Chapter 5
extravagance of it all was laughable,
especially for someone in Ryan’s financial situation. But I wasn‘ t here to admire the
décor.
My mother’s convoy of luxury cars was already en route, ensuring that today would be far from ordinary.
This wedding, with its over–the–top arrangements and media presence, wasn’t just a celebration–it was a performance. Ryan and Emily wanted to put on a show, to flaunt their so–called perfect union. Little did they know, the curtain was about to fall.
I slipped into the banquet hall unnoticed, taking a seat in a shadowed corner. The wedding was just beginning and the guests‘ attention was fixed on the stage.
Ryan stood at the altar, a massive bouquet of roses in hand, beaming as if he’d just conquered the world.
The wedding march began to play and the
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room fell silent. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance as the spotlight illuminated the double doors. Slowly, they opened and there she was—Emily.
She floated into the room on the arm of a middle–aged man with a paunch, her ivory wedding gown shimmering under the lights. Her face was radiant with a happiness that seemed almost genuine and the crowd erupted in applause.
“She looks like a movie star,” one guest
whispered.
“She’s the real deal,” another
murmured, clearly enchanted. “A true society girl, with that natural elegance money can’t buy.”
Ryan, standing at the altar, looked smug. He was soaking in the admiration of the crowd, utterly convinced that this was the pinnacle of his life.
But my gaze wasn’t on Emily. It was on the man escorting her.
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That man the so–called “wealthy father”
from Emily’s stories—was none other than Jacob Hart, my adoptive father.
The same Jacob who, after cheating on my mother, had been thrown out of the house with nothing.
Shock coursed through me as I pieced it together. Emily, the woman who once tried to be someone’s mistress, had become Jacob’s “goddaughter.” They’d clearly joined forces, scheming their way into Ryan’s life–and his dwindling fortune.
Despite the anger bubbling inside me, I remained seated, a quiet observer. I was curious now–curious to see what kind of
game they were playing.
Ryan, clueless as ever, was practically glowing with pride as the ceremony progressed. He exchanged vows with Emily, slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her passionately as the crowd
cheered.
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The photographers swarmed to capture every moment, their flashes immortalizing this farce.
By the time the reception began, Emily had changed into a sleek red gown. She looked every bit the perfect bride, clinging to Ryan’s arm as they moved through the room, greeting guests.
It wasn’t long before they were headed in my direction.
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