"Indeed, a beautiful and elegant young lady." "You flatter me." Yin Xiaomo felt a tumult of emotions churning inside her.

At this moment of being introduced to Ou Chen's father, she suddenly felt a stark, sobering reality, as if waking from a dream.

The marriage was truly happening—at the end of this month, in six days, she would become a wife, marrying Ou Chen. "I wish you both happiness in your marriage." Mr.

Robert looked at Ou Chen. "Chen, even though your mother is in heaven, she would be joyful for your union." "Thank you, Father." "I will remain in the city until the wedding is over, staying at the suburban villa.

Please notify me if there is anything at all you require my assistance with." "You can stay here…" Ou Chen looked toward his father. "No, that would disturb you." Mr.

Robert raised his hand, glancing at his wristwatch. "A friend has invited me for afternoon tea; I must keep the appointment.

Please inform me once the specific time and location for the wedding have been finalized." "Yes, Father." As he passed Yin Xiaomo, Mr.

Robert offered her a slight, knowing smile and a nod before his silhouette vanished through the living room door.

The coffee on the low table still emitted wisps of heat; he hadn't lingered for even a moment longer.

Yin Xiaomo turned her head toward Ou Chen, slightly startled.

He and his father… were they truly so polite and distant, treating each other like formal guests? Ou Chen’s fingers unconsciously tightened on her shoulder.

He gazed toward the direction his father had departed with a shadow in his eyes—a flicker of childlike loss, yet it wasn't intense, as if he had long grown accustomed to it.

A moment later, Ou Chen regained his usual composure and lowered his head to her. "I have something I want to show you." *The afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass of the bridal shop’s window, rendering it as clear as crystal.

Various exquisite wedding gowns were displayed within, accented by blush-pink roses, making the scene look like a sweet, warm kingdom of bliss.

Across the road from the bridal shop, a white car had been parked for a considerable time.

Luo Xi stared blankly at the couples entering and exiting the bridal shop.

Every pair exuded an air of intense intimacy; their gazes locked, their smiles full of mutual adoration, as if they were enveloped in a radiant aura of happiness.

Would she… be like that? In places he couldn't see, would she and Ou Chen be so affectionate, would she cook meals for him, would she gently stroke his hair while he slept…? Luo Xi abruptly squeezed her eyes shut! Pain, like the bite of a venomous serpent, gnawed at his heart.

Yet, it was also like being adrift in a dense white fog, utterly lost, unsure of what action would be right.

He desperately wanted to hate her, but the moment he saw her, or even heard her name, he crumbled completely; he longed to forget her, but in every nightmare, he struggled, begging her not to leave him… In six days, she would be married.

Yesterday, had there been even a trace of hesitation or lingering attachment in her eyes? He struggled to recall, thinking that even the faintest reluctance might have propelled him to beg her to stay, regardless of the cost—even sacrificing his pride, even if it meant being hurt by her once more.

If only he could have her, if only she could still sit quietly beside him as before! It seemed… deep within her eyes… there had been a hint of sorrow… Hesitantly, he reached for his phone—but before his fingers could press anything, the entrance doors of the bridal shop across the street were pushed open by a customer again.

He could only stare as he realized that the wedding dress belonging to her in the front hall was gone.

She had taken the dress, hadn't she…? A fierce pain ripped through his chest.

Was she that eager?! The phone slipped from his palm, and a bitter smile twisted his pale lips.

It was true; after all, in six days, she would be married.

The Summer of Foam III