The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 59

**Chapter 3**

Chloe’s gaze lingered on Tessa for a fraction longer than usual, a hint of disbelief flickering across her features. Tessa, who had always maintained an air of aloofness, had never before been so brutally honest.

“I’m sorry, Tessa. I had no idea you felt so strongly about this wedding dress…” Chloe’s voice trembled slightly, feigning hurt. How could she have missed the depth of Tessa’s attachment? This dress was not merely fabric; it was a piece of Tessa’s soul, crafted with her own hands. From the moment she had first envisioned it, selecting the fabric with care, to the intricate embellishments that adorned it—every detail was imbued with her personal essence.

From the day of the proposal to this very moment, Tessa had invested so much into the significance of this union.

Ryan, sensing the tension, cast a quick glance at Chloe before redirecting his attention to Tessa.

“It’s really not a big deal, babe. Please don’t be upset. It’s Chloe’s first time trying on a wedding dress. Just let her enjoy this moment,” he urged, his voice calm but firm.

Tessa shifted her gaze to him, her eyes devoid of warmth. There was no trace of anger in her expression, only a chilling numbness that enveloped her.

He should have known her well enough by now; he must have recognized her disdain for wearing garments that had been donned by another, even if it was her own creation.

In that instant, Tessa felt as though the man standing before her had become a stranger.

He was no longer the relentless suitor who had once pursued her with fervor.

With a heavy heart, she turned her attention back to Chloe, unwilling to engage in a confrontation.

Her lashes fluttered slightly as she forced her voice to lighten, “It’s yours.”

With that, Tessa pivoted on her heel and exited the bridal shop, leaving behind the laughter and chatter that felt like a distant echo.

Ryan, startled, hurried after her, grasping her wrist gently.

“Babe, what’s going on? Are you upset?” he asked, concern etching his features.

“We’re here to try on wedding dresses, remember?” she replied, her tone sharp, yet tinged with exhaustion.

“Don’t be angry, I’ll—”

Before he could finish, Tessa cut him off, her patience wearing thin amidst the cacophony of emotions swirling within her.

“No, I’m just tired. I’m going home now. You can pick whichever dress you want,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Ryan’s face brightened with a smile. “I knew you’d be so understanding,” he replied, his tone almost too cheerful.

She left him standing there, rooted in the bridal shop, and made her way home alone.

As she walked away, she caught a glimpse of Chloe and Ryan, their laughter ringing in her ears like a bitter reminder. A wave of emotion surged within her chest, but she quickly turned her face away, masking her feelings with a practiced indifference.

A message suddenly appeared on the screen.

With trembling fingers, Tessa clicked it open, revealing a series of provocative photos sent by someone labeled simply as “C.”

The woman in the images wore stockings and a playful outfit that left little to the imagination.

Tessa’s heart sank as she recognized Chloe.

“Ryan, come find me,” the message read.

“Same place,” was the reply that followed.

Tessa’s hand quivered as she clutched the phone, the weight of betrayal pressing down on her like a heavy shroud.

Her breath quickened, each inhale feeling more laborious than the last. She had never anticipated that they would have crossed such a line behind her back, especially with their wedding just days away.

The sight of those messages, despite her growing suspicions, shattered her heart into a million pieces.

As the sound of running water ceased, Tessa quickly set the phone down, turning away to close her eyes, seeking solace in the silence that enveloped her.