Chapter 3 A woman is most beautiful in her wedding dress

A hundred tangled thoughts couldn't untangle the mystery. Perhaps ordinary people like her couldn't understand the life of a stud tyrant.

Now, the most important thing on her mind was her wedding with Sam Taylor.

Sam was Elaine's boyfriend. They were college classmates, both from a small town, with Sam being a year ahead of Elaine.

Elaine had always been a pretty child, growing into a campus beauty in college. Even though she didn't care much about her appearance, dressing plainly like in high school, her natural grace was undeniable. Upon entering college, she had many male suitors, including Sam.

Sam wasn't particularly handsome, nor was he from a wealthy family, just a bit more studious than average, diligently to the point of being somewhat nerdy. When he met the girl he liked, Sam didn't straightforwardly give flowers or gifts and confess like other guys. Instead, he quietly did things for her, like fetching water, saving seats, buying tickets home during holidays, and carrying luggage.

After over two years of such silent dedication, Elaine was moved by this reliable, sincere boy and became his girlfriend. At that time, her dorm mates were slightly shocked and disappointed. The boys had expected a handsome senior who once sang under her dorm window.

But Elaine was content with Sam. Although he wasn't handsome or wealthy, he was genuine. Moreover, she believed that overly handsome or rich men were mostly unreliable. Sam was better than the handsome senior who, after confessing to her, flew overseas for studies within three days. Feelings, after all, were just a game!

Women ultimately need to find someone reliable. They don't need to be more outstanding than themselves; that way, they know how to cherish you properly. Sam was clearly like that.

Her former roommates thought it was rare for someone as young as Elaine to understand this thoroughly. They often teased her for being the most down-to-earth beauty. Elaine, of course, didn't know that these girls were secretly lamenting that she had no vision. In general, among the top five beauties in their year, except for one rich heiress, the other three, after graduation, one followed her boyfriend overseas, one married into a wealthy family with luxurious cars, and one used her beauty to climb the corporate ladder within two years.

Only Elaine followed her "phoenix boyfriend," rented an apartment, squeezed on the bus, and stayed in the city working hard. Truly a waste of her beauty.

There is a saying: beautiful women don't need to struggle for twenty years. If applied to Elaine, it's nonsense.

After graduation, Elaine stayed in the city mainly because Sam was there. Since college, they had met each other's parents. Both sets of parents had already accepted them as future in-laws. Everything seemed clear and reasonable.

Currently, the only inconvenience was that Elaine and Sam worked on opposite sides of the city, a two-hour commute apart. Since both had just started their jobs, work naturally came first. They each rented a place near their workplaces, not living together like other couples.

Even after dating for several years, they still hadn't crossed the line, which made Elaine feel a bit embarrassed. But Sam said he respected her and would wait until marriage to truly have her.

Elaine couldn't help but be touched.

At first, they could still arrange to meet after work for movies or dinners every few days. But later, since Elaine often had to work overtime, evening dates gradually disappeared, leaving only weekend dates. If faced with continuous overtime on weekends, they barely had time to see each other. The longest they went without seeing each other was nearly a month.

With this situation dragging on, even someone as patient as Sam began to feel dissatisfied. Half a year ago, they discussed marriage, saying that they should find a place halfway between their workplaces. That way, even with overtime, they wouldn't be unable to see each other.

Elaine didn't respond then. Firstly, because they were still young, neither their temperaments nor their careers were mature enough for marriage. Secondly, when she was transferred to be the CEO's assistant, she signed a contract stating that she couldn't marry within three years, or she would have to leave.

She couldn't bear to give up this high-paying job.

Although Sam wasn't happy, he didn't pressure her. Day by day, things went on.

Over the past six months, despite living in the same city, they continued to live apart. Sam seemed to have gotten used to this lifestyle. With his promotion making him extremely busy, even not seeing each other for weeks didn't lead to complaints. Sometimes, even when they made plans, Elaine's work commitments would force her to cancel, and Sam would comfort her over the phone, saying, "It's okay, work is more important."

Elaine felt that nothing was more important than a boyfriend who understood and cared for her.

If not for Sam's mother calling to remind her about the wedding, Elaine thought they might really have to wait several more years to marry.

A few years ago, Sam's mother fell seriously ill and had been in poor health since. Being fatherless, Sam was very filial, always listening to his mother's wishes. Mrs. Taylor, naturally, liked Elaine very much. Sometimes, she seemed even closer to Elaine than to her own son. Elaine felt very fortunate, not only having a good boyfriend but also a good future mother-in-law. She had heard many stories about conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law and couldn't help but feel lucky.

Elaine pondered Mrs. Taylor's suggestion for a few days and finally decided to marry Sam. Of course, it would have to be a secret wedding. Without time for a proper wedding break, they would simply register, take some wedding photos, and call it done.

Elaine thought they could hold a proper ceremony later when they had more time.

Finally, getting two days off without being called for overtime, Elaine and Sam arranged to take their wedding photos as planned.

Elaine, after putting on her makeup and wedding dress, looked stunning. Seeing herself in the mirror, her heart skipped a beat. The saying, "A woman is most beautiful in her wedding dress," wasn't just a cliché.

Although Elaine had been complimented on her beauty since childhood, she never believed it. Now, looking at herself, she felt truly beautiful.

"Elaine, you look so beautiful," Sam said softly, having changed into his suit, hugging her and looking at their reflection in the mirror.

Sam genuinely admired her. He saw himself in the mirror, and with such a beautiful girlfriend beside him, his ordinary face seemed less so.

At this moment, he felt both joyful and anxious. He loved Elaine deeply. When she accepted him as her boyfriend, he was so happy he lost sleep for days.