Chapter 5
When Clay saw the man stepping out of the elevator, his face went pale. But in the next second, he forced on a smile. “Uncle! What a surprise! I didn’t expect you to come to my wedding–I’m really honored!”
He chuckled nervously, scrambling to explain, “Sorry about this scene. Someone showed up to cause trouble, but I’ll take care of it right away. Let me take you to your seat first!”
His mom was ecstatic to see her husband’s brother, her wrinkled face smoothing out as she grinned. “I didn‘ t think you’d actually come! Such an honor! Sorry you had to see this… just a little family matter. Hope you don’t mind!”
As she spoke, she awkwardly wiped the bloodstains off her hands with a tissue.
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The crowd had pressed in so tightly that. they blocked me and Jewell from view. My head was spinning, and I could barely make sense of what was happening. But that man’s voice–it sounded familiar like I’d heard it somewhere before. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
The man, the one Clay called “Uncle,” didn’t even glance at them.
“I’m not here for your son’s wedding,” he said flatly. “I heard there was trouble
and came to take a look. Clean this up now. Don‘ t embarrass yourselves any further!”
His words sent murmurs rippling through
the crowd.
“Wait, he’s Clay s uncle? But he looks so young! What’s he doing here if he’s not staying for his nephew’s wedding? That’s even more weird!”
“Wait, doesn‘ t he look familiar? Isn’t he the new CEO of the D. Corporation? Why
Chapter 5
would he come here if not for the wedding? Is he really just here to protect the family s image?”
“Hmm, look at his suit! That’s not just any tux–it’s custom–made! Remember those paparazzi’s photos of him trying it on a while back? I heard it‘ s from some famous French designer!”
All eyes were on him now.
Then, the guy standing next to him- probably an assistant–leaned in and said,
“Sir, it seems your bride isn‘ t here. Should we check the reception hall downstairs?”
When the man in the tailored tux turned to leave, Melissa sneered at me. “Didn’t you just say your groom was Clifton? What’s the matter? Why don’t you call him to save you? Oh, right–you can’t. How’s it feel to get caught lying and embarrass yourself like this?”
Clifton…?
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Ah, right, that man–it‘ s him!
I’d heard his voice before–on the phone!
Seeing the elevator doors about to close, I don’t even know how I managed to stand up, but I shoved through the crowd and stumbled toward the elevator.
The second my eyes met Clifton‘ s, my eyes widened and my mind went completely blank.
I knew that face. And I’d heard that voice.
But I’d always thought they belonged to two different people.
One night, in the chaos of passion, I’d surrendered to him, completely at his mercy. He never said a word, not even then.
Now it all made sense. When we talked on the phone, he didn’t care about me. Apparently, he already knew who I was.
Clifton pressed the elevator‘ s open button and stormed toward me, his eyes filled with
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disbelief.
Clay panicked, stumbling over his words. “Uncle, don‘ t let her upset you! She’s my ex, okay? Slept around with some random guy and now she’s here making a scene at my wedding-”
Suddenly, a sound echoed through the room as Clifton’s hand struck Clay‘ s face, the force knocking him to the ground.
Clifton’s eyes were red as he crouched in front of me. His hands trembled as he wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth. His gaze burned with anger so fierce it was terrifying.
“Who… who did this to you?”
His voice, thick with pain and rage, left the room in stunned silence.
No one could believe it. Why the hell was Clifton acting like this?
