Chapter 6
The vibrant chatter in the room fell to a stunned silence. The slideshow, which had been playing in the background, froze on a moment from the day before Dione‘ s arrival.
Because after she arrived, everything felt so… filthy.
A few seconds later, the crowd stirred, a wave of shock rippling through the guests like a sudden gust of wind.
Nolan’s smile froze, his hand reaching for mine in a hurry, his voice betraying his anxiety.
“Baby, you must be nervous. It’s okay. I’m right here with you. Let’s try again.”
He motioned to the priest, but I stopped him with a sharp glance.
“Nolan, even if we tried a thousand times, my answer would still be no.”
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Panic flashed across his face, his eyes wide with disbelief. He discarded the
microphone and wrapped his arms around
- me.
“Wife, it’s because I didn’t do something right, isn’t it? Is that why you‘ ronot happy with this wedding?”
“Then let’s cancel it. We don’t have to do this today. Whatever makes you happy,
I’ll do it.”
I met his eyes coldly, my lips curling into a slow, almost mocking smile.
The guests in the crowd, including Nolan’s elders and his circle of friends, began murmuring loudly, their voices filled with harsh judgment.
“Ungrateful! If it weren’t for Nolan, you’d have perished in that earthquake!”
“Nolan‘ s only ever had you as his
girlfriend. He cherishes you like a precious.
jewel. What right do you have to refuse him?”
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“Nolan’s had everything handed to him, yet he personally wrote each invitation, handpicked every bloom, even sewed your wedding dress with his own hands. And you’re still not satisfied? How could you be so heartless to hurt him like this?”
“You‘ re just an orphan with no family, and yet Nolan’s spoiled you, making you feel like royalty. How could you repay him like this?”
Behind me, Dione‘ s face bloomed with a smug, victorious smile. She swiftly closed the distance, looping her arm through mine, and whispered just loud enough for me to hear, “Sister, thank you for stepping aside for me.”
“Don’t worry; I’ll help you out.”
With a dramatic flourish, she bowed low to the crowd, her voice turning sweet and innocent.
“Please, don’t hold this against my sister. A powerful figure from Cyveria has taken
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an interest in her. My sister‘ s always been practical, so she’s just looking out for her future. It’s only natural.”
“I apologize on her behalf. If anyone‘ s upset, I’ll kneel and beg for forgiveness.”
As Dione dropped to her knees, the crowd‘ s fury ignited, their words a barrage of insults, each one sharper and more venomous than the last.
Nolan’s eyes instantly flooded with tears. His voice cracked as he shouted at Dione, “Shut up! Isabella isn’t that kind of person!”
Shaking, he grabbed my shoulders, his eyes frantic. “Isabella, this is all a lie, right? You love me, don’t you? How could you even think about being with someone else?”
I met his gaze, my voice calm but laced with bitterness as I echoed his own words, “Yes, you love me so much; how could you ever consider being with someone else?”
Panic flickered in Nolan‘ s eyes, but it was
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quickly swallowed by confusion and disbelief.
At that moment, a smooth, cool voice broke through the tension coming from Dione‘ s phone.
“The house is ready. It’s the seaside one you like.”
“Dione‘ s, I’ll wait for you in Cyveria.”
“See you tomorrow.”
The crowd erupted in fury. A shoe came flying in my direction, accompanied by harsh word, someone was intent on teaching me a lesson for Nolan’s sake.
In an instant, Nolan shielded me, the shoe grazing his cheek as he stared at me, making sure I was unharmed. He sighed in relief, but his gaze quickly turned to ice ast he locked eyes with mine, his expression demanding an explanation.
But I didn’t give him the answer he wanted.
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Instead of offering him an explanation, I cleared my throat and faced the audience.
“Everyone, please remain calm. While the wedding may no longer take place, I still invite you all to enjoy the banquet.”
“After the meal, you‘ re welcome to do as you please, whether it’s scolding me or even throwing a punch.”
As the crowd grappled with my words, I gave a subtle signal to the servers.
A group of them entered, each carrying trays, and I continued.
“The appetizer being served now has been prepared with care. Please, enjoy.”
The tables were now adorned with something unexpected: neatly bound copies of my chat history with Dione, displayed as though they were fresh, enticing centerpieces.
The guests hesitated at first, then began flipping through the records, their faces.
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shifting from curiosity to shock. Several elders shook their heads in disapproval.
Nolan stood frozen, a look of complete bewilderment overtaking his features as his eyes darted around the room, searching for understanding.
Meanwhile, Dione continued to kneel, her gestures exaggerated as she played the victim.
I took the microphone once more, my voice steady and clear.
“Let me introduce the true star of the evening. The one in these photos, known as the ‘Cromwell Consort,‘ is none other than my cousin the lovely young lady kneeling beside me.”
“And the ‘brother–in–law‘ she keeps mentioning? Well, that happens to be none other than our groom for today, Nolan.”
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd, their faces hardening with anger and disdain. The whispers began to
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circulate like wildfire, fingers pointing
toward the stage as the truth sunk in.
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