The next morning, I arrived at the hotel right on time.
Vanessa slipped her arm through mine, her smile sugary sweet.
“Adrian, looks like you’ve come to your senses. Daniel’s being generous, he’s agreed to let us marry today and you can apologize tomorrow.”
Her eyes gleamed as she added, “Oh and that limited-edition watch you bought last month? Give it to him as an apology gift.”
I shot her a sidelong glance. Of course, Daniel had been whining about that exact watch on social media for weeks. It wasn’t just expensive; you had to be a VIP client to even buy it. And now she thought she could hand over my belongings with a few casual words? Dream on.
I said nothing, simply turned to the dresser. “Change my outfit.”
I had called my real bride yesterday. She’d agreed instantly. Truth be told, we hadn’t seen each other in years, I didn’t even know how she looks now. But I knew her heart. That was enough.
After changing, I stepped out into the hallway. Vanessa was seated at the makeup table, the artist already working on her face.
“Stop,” I said flatly. “No need to put makeup on her. She’s just a guest.”
The room froze. Vanessa’s brush slipped from her hand.
“What… what do you mean?”
I didn’t bother answering. Turning on my shoes, I walked out toward the banquet hall. She scrambled after me, heels clattering, voice shrill.
“Adrian, what exactly do you mean?!”
But before I could respond, the giant screen in the hall flickered on.
Gasps erupted. An explicit video filled the display. The man in it—me. The woman—a stranger. Every guest turned toward me in shock.
My parents staggered, nearly fainting. “Son, what is going on?!”
From backstage, Daniel emerged, feigning guilt.
“Oh no! I must have pressed the wrong button. I meant to play your romantic video!”
Vanessa tightened her grip around my waist, her voice low and vicious.
“If you don’t marry me today, I’ll upload this everywhere.”
The doors slammed open. Curious onlookers surged in, phones raised high. Flashes exploded in my face.
“Adrian, is this cheating? Or prostitution?”
“You look like a gentleman, but behind your wife’s back, you—”
Their accusations cut like knives. My breath came shallow, rage clawing at my chest. Vanessa stood aside, watching coldly as the mob devoured me, while she hurried to comfort Daniel instead.
Then, just as I thought I would be crushed by the crowd, the video cut out. A sharp voice rang out, “Move! I’m a lawyer. Anyone who doesn’t step aside will be sued!”
The mob parted in fear. And there she was, Eleanor Linwood.
My childhood sweetheart. The girl I had once let go.
She seized my wrist, eyes blazing.
“Adrian, you promised to call me to crash the wedding. You can’t back out now!”
