made me think of how ridiculous the situation was. After all, they were the ones who wanted Layla and me to spend the night together.

When I said I wanted to marry Layla, Carol didn't say a word. But now, it was my fault?

After he spoke, Caleb suddenly threw up again, the vomit splattering right onto Carol's sleeve.

She yelped in surprise, but instead of pushing him away, she frantically scanned the surroundings. The private room was out of tissues.

Her gaze landed on me as she anxiously said, "Where's that handkerchief of yours? Hand it over!"

I was stunned.

The handkerchief was the one she had hand-embroidered when we first got together, with our initials stitched onto it.

She once said this was her token of affection for me, asking me to keep it on me every day. All these years, I had treasured it, keeping it with me at all times.

Yet, now, she asked for something so precious to help clean Caleb up.

I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces.

After a moment of silence, I pulled out the handkerchief impassively.

Without handing it over, I tossed it at her feet. "Carol, we're done."

She bent down to retrieve it, quickly wiping Caleb's mouth again. "It's just a damn handkerchief! Why are you so worked up?" she snapped impatiently.

"You can just wash it if it's soiled. Otherwise, I'll embroider you a new one in the future!"

I ignored her and turned to leave.

"In the future," she said. What future?

Carol was even more enraged by my leaving.

"If you want to leave, fine! See if I care. You'll regret it sooner or later. Don't come crawling back to me then!"

…

It was late by the time I got back to the mansion.

Layla had curled up on the couch and fallen asleep, still clutching the certificate in her arms.

I felt my heart melt when I saw this.

I tiptoed over, intending to pick her up and carry her to the bedroom.

She awoke as if startled, her drowsy gaze lighting up when she realized who I was.

"You're back," she murmurs.

"Yeah." I smiled as I bent down. "If I come home late in the future, don't wait up for me. Just go to bed if you're tired."

After ensuring she was settled in, I returned to my study.

Just then, the screen on my phone lit up. Carol had texted me.

"Justin, come back and apologize to me now, and I might consider forgiving you."

"If you want to sulk and cause a scene, go ahead. But don't you dare gross me out by marrying that halfwit!"

I stared at the screen, my heart feeling completely unmoved.

Carol's words, which would have once stirred any emotion in me, now seemed like an eyesore.

I didn't reply, choosing to block her instead.

My world was now pure once again.

…

Early the next morning, I went out with Layla.

All these years, she didn't even have her own phone.

I figured that if something happened and I couldn't find her, it would be more convenient for her to have a phone.

After getting the number, I casually saved it into my contacts.

When adding a name to the details, I paused before solemnly typing in the word "Wifey".

Just as we were about to leave, we bumped into Carol and Caleb at the entrance to the mall.

Carol's sharp gaze raked over our entwined hands before finally settling on my face. She was fuming and amused in equal measure as she spoke.

"Have you gotten hooked on playing house, parading this thing around town? Aren't you worried about bringing shame onto the Leeds family?"

Caleb chimed in flippantly. "Justin, give it a rest. Carol's no longer angry. Just lower your head, and this will blow over."

"Move aside. I'm going to pick out a wedding dress with my wife," I cut them off abruptly, my voice unfazed.

Carol completely lost it when she heard me addressing Layla so affectionately.

"Have you forgotten how desperately you begged me to be with you, Justin? How you swore I was the only one for you?

"How long do you plan on keeping up this charade? Are you really giving up on me?"

I glanced at her coldly. "Indeed. I don't want you anymore," I replied impassively.

I watched as her face lost all its color. Shielding Layla, we brushed past them and walked away.

…

Three days later, Layla and I held our wedding as planned.

As expected, Carol showed up. Not only did she bring along Caleb and her lackeys, but she also invited the press.

Layla and I hadn't invited anyone to our wedding at first, but the event space was now filled with people.

Before Carol could speak, the reporters swarmed forward.

"Mr. Leeds, have you considered how badly Ms. Barnes would've been affected by you marrying someone who has developmental disabilities?"

Carol stood behind the reporter, feigning a look of hurt and helplessness as she cried, "I know you're still upset at me, Justin. But how could you? How will I face everyone?"

Despite being mentally prepared, I was still mortified.

Noticing my awkwardness, Carol smirked. She pushed past the reporters and glided over to me.

"You went through all this just to win me back, didn't you?" she asked condescendingly.

"I won't dwell on it. If you apologize to me sincerely in front of everyone and beg for my forgiveness, I might even reconsider."

She raised her chin smugly, as if certain I would yield at the "out" she had given me.

I clenched my fists, feeling the rage burn in me. Just as I was about to retort, a cold voice came from the entrance, cutting through the clamor.

"Justin and I have already registered our marriage. We're legally wed."