"You can’t just assume she’ll marry you, not after treating her like this over and over again," she persuaded.
Andrew’s voice was cold as ice. "I’ve just spoiled her too much. That’s why she’s become so unreasonable."
I stared at him in disbelief.
He clenched his jaw and snapped, "Fine. Since you won’t get in the car, then walk there yourself."
With that, he stepped on the gas. The car sped off, leaving me behind on the side of the road. The bridal bouquet that had slipped from my hands was now crushed in the mud—petals and ribbons ground into the dirt.
I squatted down, covered my face and cried alone in my wedding dress.
Then a message alert chimed on my phone.
It was from Andrew.
[Since you’re so stubborn and clearly not in any rush to get married, let’s postpone the wedding until tonight. I’m taking Raquel to bury Peanut first. You should take some time to reflect on your behavior. The Mrs. Benedict I want is obedient, sensible and considerate, not someone as unreasonable as you.]
My heart sank, the words slicing deeper with every line. My tears blurred the screen, then fell freely down my cheeks. I cried harder and harder until I could barely breathe.
But then, something inside me broke free. I wiped my face, stood up and tore off the veil.
Then I pulled out my phone and made a call. "Are you free to get married today?"
"If you're free and you still want to marry me, head to the City Hall right now. I’ll see you there."
On the other end of the line, Daniel let out a carefree laugh. "Marry you? Well, I’m free anytime. I’ll be there soon."
I hung up and called the wedding organizer right after and told them to change the names of the bride and groom immediately. Then, I called my parents and asked them to calm the guests. I also told them I would be there within an hour.
One call after another, everything was falling into place, orderly and efficient.
At the entrance of the City Hall, I saw Daniel Fitzgerald, the man my parents had always believed was right for me. He was a good match in both background and character and in truth, we had known each other since childhood. It was just that I had been so blinded by love for Andrew that I could not see anyone else.
My parents had tried to warn me about Andrew. They insisted that he was not the one for me. He came from too humble a background and was too consumed by pride. He could not stand that I was more capable than him. When our company finally started to thrive, he insisted I quit and stay home because he wanted me to be dependent, to vanish from the business world entirely.
Yet, I never listened to their warning.
I thought Andrew just loved me too much to see me work hard. Now, the truth was crystal clear. He was just afraid I would outshine him. Clients would even ask, "Miss Lorraine isn't coming as well? We haven’t seen her in a while."
However, Andrew always came up with excuses and refused to let me meet them. Now I understood he was too afraid they would see what I was truly capable of.
Looking back now, I realize how foolish I was. Why did I let him clip my wings? Why did I stay in a cage when I could have soared freely? Why settle for being a canary in a cage when I was born to fly?
The entire process at the City Hall took less than thirty minutes. Daniel and I walked out holding our marriage certificate.
He looked at me and smiled. "I look forward to spending a lifetime with you, Mrs. Fitzgerald."
I drew in a deep breath and took his arm. "There’s still a wedding to attend."
Meanwhile, Andrew and Raquel had gone to the cemetery. After burying Peanut, her beloved dog, Raquel collapsed into Andrew’s arms, sobbing.
"What am I going to do? I’m all alone now…"
Andrew held her gently. "Don't say that. You’re not alone. I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life."
Tears stained Raquel’s eyes as she said, "But you’re getting married today. I know I said I didn’t need a title as long as I could be with you, but my heart still hurts. I admit it, I’m jealous and selfish. I just can’t bear the thought of you being with someone else. Does that make me a bad person? I don’t want to ruin your relationship and I know you love Naomi, but I can’t help myself. I love you too much. I want to stay by your side forever."
Looking at her tear-streaked face, Andrew gently held her and kissed her forehead.
"Silly girl," he whispered. "Don’t cry. I can give you everything—except a title."
"I'm getting married and I can't let Naomi down. I’ll take care of you, but there has to be a line we don’t cross."
Raquel threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably—but her eyes darkened.
Just then, Andrew’s phone rang. It was his best man and long-time friend, David. His voice came through loud and anxious, "Andrew, where the hell are you? Aren’t you supposed to be getting married today? Do you even know what’s happening? Get to the venue. Now."
"Naomi, she…"
Before he could finish Andrew cut him off coldly. "Whatever she’s doing doesn’t matter. I already said the wedding’s been postponed to tonight. I’ll show up on time. Just tell her to stop being so difficult. She’ll still get the title of Mrs. Benedict, but please don’t bother me again."
David practically yelled, "No, Andrew. She’s marrying someone else!"
