My father planned to use this wedding banquet to bring his mistress and illegitimate children into the open and force me to accept them. But I just refused to give him this chance.
Before my father could speak in defense, all the guests praised him.
"Mr. Gilmore is famous for loving his wife and doting on his daughter. In our circle, he's a true role model."
"Only a man with such a noble character as Mr. Gilmore can manage such a large enterprise. He truly deserves to be our example."
My father valued his reputation the most and the guests’ flattery completely blocked the words he was about to say. His face turned red with embarrassment and he instinctively glanced toward Celia Rockstone and Robert Gilmore.
Both of them had tense expressions and their fists clenched tightly. Their long-prepared plan was ruined by what seemed like my unintentional actions and they looked as if they were being roasted alive.
I appeared to be an innocent and gentle woman on the surface, but in reality, I could hardly hold back my laughter.
My father sighed heavily and the next second, I decided to press him even harder. "Dad, even if I get married, I’m still your only child, your most precious darling, right?"
My father drew in a sharp breath.
I smiled, looked at him with big, expectant eyes. Because, as long as he admitted in front of so many people that I was his only child, Anna and Robert would never be able to be acknowledged publicly. But if he refused to admit it, the flattery he had tacitly accepted earlier would turn into a boomerang that hit him right in the spine.
Celia clenched her fists and looked at him nervously.
This man, who was decisive and ruthless in the business world, was stumped by such a simple question. The loving smile on his face faded and his eyes could not hide his inner struggle. His mouth opened and closed repeatedly, but not a single word came out.
Seeing my father in panic, Jerome turned his eyes toward me and his eyes instantly turned full of disgust.
"Lacey, stop being so aggressive. Let’s just continue the matrimony, okay?"
Why is it okay for them to scheme against me, but when I fight back, I have to be ignored?
I pretended to be upset and turned my head away. "No, Dad hasn’t answered my question yet. I’ve been alone abroad for so many years, so I feel so insecure. I just want one promise from Dad."
"Prove that whether I get married or not, I’ll always be his only child and he’ll never abandon me."
Maybe it was guilt over my mother’s tragic death, or he felt there was a knife at his throat, my father finally gave in helplessly and bore it all. "Lacey, don’t overthink. How could Dad ever abandon you? You’ll always be Dad’s only child."
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Celia and Robert leave with dark faces, gritting their teeth.
The look Jerome gave me was no longer just disgust … it was pure hatred. But I thoroughly enjoyed watching him hate me while being forced to smile and play along with me.
Amidst the cheers and applause, Jerome and I exchanged wedding rings.
Then it was time for the groom to kiss the bride, but Jerome pressed his lips together in reluctance.
I smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist.
Just then, the doors of the wedding hall were suddenly thrown open. Anna stormed toward me in anger and slapped me hard across the face. Her eyes reddened.
"You homewrecker! How dare you steal my boyfriend!"
I didn’t get angry. Instead, I smiled. After all, I was the one who secretly arranged for her to receive the news about me and Jerome’s wedding.
Anna turned her head away as tears fell like rain on her face. "Jerome, you … why are you marrying this woman?”
