09 After a brief pause , Ambrose summoned someone to bring over a few dresses .
Hazel , he said softly , I know youve been busy lately , so I asked Scarlett to pick out a wedding dress for you .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Take a look and see if any of them catch your eye .
Scarletts voice rang out cheerfully as she leaned in close .
Sis , Im your bridesmaid , remember ? Well be walking down the aisle together, and everyone will see just how stunning we both look ! Her father , a picture of affection , ruffled Scarletts hair with a proud smile .
Ambrose , too , grinned at the father daughter moment , clearly pleased .
But Hazel couldnt tear her eyes away from the wedding dress in front of her .
The fabric had yellowed with age , the cheap material stretched thin , and a large tear marred the chest .
It stood out in stark contrast to Scarletts bridesmaid dress , elegantly designed with delicate lace and a fishtail cut that hugged her figure .
If anyone looked like a bride , it was Scarlett .
Scarlett twirled with delight , her excitement evident in every spin .
Its gorgeous ! If I had a crown , it would be perfect .
Ambrose , never one to miss a beat , responded , Thats easily arranged .
Hazel has one , right ? Shes the older sister ; she wouldnt mind handing it over .
His gaze shifted to Hazel , but he paused as he caught sight of the wedding dress in her hands .
How did this happen ? G Hazels eyes flicked toward Scarlett , and before she could speak , Ambrose stepped protectively in front of her .
* It must have been a mistake at the shop .
Its nothing to do with Scarlett .
Ill have someone fix it right away .
Scarlett feigned concern , her voice sweet with a hint of mockery .
But its so late now .
The bridal shops must be closed … How about we borrow a second hand dress for now ? After all , didnt you always say you wanted a simple wedding , Sis ? All eyes turned to Hazel .
12:23 PM Running Away from Marriage .
Leaving Deception Behind All eyes turned to Hazel .
For two powerful families like theirs , finding a brand new dress wouldnt be an issue .
But instead of going the extra mile , they seemed content to let Hazel compromise .
After all , shed always been the one to bear the brunt of their demands .
Its fine .
I wouldnt want to trouble anyone , Hazel replied with a graceful smile .
You all have your own matters to attend to .
Ill handle it myself .
Her smile swept through the room , effortlessly dissolving the tension The group returned to their chatter and coffee as if Hazels silent suffering hadnt even been there .
Ambroses gaze lingered on her , his heart heavy with the knowledge of how much this wedding meant to her , yet his hands were tied .
He feared the disappointment that might flicker in her eyes .
With a quiet sigh , he pulled out a bank card , handing it to her with a soft , reassuring tone .
Dont worry about the cost .
Whatever makes you happy , thats what matters Hazel hesitated for a moment , the card feeling like an invisible barrier between them as she accepted it , her gratitude simple but final .
That soft thank you hung in the air , a silent line drawn between them .
Ambroses chest tightened , discomfort swirling inside him , but the words to bridge that gap refused to come .
Scarlett watched them closely for a moment , then , ever the opportunist , retrieved a camera from the bedroom .
Why dont we take a family photo now ? Tomorrow will be so chaotic that the pictures might not come out right .
Ambrose agreed without a second thought , drawing Hazel into the center , her presence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his chest Just as the shutter clicked , Scarlett darted forward , stepping between them .
In the instant that Hazel lost her balance and tumbled to the floor , Ambroses heart lurched in panic .
Hazel ! He cried , reaching out instinctively to catch her .
But Scarlett , ever the actress , burst into tears at that very moment .
Ambrose froze , just for a heartbeat .
Three seconds of indecision .
Then , with a swift motion , he turned to Scarlett .
He abandoned Hazel to crash against the sharp edge of the shelf , his hands gently pulling Scarlett into his arms , wiping away her feigned tears with a tenderness that sent a chill through Hazels veins .