The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 14

Some time earlier, Richard approached the Wedding Organizer (WO) team backstage. His convincing demeanor, coupled with the way he spoke as though he were someone of great importance, made them believe him.

"So, after Gerald and Sonia exchange their sacred vows, please play the video on this flash drive. Please inform all guests and especially the newlyweds that I have prepared a special gift for the couple," said Richard, handing over a flash drive.

"Very well, sir. It shall be done. Excuse me, but may I have your name?" asked the WO team politely.

"No need to mention my name. They will instantly recognize who I am. Thank you very much. Take this as a little extra," Richard answered, reaching for a brown envelope and handing it to the woman before him.

"Oh, you shouldn't have gone to any trouble, sir!” The beautiful woman restlessly returned the envelope to Richard's hand, smiling awkwardly at the handsome man standing before her.

"That's alright." Richard pressed the envelope into the slender fingers of the woman's hand.

Richard briskly walked away, heading to the front as the event was about to begin. He took a glass of drink and a dessert, then carried them to a guest table that was inconspicuous.

Richard happily savored the dishes served by the renowned restaurant in the city. His gaze was fixed on the couple who had just professed their marital vows and been officially declared husband and wife.

As he scanned the room, his eyes caught Velyn staring blankly at the stage. Richard quickly got up, pulling on Velyn's arm to keep her from walking away until after his surprise had been presented.

====ooo====

Sonia's face was deathly pale. Without her heavy makeup, she would have looked like a walking corpse. Imagine her beginning to sweat profusely. All those intimidating eyes focused on her. She screamed in denial, insisting that the video was fake.

"I'm Robert, an IT specialist from Thompson Company. I hereby genuinely declare that the video is authentic. I have checked it myself," testified a middle-aged man, one who had been asked for help by Richard earlier.

"Sonia! You rotten scoundrel!" shouted Velyn, rage boiling within her. Her eyes blazed furiously, and her neck veins bulged strikingly. Velyn marched quickly and delivered a heavy slap across the woman's cheek.

"What kind of friend are you? How could you so cruelly stab me in the back! Animals are of higher standing than you, Sonia!" Velyn cried, pushing Sonia's shoulder.

Gerald looked woefully at his former lover, immediately catching Velyn's wrist and pulling her into his arms. His heart was shredded at the memory of how he had verbally abused and belittled Velyn to the point of canceling their marriage. The depth of Velyn's anguish at that time was unimaginable.

"Vel, forgive me," Gerald whispered, hugging Velyn tightly. His voice was heavy and trembled. His body was shrouded in profound regret.

Velyn remained stiff, her breath coming in unsteady gasps. Her blood seemed to boil throughout her body. Her hands dangled, clenched into fists.

"I'm sorry, Vel. I still love you, truly!" Gerald cried, cupping Velyn's cheeks. They looked deeply into each other's eyes.

Velyn indeed still loved him, yet the wounds inflicted by the man had pierced her heart and shattered it. A look of hatred and anger emanated from Velyn's eyes. She gave a wide smile, which made Gerald return the gesture.

However, it turned out to be wrong. Velyn erupted into hysterical laughter, accompanied by a torrent of tears. Her clapping echoed through the tense ballroom. The guests looked upon her with pity.

Meanwhile, Richard was merely enjoying the drama while swirling the glass in his hand. He was curious to see how far Velyn would go.

"SLAP!"

A strong slap landed on Gerald's cheek. Velyn seized the man's collar and shook him violently. "You're just as despicable as she is, Gerald! Just so you know!" Velyn shouted before delivering another slap to his other cheek.

"Yes, I admit I was wrong. But I was forced to marry her. Believe me, this must be her trickery. Please, come back to me, Vel. Let's resume our postponed marriage," Gerald pleaded, clutching both of Velyn's shoulders.

"Pah!" Velyn spat at the man. "As a normal woman, I disdain even knowing you, Gerald. Have you forgotten what you said back then? Do you forget how you insulted and belittled me just before our wedding day? I will never forgive you in this lifetime, you scoundrel!" Velyn raged.

Sonia became increasingly enraged, especially seeing the man she just married openly profess his love for his ex and daringly embrace her in front of her eyes. More so since Sonia had already received a slap from Velyn.

Sonia lifted her dress, stepping closer with seething anger. Her hand reached out, almost grabbing Velyn's hair, but suddenly her arm was caught by Richard.

Their eyes locked, radiating fury. Sonia was shocked to recognize the man before her. "You? This is all because of you! You will pay for this, you bastard!" Sonia yelled, pounding Richard's chest.

Richard remained unmoved, simply gazing at her indifferently. His frame did not flinch under Sonia's blows.

After a moment, Richard roughly brushed off Sonia's arms, grasping her chin firmly. "I warned you before to confess directly to Velyn. It appears you disobeyed and underestimated me. Now, suffer the consequences! Congratulations on your marriage and your demise. Reap what you've sown!" Richard stated in a low but emphatic tone. He pushed Sonia's chin away, then turned to approach his stunned wife.

Richard stood proudly between Gerald and Velyn. The two men exchanged hostile glares. He forcefully pulled away his wife's hand from Gerald's grip and looked sharply at Gerald, saying decisively, "She's my wife! Dare to touch her even with a fingernail, and I'll destroy you!" threatened Richard before leading his wife out of the hotel ballroom.

"Velyn, divorce that man! What pride could come from marrying a bar waiter like him? Marry me instead, Velyn!" Gerald yelled, prompting Richard to return and land a solid punch on his face.

"Don't ever touch my wife!" he hissed, pointing at the man whose lip was now bleeding. Richard slicked back his hair, walking away casually, indifferent to the admiring and whispering guests who felt he was too handsome to be a bar waiter.

Gerald straightened up, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. Then he looked at the woman who had been his wife just moments before, "Sonia! I'm divorcing you this instant!" bellowed Gerald. He set about initiating the divorce proceedings right then and there.

"I warned you yesterday, Son. Sorry, but I'm not getting involved," confessed one of Sonia's friends. They all promptly excused themselves, leaving Sonia in her devastation. Subjected to scorn and ridicule from the guests, divorced on her wedding day, abandoned by her friends.