Chapter 8: Parade Day

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I agreed to marry Caleb Morgan.

I couldn’t find a reason to refuse.

Whether family background, looks, or character, there was nothing to fault.

If it weren’t for those four words my godmother whispered, he would never have married a woman who’d been married before.

Just as well—I didn’t expect anything more from him.

In a way, maybe it was fate.

The next day, I went with Caleb to the county clerk’s office to submit the divorce papers.

The clerk looked at us, his mouth hanging open like he could swallow an egg.

He didn’t dare ask a single question, just trembled as he handed me the new paperwork.

On the third day, Caleb’s parents came to visit.

His mother was extremely satisfied with me.

She seemed deeply moved that her son had finally found a girl he wanted to marry, and held my hand, looking me over and over with red eyes.

When she left, she took my birth date.

In less than half a month, Caleb and I set the wedding date.

Caleb seemed very happy.

Maybe to make the marriage seem real, he not only handled everything himself, but often invited me out for walks and day trips.

I found him very interesting.

Clearly a laid-back officer, yet always putting on the airs of a scholar in front of me, as if he was afraid I’d regret the marriage if I saw his true nature.

This day, we were at the bridal shop choosing wedding clothes.

The owner gave us the side-eye, like we were about to knock over the discount rack. She clucked her tongue and shook her head. “That’s reserved for a special order,” she insisted, eyeing Caleb like she was worried we’d start a fuss.

Seeing Caleb about to lose his temper and slap his credit card on the counter, he caught a glimpse of me.

"Ah, the weather is truly fine today, the sun is bright, not a cloud in the sky, the breeze is gentle, spring light dazzling!"

"Aubrey, let’s go boating on the lake."

He grinned, slipping his arm around my waist, steering me out the door before I could protest. It was his way of keeping the peace, and I found myself smiling despite everything.

Leaving the shop, I was still covering my mouth, laughing softly.

The street was alive with people—kids chasing ice cream trucks, a busker strumming guitar, and old Mr. Henderson waving from his porch. For a moment, life felt light again.

"Babe, don’t laugh at me…"

The man beside me scolded gently.

He squeezed my hand, his eyes playful and warm. I realized, maybe for the first time, that I could actually breathe again.

Suddenly, he softly took my hand.

My heart skipped a beat.

Just then, there was a commotion on the street.

"Marcus Ellison’s coming back to Maple Heights! Make way, everyone!"

The rumble of engines rattled the shop windows, and for a moment, it felt like the whole town was holding its breath. A parade of motorcycles roared down Main Street, sirens blaring, the kind of spectacle that drew every neighbor to their window. Old ladies in curlers peered out, and even the teenagers paused their skateboards to watch.

I was pushed back two steps.

Caleb reached for my elbow, steadying me as the crowd surged forward. My pulse hammered in my ears.

Looking up, I saw two motorcycles clearing the way.

Marcus was in a pickup behind, several cars following.

A beautiful woman sat in front with him.

Natalie looked every inch the queen, her hair glinting in the sunlight, lips curved in a satisfied smile. She wore a blue silk scarf and oversized sunglasses, as if the whole world belonged to her.

"Aubrey." When he saw me, a hint of surprise flashed in Marcus’s eyes.

He revved his engine and pulled up.

Natalie leaned sideways: "Marcus!"

Marcus steadied her.

He kept his eyes on me, like he was measuring how much I’d changed. There was a flicker of something—regret, maybe, or pride. His voice was cool and commanding.

When he looked at me again, as if remembering something, a trace of arrogance appeared in his eyes.

"Come here." He raised his chin slightly, looking down at me from the truck window.

"Help your ex-husband’s new wife out of the car."

My hands trembled, but I kept my chin high. I wasn’t the same woman he’d left behind. The crowd went quiet, all eyes on me, waiting to see what I’d do. I took a deep breath, letting the past settle behind me, and squared my shoulders, ready to face whatever came next—because this time, I was nobody’s afterthought.