Chapter 9

My mom rushed in at the sound, flustered as she tried to comfort me. “Ellie, why are you crying? Do you not want to get married? If you really don’t want to, it’s okay; I won’t force you. Your Dad thinks Isaac is a good match, but our company is doing well; it’s not like we need to rely on a marriage alliance. If you don’t want to do it, then don’t, sweetie, don’t cry…”

I didn’t want my family to worry, so I fought back my emotions. My chest still tightened as I let the makeup artist begin her work.

“Mom, don’t worry. I just can’t bear to part with you and Dad, but I’m fine.”

Seeing that I was alright, Mom finally relaxed. “You scared me! Don’t worry; I’ve already spoken to the Jules family. After the wedding, you’ll come back home for a while, and we’ll let you two get to know each other slowly. Once your feelings stabilize, you can think about living together.”

She didn’t feel comfortable leaving me alone with the makeup artist, so she stayed by my side until the makeup was finished. Finally, Isaac arrived to take me to the wedding. This was the first time I saw him, yet there was something oddly familiar about him. He exuded gentlemanly charm, a stark contrast to the rich playboys I had imagined. Dad‘ s judgment was indeed far better than mine.

We didn’t exchange any words the entire way to the hotel. When we arrived, he got out of the car and, in front of everyone, picked me up and carried me inside. Startled, I instinctively wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. The subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips caught my attention, and my heart couldn’t help but race a little faster.

Before long, it was time for the wedding to begin. Aunt Mina rushed in, giving me a tight hug and stuffing an elegant envelope into my hands. “I don’t know what happened, but the taxi was acting up today; it took me several detours to get here.”

I didn’t think much of it, assuming the driver was just trying to avoid traffic. I helped her to a seat to rest while I took my place on the stage. However, as soon as I stepped into venue, a sense of unease began to fill my heart.

When the ceremony reached the ring exchange, a man‘s furious shout suddenly pierced through the air from outside. “Stop the wedding! I don‘t agree!”

At the next moment, Lucas‘ tall figure appeared before everyone. My parents‘ faces darkened instantly, and they hurriedly instructed the security to escort him out. But today, Lucas, who usually cared about his image, was strangely combative. He fought off the guards and pushed his way through, heading straight for the stage.

“Ellie, you can’t marry him! You can only be my bride!” He reached out to me, his voice desperate. “I know I was wrong before, I admit all my mistakes. Please, give me a chance! Please…”

“I’ll celebrate your birthday with you; I’ll buy you a cake. I remember you‘ re allergic to cream; I’ll eat the cake after you make your wish, okay? Just come with me! If you walk away with me today, I’ll agree to anything!” he anxiously said.

Hearing him plead with such desperate words, echoing my dreams, stirred no emotions within me. Isaac, noticing my lack of response, stepped in front of me, blocking Lucas‘ gaze.

He then turned to the side and commanded the bodyguards to throw Lucas out of the wedding venue. The Jules family’s bodyguards were a different caliber; within moments, they had dragged him away.

I stood by, watching Lucas in his most vulnerable and pitiful state. Once he was completely out of sight, I turned without hesitation to exchange rings with Isaac. The minor disruption to the wedding was quickly brushed aside with the host‘ s jokes.

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