It was only because Eric Collins was the heir to the wealthy Collins family that people thought I was reaching above my station.
I was just an orphan, taken in by Robert Collins, his grandfather.
To outsiders, it seemed like I had climbed too high, that I should grovel before the Collins family and cling to this chance to “rise above.”
But no one knew the truth—Robert had personally and respectfully invited me to live with the Collins family. The word “adoption” was just for appearances.
And back then, it was Eric who had pursued me relentlessly.
He accompanied me whenever I went shopping, replied instantly to every message, remembered every little thing I liked.
I was moved by his sincerity, and that was why I agreed to marry him.
I never imagined that after he proposed successfully, he would turn so cold.
Perhaps… he never loved me at all.
At that moment, the photographers and stylists approached cautiously.
“Miss Bennett, we…”
I gave a bitter smile. “You can all go. I’ll transfer the final payment to your accounts. My wedding is canceled.”
They nodded silently, gave me a sympathetic look, and left.
With a sigh, I turned to head home and change out of my gown.
But just as I reached the doorway, a sudden roar startled me.
I turned and saw a motorcycle charging toward me.
I jumped back in fright.
The bike screeched to a halt, and two thugs leapt off.
They smirked, “Hey beauty, wearing a wedding dress—who are you trying to seduce?”
Shocked and furious, I snapped, “Leave right now, or I’ll call the police.”
They exchanged a glance and sneered, “Go ahead. We’re regulars at the station anyway.”
One of them lunged at me while the other pulled out his phone, leisurely recording.
I ran, screaming for help, but there was no one around.
In high heels, I couldn’t move fast. Before long, they cornered me against a wall.
I struggled to push one of them away, but he was far stronger. His hands clawed at my gown, ready to tear it apart.
Then, at that critical moment, a tall figure’s cold voice rang out: “Stop.”
The two thugs froze.
Before they could react, the man moved with lightning speed and knocked them both down.
Only then did I recognize him—it was Daniel Walker.
I hurried to him, my eyes misting. “Thank you… thank God you came in time.”
Daniel shook his head. “I wasn’t in time. I was here all along.”
That one sentence made tears spill from my eyes.
Daniel and I had known each other since childhood; our families were old friends.
When I chose to marry Eric, he had gotten drunk and called me, saying he would never bother me again—but that he would always wait.
I thought he wouldn’t show up today. I never imagined he had been watching over me all along.
After the thugs fled, Daniel was about to leave.
I called out to him: “I’m supposed to get married today, but I’m missing a groom. Interested?”
His body trembled.
When he turned back, he wore a forced casual smile. “And what kind of groom would I be? Temporary? Part-time?”
I laughed. “Lifelong. Full-time.”
His eyes lit with unrestrained joy. “Yes. Yes!”
As if afraid I’d change my mind, he pulled me into his car and told the driver, “Get us to the County Clerk’s Office as fast as you can!”
I looked at him in surprise. “Do you even have your documents with you?”
Daniel nodded seriously. “I’m always ready to marry you.”
