Man Tests Fiancée's Loyalty to Know If She Is a Gold Digger or an Honest Girl – Story of the Day

Calvin and his fiancée Hazel were set to marry in a dream wedding. But a single incident at a bridal boutique clawed away at his trust. Was she the honest woman of his dreams or a cunning gold digger? Calvin decided to test Hazel's loyalty, a test that would change everything.

The tinkling melody playing overhead mocked Hazel's mood and she yanked the bridal dress off. "This just won't work!" she hissed at the boutique's sales assistant.

Monica, a wisp of a woman with a nametag that seemed to shrink under Hazel's glare, bit her lip. "But this is a very popular style, Ms. Hazel," she stammered.

Hazel scoffed. "Miss? Don't you know, honey?" She thrust her left hand forward, the flashy diamond on her ring catching the light like a tiny disco ball. "It's Mrs. Walker-to-be, sweetie. Don't call me MISS, get it?"

Her fiancé, Calvin, perched on the plush armchair across the room furrowed his brow.

"Hazel," he started, trying to make the moment light. "it's just a dress. I think this one looks perfect on you."

The ghost of a smile flickered on Hazel's face before vanishing quickly. "Don't try to tell the bride what looks good," she smirked.

"This thing is a rag... fished out of a lost and found bin, maybe? Look," she snapped at the sales assistant, "if this is your best effort, you're wasting our time. Cal, honey, let's go somewhere that carries expensive designer labels brides like me deserve."

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Panic flickered in Monica's eyes as she showed Hazel another gown. "But Miss, er, Mrs. Walker, this is our most expensive gown in stock. It's imported French lace..."

"French lace?" Hazel snorted. "Honey, for this price tag, it better be woven with actual moonlight." She yanked the dress off in one frustrated motion, the sound echoing in the boutique. "And frankly, this doesn't exactly scream moonlight. More like... clearance rack."

Calvin winced. He loved Hazel truly. But lately, there had been a sharp, unfamiliar edge to her. It was like a diamond, beautiful but cutting.

"Haze," he chimed in, reaching out a hand hesitantly, "maybe we can take a break, look at some other options? This one seems a little..."

Her voice rose with each word, dripping with a poisonous sweetness. She spun back to Monica, her gaze turning cold. "And you," she yelled, "if you can't show me something worthy of a bride-to-be, then maybe I should speak to your manager about your disastrous customer service skills."

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Monica scurried away to bring another designer dress. Meanwhile, Calvin reached for Hazel's hand, but she swatted it away, her eyes blazing.

"Don't touch me," she shrieked. "Seriously, Calvin, are you telling me you can't even afford a decent dress for your wife?"

Calvin flinched at the word "wife," the weight of it settling uncomfortably on his chest. They weren't married yet, and suddenly, the whole thing felt less like a joyful celebration and more like a business transaction.

"Honey, it's not about the money," he tried to explain. "This dress is beautiful, it really is. But it's just a dress. All that matters is that we're getting married, that we're going to be spending the rest of our lives together."

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Calvin's jaw clenched tight. He wasn't Mr. High and Mighty; he'd built his business from the ground up, sacrificing nights and weekends to get where he was.

"It's not about showing off, Hazel," he said, his voice low and controlled. "It's about..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "It's about celebrating us, not a price tag."

Hazel rolled her eyes, a dismissive gesture that sent a fresh wave of hurt through Calvin. "Oh, come on, babe," she mocked. "Don't pretend to be some sentimental old fool. It's my big day, and I deserve to look like a princess, not some pauper who wandered in off the street."

Her words were a slap in the face. The princess he envisioned wasn't obsessed with designer labels and price tags. The princess he dreamed of spending the rest of his life with laughed easily, cared about more than material possessions, and cherished the little things.

"Oh, and what about you, honey?" Hazel smirked. "What about your 'ancient' suit? Don't you deserve to look sharp on your wedding day too?"

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The barb hit its mark. Calvin's stomach clenched. His grandpa's suit wasn't "ancient." It held more sentimental value than any designer label ever could. It was a silent reminder of the man who'd raised him, a testament to hard work and family.

His face flushed with anger. "Hazel," he said, "that suit means something to me. It's more than just fabric; it's a piece of my history."

Hazel scoffed, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed her features. Maybe she'd pushed too far.

"Well, whatever," she muttered, turning away from him. "Just go get a new suit. And hurry up, Monica!" she called out to the sales assistant, her voice regaining its demanding tone. "Where's that dress? I don't have all day. I have to hit the salon. Hurry up, will you?"

Calvin felt a cold emptiness settle in his gut. Is this really the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with? Someone who values appearances over everything else, even the things that matter most? He pondered and glanced at Hazel.

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The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. Kelly watched Calvin and understood his disappointment. Finally, she broke the tension with a hesitant sigh.

"Maybe she's just… jittery, Cal," she offered, her voice laced with forced optimism. "You know, pre-wedding nerves and all that. Weddings are a big deal, especially for the bride. So, don't worry about Haz. You know, she's just... probably nervous..."

Calvin nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Hazel. "Yeah," he mumbled. "Maybe."

Kelly reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "Look," she said, "you're an amazing guy, Cal. You and Hazel, well, you guys always seemed perfect together. Like two peas in a pod! I can't wait to see you guys getting married."

A ghost of a smile flickered on Calvin's lips, but it never quite reached his eyes. "Well, I hope so!" he sighed.

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The sound of the changing room curtain rustling cut through their conversation. Moments later, Monica emerged, a garment bag clutched reverently in her hands.

"Mrs. Walker," she approached Hazel, her eyes sparkling, "we have this exquisite designer gown available. It just came in this morning, and we only have this one piece left. Would you like to try it on?"

"Finally!" Hazel exclaimed, snatching the bag from her. Her eyes gleamed with delight as she eyed the whopping price tag. "Why didn't you show this to me earlier?" she snapped.

Calvin watched her go, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. Hazel sprinted towards the dressing room, the expensive garment bag clutched tightly in her hand.

***

Later that evening, the air crackled with laughter. Hazel's lavish bachelorette party was in full swing at a chic downtown restaurant. Champagne flutes clinked, giggles echoed through the room, and a stream of expensive hors d'oeuvres flowed freely. Kelly found herself seated across from Hazel, a forced smile plastered on her face.

As the night progressed, Hazel rose to make a toast, her voice slurring slightly with champagne. "Ladies," she declared, raising her glass, "to my upcoming marriage! May it be filled with endless happiness, luxury, and everything a girl could ever dream of!"

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The other girls clinked their glasses, their cheers echoing in the room. Kelly raised her glass as well, a bittersweet feeling settling in her chest. "To Hazel," she said, her voice sincere. "You're so lucky to have an amazing guy like Calvin by your side."

Hazel's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "Kelly, honey," she drawled, "we're here to celebrate me, not talk about boring fiancés, right ladies?"

Loud giggles rippled through the group as Kelly's smile faltered. "But it's his big day too," she pointed out.

Hazel rolled her eyes, a dismissive gesture that left Kelly feeling like a fly buzzing around a honey pot. "Ugh, enough about Calvin already," Hazel sighed dramatically. "Can we please talk about something else? Like, has anyone seen the new Birkin bags?"

The conversation shifted, and Kelly felt increasingly isolated. The woman she thought was her best friend seemed to have vanished, replaced by a stranger obsessed with labels and appearances.

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As the night wore on, fuelled by champagne and growing gossip, Hazel leaned in towards Kelly, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

"And you, Kelly," she whispered, "any secret crush on my fiancé, perhaps?"

The other girls burst into laughter, and Kelly felt a wave of nausea rising in her throat. Shame burned in her cheeks, and she couldn't meet Hazel's eyes.

"H-Hazel," she stammered, her voice tight with anger and hurt, "that's not funny."

Hazel's words struck Kelly like a thunderbolt. "Grandma Daisy?" she stammered. "But… but she's Calvin's only family! You can't just ship her off to some nursing home, Haz."

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Hazel scoffed. "Oh, please, Kelly," she rolled her eyes. "That woman practically lives in a museum. She wouldn't know a spa day from a dust bunny. And she's too annoying. Argh!"

Hurt flickered across Kelly's face. This wasn't the friend she knew, the one who used to volunteer at the local senior center and spend weekends baking cookies with Grandma Daisy. This was a stranger, a woman obsessed with diamonds and designer labels.

She slumped back in her chair, the sparkle of the champagne flutes blurring in her tear-filled eyes. The carefree chatter of the other girls grated on her nerves.

Suddenly, a wave of relief washed over the table as a waiter materialized, balancing a tray laden with a single, exquisitely crafted cocktail. A collective sigh of anticipation rippled through the group.

"Oh, wow," one of the girls gasped, her eyes fixated on the artfully arranged garnish. "Is that the 'Billionaire's Bellini'?"

"Must be," another chimed in. "It's the most expensive drink on the menu."

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Hazel's hand shot out, greedily snatching the glass before it reached the table. "Ooh, I bet it's perfect!" she exclaimed, taking a triumphant sip.

But her moment of victory was short-lived. A frown creased her perfectly manicured brow as she set the glass down with a clink. "Wait a minute," she said, her voice suspicious. "I didn't order this."

The waiter, a young man with a nervous smile, stammered, "No, ma'am. But the gentleman from that table did..." He gestured towards a table nestled discreetly in a corner.

Hazel's eyes narrowed. "What gentleman?" she snapped. "Is this some kind of joke? Are you trying to pull a fast one on me, make me pay for something I didn't order?"

The waiter flinched under her withering gaze.

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Hazel spun around, her gaze sweeping over the other patrons until it landed on the table the waiter had pointed. A man, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, sat there, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He raised his glass in a silent toast, the ice clinking against the crystal.

A slow smirk spread across Hazel's face. This was the kind of attention she craved. With a flick of her hair, she sashayed over to the table, the expensive cocktail clutched in her hand.

"Excuse me," she said, her voice deliberately sweet, "but I think you might have mistaken me for someone else."

She placed the glass on his table, the diamond on her engagement ring catching the light. "As you can see," she continued, her voice laced with a subtle brag, "I'm practically a married woman already."

The man chuckled. "Now, that wouldn't stop a beautiful lady like you, would it?" he said, his gaze lingering on her suggestively. "Besides," he continued, reaching for the glass, "it looks like this drink could use a little gorgeous company, wouldn't you agree?"

"Actually," Hazel smirked, "I think this drink is perfectly happy by itself. Enjoy your evening, sir."

She placed the drink down on his table, turned and walked back to her spot, the other girls erupting in a fit of giggles. Hazel held her head high, reveling in the attention, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes — a hint of disappointment, perhaps?

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The man followed suit with the cocktail in hand. "Excuse me, ladies. Couldn't help but overhear your delightful conversation. Especially you, with the beautiful blonde hair," he stared at Hazel.

"The name's Joe, by the way. You look like you could use another dazzling drink like that one, gorgeous. How about we ditch the bad pick-up lines and get to know each other properly?!"

A laugh bubbled out of Hazel. "One cocktail doesn't exactly scream 'getting to know me better,' does it?" she said, her voice laced with a playful challenge.

Joe grinned, a flash of white teeth in his tanned face. "Then name your price, beautiful," he purred, his eyes lingering on her in a way that sent a shiver down Kelly's spine.

Hazel's eyes gleamed. "Price, huh?" she mused, swirling the remaining drink in her glass. "Well, how about a round of Billionaire's Bellinis for everyone in this place?"

A collective gasp rippled through the air. The Billionaire's Bellini wasn't just expensive, it was legendary, a decadent concoction rumored to cost more than a night's stay at a five-star hotel.

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Joe chuckled. "For everyone here?" he drawled, reaching into his suit pocket. He flashed a sleek platinum credit card that gleamed under the soft lighting. "Darling," he purred, "I'll have them ordered for everyone out on the streets too, if that's what it takes to get to know you."

Hazel's smile widened. Here was a man who spoke her language — the language of luxury and wealth. "Well, Mr. Moneybags," she cooed, "you seem to have both the charm and the means. Perhaps you do qualify for a little 'better' acquaintance!"

With a flourish, Joe turned around and started towards the bar, his platinum card held high. Kelly watched him go, a cold dread settling in her stomach.

"Hazel," she whispered, "This isn't right. You're leading him on, and Calvin—"

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Kelly stared at her, disbelief twisting her features. "Prison?" she gasped. "But… I thought you loved Calvin."

Hazel shrugged. "Love him?" she said, taking a long sip of her drink. "Of course, I love him, Kelly. He's got good looks, a winning smile, and most importantly, MONEY! But let's face it, the guy's a dud. He doesn't know how to celebrate life, how to truly appreciate all the things he has... and how to impress me."

A bitter taste filled Kelly's mouth. Was this truly the woman she'd called her best friend? This shallow, materialistic creature who saw love as a transaction and marriage as a gilded cage?

"A little harmless flirting won't hurt anyone," Hazel continued. "It's just a bachelorette party, letting off some steam before I settle down. You wouldn't understand, darling. You're too hung up on happily ever afters and fairytales. BORING!"

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A rumble of cheers and giggles erupted from the room as Joe, holding aloft a crystal goblet filled with ruby-red wine, declared a toast. "To the most beautiful bride-to-be!" he boomed, his voice tinged with a sardonic edge that only Hazel seemed to pick up on. "May your life be filled with endless champagne showers and romantic nights like this one!"

A smirk played on Hazel's lips as the other girls clinked their glasses. "Why, thank you, Joe!" she purred, her eyes locked on his with a captivating intensity.

"And here's to celebrating her freedom!" Joe continued, his voice taking on a mischievous tone. "To living life to the fullest, every single day, before she gets shackled by the ball and chain of… well, you know!"

A ripple of nervous laughter ran through the group. Even the most carefree of the girls seemed to sense the veiled jab at Calvin. But Hazel, instead of being offended, seemed oddly energized. She held Joe's gaze, a silent conversation transpiring between them across the crowded room.

"Dinner's on me, ladies. Tonight, we toast to the marriage of Miss Bombshell… however long that may be!" Joe announced, winking at Hazel.

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A collective gasp escaped the girls, followed by an eruption of excited chatter. Hazel, however, felt a thrill course through her. This was a night she wouldn't soon forget, a night of flattery and appreciation.

As the girls squealed in delight, Joe strolled over to Hazel, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He bent down, brushing his lips against the back of her hand in a gesture that sent a jolt of electricity down her spine.

"See you in a bit, beautiful," he murmured, tucking a small, folded piece of paper discreetly in her hand.

Hastily unfolding the note, Hazel quickly read the words scrawled across the tiny paper:

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Suddenly, a wave of nausea washed over her. She grabbed her forehead, feigning a grimace. "Oh girls," she groaned, "I don't feel so good. I think I might be coming down with something."

A flurry of concern erupted around her. "Are you sure you'll be okay, Hazel?" Kelly asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Yeah," another chimed in. "Maybe you should call it a night."

Hazel sighed dramatically. "I hate to cut the fun short," she said, "but I think I should probably head home. Get some rest before the big day."

Kelly, however, wasn't convinced. "Hazel, are you serious? Don't be silly, let me drive you home," she insisted.

"No, no, really," Hazel stammered, forcing a smile. "I already booked a cab. It's waiting for me outside right now."

Hazel hastily grabbed her purse, throwing her friends a quick, "Enjoy the rest of the night, girls!" before making a beeline for the door.

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The cool night air felt like a slap in the face as she hurried down the stairs. There, by the entrance, stood Joe, a charming smile playing on his lips.

"There you are," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me!"

Hazel offered a coy smile. "Well, a girl can't resist a little adventure, can she?"

Flattery washed over Hazel. As she took a step closer to Joe, her phone buzzed insistently in her purse. Ignoring it for a moment, she focused on the handsome stranger and the thrilling uncertainty of the night ahead. Just then, the phone's buzzing grew louder, demanding her attention.

Hazel sighed, momentarily breaking eye contact with Joe. Pulling out her phone, she saw a string of messages flashing on the screen, all from Calvin. Her stomach clenched. Taking a deep breath, she mumbled an excuse to Joe.

"Excuse me for a moment," she said.

"Alright, gorgeous! I'll be waiting right outside!" Joe walked away.

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Hazel hastily unlocked the phone. A single glance confirmed her growing dread. It was a string of messages from Calvin, his words filled with an innocent excitement that twisted the knife in her gut.

"My darling," the first one read, "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow!" A lump formed in Hazel's throat as she scrolled down.

"I can't believe we're finally going to be husband and wife!" another read, followed by a worried, "I hope you and the girls aren't bored."

Hazel forced a breath through her clenched teeth. With trembling fingers, she typed a quick reply.

"It's going great! The bachelorette party is in full swing!" she pinged Calvin and quickly snapped a selfie on the dimly lit stairs.

Hitting send, she attached the photo, adding another message in a desperate attempt to maintain the charade: "We're having a great time, honey! Plz don't worry about me if I don't take your calls or reply to your texts. I'm busy partying with the girls! Luv U ;)"

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Stuffing the phone back into her purse, Hazel felt a wave of nausea rise in her throat. She hurried out of the restaurant, her eyes scanning the street for Joe.

There, by the sleek white limousine, he stood, a charming smile playing on his lips. Relief washed over Hazel and she instantly forgot about Calvin, his texts, and their wedding.

"There you are, babe!" Joe exclaimed. "I was starting to think you'd changed your mind."

Hazel offered a weak smile. "Just a little… hitch," she mumbled, gesturing vaguely towards her phone. "But everything's fine now. Shall we...."

"After you, cutie!" Joe ushered her towards the open door of the limousine. As Hazel slid into the plush leather seat, a sense of excitement washed over her.

The car pulled away from the curb, the city lights blurring into a mosaic of colors as they sped through the night.

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"Ready to celebrate, beautiful?" Joe leaned closer and purred, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. "Tonight's all about you, about indulging in your every desire. I can't wait to explore every inch of that incredible beauty of yours."

Hazel's breath hitched. The playful flirting that had seemed so enticing earlier now felt coarse and vulgar. But she liked the way Joe praised her beauty.

The limousine rolled to a stop, the headlamps illuminating a sight that momentarily stole her breath away. A sprawling mansion, the likes of which she'd only seen in glossy magazines and fantasy movies, loomed before them. Awe washed over Hazel.

"Welcome home, beautiful!" Joe said.

Stepping out of the car, Hazel let her gaze sweep over the ornate facade, the manicured landscaping, the sheer grandeur of it all. This was a world away from her own, a world that promised excitement and a level of luxury she couldn't even dream of. Something Calvin, for all his wealth, could never provide.

As they entered the mansion, the opulent décor took her breath away. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow on gilded furniture and priceless artwork. Everything around her spoke volumes of Joe's wealth.

In the heart of the living room, a magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling. Hazel's eyes widened as she spotted it. "Is that... is that real gold and crystal?" she stammered.

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Joe chuckled. "That, my dear," he said, "is just the appetizer! There's something even more expensive waiting for you in the bedroom — a diamond-encrusted lamp."

Hazel's cheeks flushed a brilliant scarlet. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. "Diamond-encrusted lamp, huh?" she giggled. "Sounds… fancy."

"Fancy?" Joe raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's just a little something to set the mood."

He reached out, his hand brushing against hers, sending a jolt of electricity through Hazel.

Joe's gaze devoured her, his eyes burning with a barely concealed hunger. "I can't wait any longer, Hazel," he confessed, his voice a husky murmur. "Just one night with you, and I'd shower you with diamonds and pearls that would make Cleopatra jealous."

"Diamonds and pearls?" Hazel gasped, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Joe leaned in closer, the scent of his cologne filling her senses. "The finest," he whispered. "Anything to have you for just one night."

He reached out, his fingers brushing against the diamond on her engagement ring. The touch sent a jolt through Hazel.

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"But… you know I'm getting married tomorrow," she said, "to my fiancé!"

"Fiancé, huh?" Joe frowned. "A gorgeous woman like you? Wasting yourself on some dud?"

"Let's not waste time, handsome. We only get these few hours to forget the world... and my stupid fiancé!" Hazel slipped the engagement ring off her finger. Setting it down on a nearby table, she met Joe's gaze with a seductive glint in her eyes.

"Well, technically," she said, a husky chuckle escaping her lips, "as of now, I'm still a miss!"

Joe's eyes widened, his lips curving into a predatory smile. He reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek.

"Hazel," he murmured. "You are the most captivating woman I've ever laid eyes on."

Hazel leaned into his touch. The luxurious surroundings, the intoxicating scent of his cologne, the thrill of the forbidden – it was all a heady cocktail, blurring the lines between reality and desire.

"So what was it about me?" Hazel purred, her fingers trailing suggestively along the lapel of Joe's blazer. "What made you single me out across the crowded room?"

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His eyes darkened with a passion that excited her. "Everything," he breathed, his voice a low growl. "The way you carry yourself, the fire in your eyes… you're a goddess, Hazel. A goddess wasting yourself on a man who'll probably just chain you to some picket fence."

Rolling her eyes playfully, she feigned a pout. "Is that so?" she drawled.

"Absolutely," Joe chuckled. "If I were your fiancé, Hazel, I wouldn't just buy you diamonds. I'd clothe you in them. I'd take you on shopping sprees in Paris, whisk you away on luxurious cruises, shower you with love, money, and every desire your heart could crave."

His words painted a picture of a life of unimaginable luxury, a life that seemed miles away from her reality. A life that, for a fleeting moment, seemed far more appealing than the life that awaited her with Calvin.

"Oh, Joe," Hazel murmured, "if only I'd met you sooner. I would've been the luckiest woman alive. Calvin… he's just… well, he's just… dull, you know?"

"Dull?" Joe raised an eyebrow.

Hazel scoffed. "He's like a walking cliché," she ranted. "Naive, predictable. Doesn't have an original thought in his head. Charity work, running his late father's business like a robot, nodding along to everything his… his stupid grandma says."

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"It's not too late, you know. You can still call your wedding off," Joe said.

"With the wedding just a few hours away?" Hazel doubted. "It's… it's impossible."

"Not impossible, just inconvenient," Joe countered. "But surely, your happiness is worth a little inconvenience, wouldn't you say?"

Just then, a sound shattered the tense silence of the room. A slow clap, followed by another, then another, echoed ominously from the staircase behind Hazel.

She spun around, her blood turning to ice as her eyes landed on the figure descending the stairs—CALVIN!

Suffocating silence descended upon Hazel. Rooted to the spot, she could only stare at her fiancé, her eyes bulging in their sockets.

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"Well, well, well... what do we have here? Hazel, having a good time, huh?" Calvin chuckled.

Hazel's lips trembled, but no words came out. With a desperate attempt at regaining control, she forced a smile, brittle and unconvincing. "C-Calvin? What's going on? What are you doing here?"

He didn't answer her question. Instead, he turned towards Joe, a humorless smile twisting his lips. "Funny you ran into an old friend here, Haze!"

A cold dread slithered down her spine. "Friend?" she gasped.

Calvin's gaze met hers, his eyes burning with hurt and anger. He reached out, clapping Joe familiarly on the shoulder.

"Of course," he said. "Let me introduce you properly. This is Caesar, my best friend. A theater artist all the way from London, isn't that right, buddy?"

Caesar bowed his head in a shallow nod. "It's been a pleasure, pal!" he said.

"The pleasure's all mine," Calvin said, his gaze flickering back to Hazel. "Especially considering Caesar here's quite the talented actor, wouldn't you agree, darling?"

Hazel stared at him, her mind reeling. The pieces of the puzzle began to click into place, a horrifying realization washing over her.

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"Calvin," she began, her voice trembling, "what's going on? Is this some kind of joke?"

Caesar, with a theatrical flourish, bowed low once more, his eyes locked on hers with a chilling amusement. "Indeed," he drawled, his voice laced with a mocking British accent. "Quite the performance, wouldn't you say, Miss?"

"A test!" Calvin snapped at Hazel. "A simple loyalty test that you miserably failed, Hazel!"

"Look, Calvin," she stammered, "you've got it all wrong. I…"

"Enough!" He cut her off with a sharp gesture, holding up a hand. In his grasp glinted the diamond of her engagement ring, the one she'd carelessly discarded on the table earlier.

The finality in his voice struck her like a physical blow. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. Her mascara, meticulously applied hours ago, ran in dark streaks.

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"Calvin, please," Hazel choked out. "I messed up, I know that. But you have to believe me, I never meant to cheat on you. I love you, Calvin! I never stopped."

"Love?" Calvin exploded. "After betrayal, Hazel, love gets buried alive, not resurrected by a single apology."

Hazel flinched, the truth of his words stinging. She opened her mouth to protest, but no sound came out. Shame choked her voice.

Calvin reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. With a single tap, a video began to play on the screen. It was a recording — a grainy, shaky recording, but clear enough for her to recognize her own voice, laced with bitterness, talking about shoving Calvin's beloved Grandma Daisy into a nursing home.

"Caesar recorded this at the restaurant," Calvin revealed. "He sent it to me the moment you left."

"Hon... honey, please... forgive me..." Hazel pleaded.

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"There are two things I can't forgive, Hazel," Calvin cut her off. "The betrayal, and the fact that you'd even consider taking away the only family I have left."

He took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly. The anger in his eyes had been replaced by a deep sadness, a weariness that cut her deeper than any harsh words could.

With those final words, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing hollowly on the marble floor. Hazel crumpled to the ground, crying out to Calvin. But he was gone.

***

Six months blurred by in a haze of tears and regret. The debts piled up, a constant reminder of her foolishness. Hazel eventually found a job at a bridal boutique, a cruel twist of fate that forced her to be surrounded by the very happiness she'd so carelessly thrown away.

One dreary afternoon, as she was meticulously arranging a wedding gown on a hanger, a familiar voice broke through the chatter of the boutique. Turning around, she came face to face with Kelly, her once best friend, a radiant smile illuminating her face as she twirled in a pristine white wedding gown.

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"Hazel!" Kelly exclaimed, sending a fresh wave of embarrassment crashing over Hazel. "It's been, like, forever! What are you doing here?"

Hazel forced a smile. "Are you working here?" Kelly asked.

"Working?" Hazel raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with pride. "I'm like a manager. I train the new staff, you know? Showing them the ropes."

Just then, the boutique door swung open, and Calvin walked in. The air crackled with unspoken tension as his gaze fell on Hazel. But he ignored her.

"Kelly!" he approached Kelly and cupped her face. "You look… incredible, darling!"

"Thanks, Cal!" Kelly gushed, twirling around for him like a model on a runway. "This wedding dress? It's everything I ever dreamed of."

Her words sent a fresh wave of nausea churning in Hazel's stomach. Dreams. White dresses. The life she'd so carelessly thrown away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"You look like an angel," Calvin murmured, his voice filled with an adoration that made Hazel clench her fists at her sides.

Kelly giggled. "Oh, baby, thank you so much!" She twirled once more. "You know, I've been dreaming of this day since I was a little girl. The altar, the white dress, the whole wedding bouquet toss thing."

Her gaze met Calvin's, glistening with tears of joy. "But honestly, Cal," she added, "seeing you here now, right next to me… it makes all that other stuff seem a little… less important."

The intensity in her gaze, the raw emotion in her voice, stole the breath from Hazel's lungs. Calvin stared back at Kelly, his eyes filled with a love so profound it felt like a physical blow.

"I love you too!" he murmured.

And then, they kissed. A soft, lingering lip-lock that spoke volumes of a love cherished and nurtured. Hazel frustratingly watched, a feeling of bitter defeat settling in her stomach.

"Well," Calvin finally said, pulling back from the kiss, a smile lighting up his face. "Ready to get married, Mrs. soon-to-be-Walker?"

Kelly's eyes sparkled with unshed tears. "More than anything!" she whispered, slipping her hand into his.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

They turned towards the door, their happiness an unwelcome spotlight on Hazel's misery. As they walked out, Kelly cast a single glance over her shoulder, a fleeting look that seemed to hold a hint of pity.

Just then, Hazel's boss, a short, stocky woman with a perpetually disgruntled expression, materialized behind her.

"Hazel!" she barked, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. "Daydreaming again? We don't pay you to stand around and stare out the window! Get those dresses organized, and make sure the juice gets refilled for the customers. One more slip-up, and you're out of here, understand?"

Hazel flinched under the harsh reprimand, the sting of humiliation momentarily eclipsing the dull ache of heartbreak. With a defeated sigh, she nodded mutely and turned back to the rack of dresses.

Through the boutique window, she watched as Kelly and Calvin climbed into a waiting white limousine, a bouquet of white lilies adorning the bonnet. The car pulled away, leaving a swirling cloud of dust and a gaping hole in Hazel's already fragile world.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

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While Calvin unraveled his fiancée's true colors and called off the wedding, Avril witnesses the shock of her life when she gets an anonymous envelope just an hour before her wedding. Intimate photos of her fiancé Kevin lying naked with a woman rip her heart apart. Here's the full story.

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