"She also wants to attend our wedding, and I agreed with you. This could be a chance for our families to reconcile. Her parents are willing to help with your mom’s care, too."

I realized then that Hudson no longer belonged to me, and arguing would be pointless. With only five days left before I’d be gone, I decided to play along. "Okay, I’ll do whatever you say."

Hudson was taken aback, clearly not expecting my compliance. His eyebrows lifted in surprise before a smile broke across his face. "Good. Aubrey, the company’s really busy lately. I’ll have to leave on a three-day business trip. You can go pick out the wedding photos yourself."

"Yeah, okay."

"Just rent the wedding dress you like. You’ll only wear it for one day anyway—no need to buy one. Save the money for your mom’s treatment."

"Okay."

"Once the wedding’s over, we’ll get the marriage certificate and choose a good date."

"Okay."

Hudson rattled off a list of instructions, detailing every role I had to play. Then, leaning in, he kissed me on the forehead and said, "Aubrey, when I get back, I’ll give you a wedding you’ll never forget!"

I scoffed inwardly. If I didn’t already know the truth, I would’ve felt humiliated and abandoned on my wedding day, reduced to mere cannon fodder in their celebration of love. It truly would’ve been unforgettable.

As Hudson finished speaking, he hurried out, eager to leave as if staying even a moment longer would burden him. Not a single word of concern for me or my mother was offered.

Once he was gone, I sat there in a daze. My mother stirred awake, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Aubrey, you and Hudson..."

Thank God she hadn’t overheard the name "Harper."

"We’re fine. Hudson said he’d give me an unforgettable wedding."

"But we have to fly abroad that day, so we’ll be pressed for time. You don’t need to come. You can watch the live stream instead."

My mother sighed, her hand reaching for mine, her expression tinged with sadness. "Is it my illness that’s holding you back…?"

I knew my emotions weighed heavily on her. She couldn’t bear any more stress. With a smile, I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "No, Mom. The wedding date is just approaching, and I’m a little nervous."

As I picked up my phone to schedule an appointment with the studio to select the wedding photos, a notification caught my eye. I opened it and was greeted by a status update from Harper.