I looked at the bracelet in my hand, which almost perfectly matched the one in the video screenshot and nodded.
“Mom, I can’t accept someone who can’t give me a sense of security.” I had asked Mike for Toby’s hair and put it in the bracelet for a blessing.
Now this strand of hair was inside the bracelet. Taking it out and having it appraised would clarify things.
I went home and found the love knot Mike had given me, woven from his hair. Back then, he said he would protect me no matter what happened, shielding me from all harm.
I suppressed my bitterness and rushed two strands of hair to the hospital that night, expediting a paternity test. An hour later, looking at the 99% positive result, I felt like I'd been plunged into an ice cave.
My dad were incredulous, "That damned Mike, he actually... he really does have an illegitimate child!"
"What a tragedy! Why did we have to go through this?" Mom was shocked.
Seeing my parents' grief, I desperately suppressed the bitterness in my heart; cutting my losses was the most important thing. I posted on my social media that our relationship was strained and the wedding was canceled. As expected, my phone was bombarded with inquiries.
My phone rang. It was my childhood friend, William, "Invitations sent out, wedding booked and you're just going to cancel like this? You can act recklessly, you can do whatever you want, but what about your mom and dad? They're old and have to clean up your mess? What will those relatives think of them?"
I suppressed a sob, "What do you mean? Even you're kicking me when I'm down?"
He wasn't happy with Mike at all, always thinking his god-sister had ulterior motives. There was something strange between them. I thought he was a bit harsh, but I never paid attention. I didn't expect him to be right.
He sighed, "No, what I mean is the wedding doesn't need to be canceled and we shouldn't let the elders laugh at us. The groom should be changed; I'll put on a respectable show with you."
I contacted the MC, the hotel and everyone involved in the wedding to tell them it would proceed as planned. Just change the welcome photos and move the banquet to the rooftop.
I told my parents about this outrageous plan. Surprisingly, they didn't object; they just sighed, "At least you won't be gossiped about behind your back later."
The next morning, everything was as usual. Upon learning that the wedding planner hadn't cancelled the ceremony, Mike's heart finally settled. He knew I was just angry, he thought I wouldn't give up on our years-long relationship.
I must be testing his resolve. He changed his clothes as usual, immersed in joy. Until the scheduled makeup and styling session exceeded an hour. Mike, dissatisfied, called the wedding planning company to ask.
But the next second, the reply chilled him to the bone, "I'm sorry, Mr. Walter, Miss Winston informed us that the groom has been changed. She and the groom are already at the wedding planning company for makeup and styling."
