Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Left at the Marriage Registration Center

7 a.m., the sky was still dim, with a thin mist hanging over the city.

Clarissa stood in front of the full-length mirror in her walk-in closet. She was dressed in a pearl-white dress she'd picked with care-simple cut, delicate lace at the neckline that highlighted her long neck and softened features.

This was the dress she'd pictured over and over for what she believed would be the most important day of her life.

Her phone screen stayed lit, still on the chat with Sebastian.

[9 a.m. this morning. Marriage Registration Center.]

Half an hour later, he'd finally replied with a cold, lifeless message:

[Okay]

Just that. Not even a period.

But that one word-it was like someone had struck a tiny match inside the barren wreckage of her heart, lighting up the faintest trace of hope.

Did he really agree?

Maybe the proposal at the airport last night that went viral online was all fake news, or maybe... there was more to it?

A jumble of chaotic thoughts swirled through her head. Her hand holding the phone trembled slightly.

She took a deep breath, looked in the mirror, forcing a smile. But her reflection stared back with empty eyes, and the smile on her lips looked more like she was about to cry.

"Clarissa, this is the path you chose. Whatever happens, no regrets," she whispered to herself.

Grabbing her purse, she double-checked her ID and other important materials over and over. Then, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she turned and walked out of the apartment.

*****

Marriage Registration Center.

It was just past 8:50 a.m., and the waiting hall was already filled with couples.

Compared to the bright smiles and barely-contained excitement on everyone else's faces, Clarissa sat alone in a corner, looking completely out of place.

She glanced quickly at the digital clock on the wall.

9 a.m. sharp.

No sign of him.

She tried to calm herself-maybe traffic. He's always punctual, he wouldn't be late.

9:10 a.m.

People kept coming in and out, but still, not that familiar, stiff figure.

A young couple nearby just finished their registration, happily walking away.

9:20 a.m.

Seats around her filled up, emptied again as numbers were called. And Clarissa? Still there, like some forgotten statue in the corner.

She kept checking her phone. Screen off, then instantly tapped back on. Again and again. No missed calls. No messages. The chat still stuck on that lonely little [Okay].

"Hey, look at that girl. She's been sitting there by herself forever..."

"Is she waiting for her boyfriend? Kinda late already, huh?"

"She looks all dressed up too. Was she... ghosted? Jeez, poor thing..."

"Shh, keep it down. What if she hears us..."Those scattered whispers and barely concealed pitying looks were eating away at her nerves, one after another.

It was already 9:30.

A full thirty minutes late.

Clarissa just couldn't hold it together anymore. She abruptly stood up and walked toward a quieter spot at the end of the hallway. Her fingers were shaking uncontrollably as she dialed Sebastian's number.

"Beeep... beeep..."

The phone kept ringing without anyone picking up. Just as she was about to hang up, a new message popped up.

From him.

No apology, no explanation-just several cold words: [Can't come today.]

That was it. Her last thread of hope snapped with a quiet, brutal finality.

He didn't forget.

He knew they were supposed to get the marriage certificate today.

He just... couldn't be bothered to come.

Her phone suddenly buzzed again. It was Natalie calling.

She answered out of reflex. Before she could say a word, Natalie's voice came through, angry and near tears:

"Clarissa! Where are you?! Have you checked Ins?! Sebastian just proposed to Aria!"

The call ended before she could respond. A second later, her chat with Natalie popped up - not a message, but a photo and a link.

Her fingers were stiff, numb, but they moved anyway. She tapped on the image first-

Clear blue skies, a golden beach, and crashing white waves in the background. Centered in the frame: Sebastian, holding Aria tightly. They were kissing like the whole world had disappeared. Sunlight washed over them like something out of a movie.

Aria looked completely lost in happiness, while Sebastian-he had this soft, focused look on his face Clarissa had never seen before.

But that wasn't even the worst part. The link? It took her straight to his feed.

That same photo was right there, front and center.

The caption? Just four words. Four words that burned hotter than fire:

[Dreams do come true.]

So that was it.

His dream... never included Clarissa.

Her six years of waiting, of giving everything she had-what a joke.

She stood here today, dressed to impress, waiting for over an hour like some clueless fool... only to get hit with a casual "Can't come."

Scenes from the past started flashing rapidly through her mind.

He once said he liked women who could play the violin. So, she practiced like crazy.

Her palms grew hard with calluses, her shoulders ached so badly she couldn't lift her arms sometimes-but she never stopped.

All just to perform a full piece for his birthday. All for a chance at one compliment from him.

She thought if she just worked hard enough, became good enough, he'd finally notice her... finally love her.

Now she finally got it-it didn't matter how well she played the violin, how far ahead she was of Aria in the music world. In Sebastian's eyes, Aria had always been that delicate, untouchable dream girl he felt he needed to protect and wait for.

So what was she, Clarissa, then?

What were these six years worth?

Despair crashed over her like a freezing wave. But strangely enough, this time, no tears came. No breakdown either.

Just... shocking clarity. And a weird sense of relief.

She lowered her head, opened the pinned chat that had held its place at the top for six whole years, and slowly typed, [Sebastian, six years... I'm tired.]

[Starting today, I won't chase you anymore.]

[Hope you and Aria live happily ever after.]

No blame. No 'why's. Not even anger. Just closure.

She hit send.

And without hesitation, wiped him from her phone-deleted, blocked, gone.

Once that was done, she tossed her phone back into her bag, took a long breath, and stepped out of the Marriage Registration Center.

Outside, the sun was blinding. Cars and people moved all around. Noise everywhere.

She stood at the top of the steps, eyes squinting against the light, feeling lost-like she had no idea where to go next.

For six years, her whole world had revolved around Sebastian.

Now with that world gone, all that was left was a blank slate.

Her thoughts were still scrambled when, out of nowhere, her foot slipped on the edge of the step, and she pitched forward.

"Hey-watch out!"

A pair of strong arms caught her just in time, pulling her into a solid chest.

"Well well, Clarissa-still throwing yourself at me after all these years?"

Wide-eyed, she looked up and met a pair of amused, deep-set eyes.

The guy wore a sleek, tailored blazer that almost made him seem overdressed for daylight-tall, lean, and confident, with a casual swagger that stood out in the crowd.

There was a half-smile on his lips-like he enjoyed catching her off guard.

It was Elian Langley.

Back in school, he used to argue with her over math problems like they were solving world peace, but when she was shut out by everyone else, he'd silently drop answers on her desk, mumbling something like "don't want you flunking out."

Now, the awkwardness of youth was gone. In its place was something sharper, sexier.

If it had been old times, Clarissa would've snapped back by now.

But hearing that familiar voice, remembering the way she just cut ties minutes ago-her brain sparked with a wild, reckless thought.

Didn't Sebastian think she couldn't live without him? That she'd always be hanging around, tail wagging?

Great. Time to prove him dead wrong.

She took a small step forward and looked Elian straight in the eye.

"If you're not seeing anyone right now-"

She paused, watching his surprised brows lift, then said clearly, without backing down, "-would you marry me?"