Through the rearview mirror, I saw Mason's gaze fixed on me, his brows furrowed. I knew he was angry.

But I didn't say a word. I just closed my eyes to rest.

The car was quiet until we were almost at the hotel, when Mason finally couldn't hold back.

"Audrey, what's your deal?"

I was confused.

"What do you mean?"

Mason grabbed the bouquet from Claire's hand and threw it onto the back seat, scattering fresh petals everywhere.

"I really don't understand what game you're playing. Who are you trying to impress with this act?

"I've made it clear, Claire is just a friend. I'm marrying you, what more do you want?"

Claire chimed in, "Audrey, I don't mean to say this. As a woman, you should be more generous. Sure, I like Mason, but you're the one marrying him. What are you so worried about?

"Isn't a wedding supposed to be a happy occasion for everyone? The teasing during the reception is normal. And when we play games after, there'll be more intimate moments like kissing. You're not going to stop us, are you?"

I lifted my eyelids and knowingly nodded.

"Sure, when it's time for the wedding games, I'll leave with everyone. You can do whatever you want."

I could clearly feel that Claire wanted to steal Mason away from me.

That's why she was always trying to provoke me. And after I'd get mad, she'd act all innocent, telling Mason I twisted her words to bully her.

She succeeded every time because Mason's heart was always on her side.

Then he'd scold me for being jealous and petty.

Suddenly, I realized how foolish I was back then, fighting like we were in some ridiculous royal harem.

Claire didn't get what she wanted. Of course, she wasn't going to let it go. She sneered sarcastically.

"Your mind is as filthy as always. Mason and I are innocent. Why do you keep imagining things?

"It's your wedding with Mason. Do you really have to humiliate him like this?"

"Who's humiliating who? Does someone who knowingly becomes the third wheel have any right to speak?"

I shot back coldly.

It wasn't that I was jealous of Claire. I just wanted to stand up for myself and stop being a doormat.

Mason saw an opening and assumed I was jealous.

He sighed, his expression exasperated.

"Audrey, how long are you going to be this childish? If I didn't love you, would I have married you?"

In the past, I would have argued back, saying marriage doesn't equal love and that Claire was a manipulative snake.