Billionaire's second wife

10:30 AM, in the waiting room. The groom, Alden, was extremely nervous. The closer it got to the sacred moment, the more anxious he felt. It was a stark contrast to the excitement and eager anticipation that many often described when experiencing the most significant moment of their lives. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back a few paces, trying to think of happy thoughts to dispel the unease in his heart. Standing before the mirror, Alden imagined himself at the altar, beside the woman he loved most—the one he wanted to protect and cherish with all his heart. The image of the two of them happily exchanging vows before God, slipping rings onto each other’s fingers—a symbol of love and a marriage recognized by law, society, and all those around them—brought him a slight sense of relief. Today was his wedding day. Alden still couldn't believe he had found the woman of his dreams. She was perfect. Soon enough, he believed his family would grow to love her just as he saw all her wonder

As the appointed hour drew nearer, Alden began to feel a knot in his stomach, a sensation unlike that of someone eagerly awaiting their wedding. Perhaps it was an omen, though he couldn't yet grasp its meaning. Meanwhile, Gavin silently hoped for some unexpected event to disrupt the ceremony or at least prevent news of the wedding from spreading widely. Although the family had deliberately kept the guest list to a bare minimum, avoided notifying the media, and refrained from splurging on the event, the concern remained that someone might infiltrate the ceremony and leak the story. Such an occurrence would undoubtedly create a mess. The reason for such restraint was that the bride, Emma, had not been officially recognized as a member of the family—a condition Alden's mother had set. At first glance, the demand seemed absurd and hard to swallow, but the couple had to stifle their frustration and reluctantly agree. Without compliance, there would be no wedding. Naturally, Emma initiall

Under the influence of Devlin’s cunning words, Emma gradually wavered. This man understood all too well how difficult it was to break old habits, convinced that sooner or later, she would return to her former path. "I've been going crazy missing you. I haven't been able to rest all week." Devlin placed his hand firmly on her waist, his gaze filled with unspoken intent as he continued his persuasion. "So why don’t we help each other relieve this tension right now?" "No, leave," Emma struggled to keep her rationality intact, resisting the temptation closing in around her. "What’s wrong? Don’t tell me your husband is better than me?" Devlin raised an eyebrow, his tone full of doubt. "Don’t lie to yourself. I’ve heard things—no matter how good he is, he’ll never understand you the way I do, right?" He tightened his hold, as if reinforcing his claim. Emma shook her head, her voice turning firm. "Listen, I don’t want trouble." She kept refusing, but deep down, her reason and emotions

Emma had just spent two hours lost in bliss with her secret lover, Devlin. After seeing him off, she sprawled across the luxurious sofa, allowing her body a moment of relaxation. Yet, in her mind, she was already crafting a plan to cover for her absence, just in case Alden asked. The first thing she needed to do was buy Mrs. Lan’s silence. The housekeeper had accidentally seen Devlin leaving, and Emma knew that people like Mrs. Lan — poor and struggling — were easily swayed by money. "Where's Mrs. Lan?" Emma called out lazily, her tone dripping with arrogance. "Come here at once." Mrs. Lan, a middle-aged woman with a weathered appearance, hurried in and bowed respectfully before her mistress. "Yes, madam. You called for me." Emma sat up, her cold eyes locking onto the housekeeper. "If my husband asks where I went or what I did today, you will say exactly what I tell you to. Understood?" The threatening glare made Mrs. Lan tremble. She lowered her gaze and replied in a timid voice

Had Emma just revealed her true nature, the one she had carefully hidden all this time? It wasn’t surprising to Gavin and his mother, Mrs. Agatha. To this day, they still couldn’t understand why Alden allowed himself to be manipulated by Emma. There must be a reason behind it, as Alden only began to change after meeting her. Gavin was determined to find the answer, sooner or later. Rage boiled inside her. Emma cursed under her breath. “Damn it!” she growled as she walked down the hospital hallway, unable to contain her anger. Outside the hospital, Emma pulled a cigarette from the pack and placed it between her lips. She was fuming. She should have chosen a weaker man, someone closer to death, but one who had no clue how to manage money. She always wanted things to be instant — no waiting, no compromise. Her only dream was to spend freely, without worrying about tomorrow, and to keep her bank account full. But now, that dream could shatter because of one reckless moment of desire.