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."