Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 39

In the solemn church where even clearing one’s throat felt forbidden, I stood perfectly still, gazing at a single point.

Just the other day, I had my own ceremony right there. Lord Skyford seemed to share my complicated feelings, pursing his lips inward.

Clank—a heavy sound echoed. The doors had finally opened. Everyone turned to look.

Backlit by the light, Lord Nia wore an eerie smile visible even through her white veil.

The moment she took just two steps forward, the solemn atmosphere shattered instantly.

Whispers erupted from all around.

“Is that…?”

“It’s exactly the same as Lady Iris’s wedding dress.”

“Even that distinctive purple eye makeup is identical?”

“Unbelievable…”

(…So even on her own wedding day, Lord Nia intends to imitate me.)

At first, I pretended not to notice and avoided it, but this sends chills down my spine.

(I thought for today at least, things would proceed normally with ordinary congratulations and a normal conclusion.)

The gazes of everyone in the venue slowly pierced through me.

I blinked and wiped my cheek.

✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

Bright sunlight streams in. The ceiling is made of stained glass.

The guests are in an uproar over my beauty.

I really wanted the wedding dress embroidered with gold thread that Iris wore, but since it couldn’t be ready in time for the ceremony, I had something similar made. Well, it turned out quite well.

Tch

Both that woman and my brother are making faces like they’ve completely lost.

I’m the one who should be wearing this dress design.

I have exceptional taste, and it’s only natural that I’d come up with a similar wedding dress design even without seeing Iris’s ceremony.

If anything, it’s Iris who plagiarized my design.

And this eyeshadow color—I’m the one it truly suits, so why did she use it before me? She’s only embarrassing herself.

Purple has always been my favorite color. So, if anyone thought of using purple for eyeshadow first, it should be me.

✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

The groom, Lord Dragoark, faces forward with an unreadable expression.

But his fists are clenched unnaturally tight and trembling, making me think he’s praying for this ceremony to end quickly, just like I am.

“Nia Savarias, do you vow to take Dragoark Maison as your husband and love him for life?”

“Yes, I vow.”

“Dragoark Maison, do you vow to take Nia Savarias as your wife and love her for life?”

“……”

“…D-Dragoark Maison…?”

“……”

As everyone tilts their heads in confusion, Lord Nia hurriedly whispers into Lord Dragoark’s ear.

Lord Dragoark closes his eyes with an unbearable expression and shakes his head.

“Hey… hurry up and say it!”

“Nia Savarias? What’s wrong with both of you?”

Ignoring the priest’s admonishment, Lord Nia shouts loudly.

“Dragoark!! Quickly! Say your vows!!”

“Ghhh!!!! I’ll rephrase because my vows aren’t enough! I can’t live without you! I’ll ward off any hardship that befalls you!! All because I love you strongly, deeply, with all my heart!!!!”

After rattling this off rapidly, Lord Dragoark collapses into a crouch, breathing heavily.

The chapel falls eerily silent, without a single sound.

Sniffling as if crying, Lord Dragoark mutters quietly.

“I… I can’t take this anymore. You’re insane, Nia!”

“Dragoark! You foolish boy! Stand up! Get up!!”

Unable to bear it, his father, Chancellor Maison, raises his voice.

This sparks murmurs that bubble up from all directions.

Lord Nia walks click-clack toward us without even glancing at Lord Dragoark.

Stopping before our seats, she tilts her head with an expressionless face. The moment her veil sways, she grabs Lord Skyford by the collar.

“This is your fault, brother!!! Dragoark was supposed to say it first!! But you had to go and say unnecessary things beforehand!!! Now I’m just a cheap imitation!!! What are you going to do about this?!”

“…Let go…”

“And you too!!! Iris!!! You stole my dress design again, and even copied my eyeshadow!!! No matter how much you admire me, there should be limits!!?”

“I said let go!! Nia Savarias!!”

At Lord Skyford’s voice, her shoulders jump, and she retreats one, two steps back.

“Ah…”

✳︎ ✳︎ ✳︎

Why are you crouching there crying, Dragoark?

In the middle of our wedding ceremony, no less. Hurry up and stand.

“Dragoark…”

Someone rises smoothly from their seat. Though not particularly tall, his presence is as intimidating as a wolf’s.

“Your Majesty…”

Backlit, the king appears as a dark mass, only his eyes glowing unnaturally.

“Nia. How much disgrace must you bring upon the royal family before you’re satisfied?”

Why is the king, who’s always been so kind, saying such frightening things to me?

“You are a fully grown adult now. Take responsibility.”

“N-No, what are you talking about? This is absurd, stop saying strange things.”

“This wedding is canceled.”

Why?

“Nia, you understand, don’t you?”