Chapter 1: Betrayal Before Marriage

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 wonderful qualities. Alden was determined to prove to everyone that his choice was the right one. He was resolute, but unfortunately, life was an unpredictable mystery.

“Alden?”

A familiar voice called his name, pulling him out of his thoughts.

“Over here, Gavin. I need your opinion,” Alden quickly stepped forward to meet his older brother, absentmindedly adjusting the button on his expensive vest.

Gavin appeared at the entrance of the waiting room, watching Alden intently. He offered a faint smile, but deep down, he couldn't shake his concern for his younger brother. Gavin knew how much Alden had struggled to get their parents’ approval for this marriage to Emma—a woman with a dubious background and a questionable character. Not only their parents, but even Gavin himself felt uneasy about Emma. Every time he looked at her, an unsettling chill ran down his spine, as though her pretense was painfully obvious.

Gavin could never bring himself to trust Emma. There was something too calculating, too unreadable about her. And yet, for some reason, in Alden’s eyes, she was mesmerizing.

Gavin had hinted more than once that Alden should get his eyesight checked—or better yet, have a full neurological evaluation. But despite all the sincere warnings from his loved ones, Alden stubbornly believed in the reasoning of his heart. He loved Emma wholeheartedly and fought to defend her against their parents’ disapproval.

With unwavering determination—bordering on threats—Alden made it clear that he would choose love over filial duty if forced to decide. Eventually, their parents begrudgingly gave in. Alden believed that time would prove him right, that he was justified in placing his trust in Emma.

Ironically, he had no idea that the woman he considered the love of his life was only with him for his wealth. Worse yet, to keep him under her spell and ensure his unwavering devotion, she had resorted to underhanded means—going so far as to use a love charm on him. A charm so potent that once ensnared, he would be hopelessly obsessed, unable to see the truth, unable to wake up.

A Few Hours Earlier.

While Alden and his family were busy preparing everything—from their mental readiness to their impeccable, dazzling appearances—the bride, Emma, remained completely unfazed. Unlike a normal bride who would be feeling nervous and excited before walking down the aisle, she showed no signs of anxiety. Instead, she carried on with her shady activities behind Alden’s back, fully confident that he would never uncover her deceitful nature and dark secrets. Even more despicable was Emma’s true self—an insatiable pleasure-seeker who never knew when to stop.

The proof was undeniable. At five in the morning, in a luxurious apartment Emma had secretly purchased using Alden’s money as her personal hideout, two bodies were entwined in passionate ecstasy on a large bed. Sweat trickled down their skin as the room echoed with gasps and moans of pleasure.

“That was incredible…” The man beside her panted, turning to face Emma with a satisfied gaze. “When can we see each other again? I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“What a shame…” Emma responded, her voice laced with exhaustion. “I’d love to meet you again, but today is my wedding day. Once I’m married, it won’t be easy for us to see each other.”

“I don’t want that!” The man protested, frustration evident in his eyes. “Emma, do you really have to go through with this marriage?”

“Try to understand,” she said softly, but there was a calculating undertone in her voice. “I wasn’t born to work tirelessly or be a confined housewife. I want to enjoy life, and to do that, I need to be with a wealthy man. I want to live in luxury, dine at the finest restaurants, wear designer clothes, adorn myself with jewelry worth thousands of dollars, travel in style, and experience new adventures…”

Emma eagerly listed her desires, her eyes gleaming as she envisioned the opulent future ahead.

“My life should be like paradise—that’s the kind of future I aim for. And you? Look at yourself. What can you offer me?”

A triumphant smile spread across her lips. Her dream was about to come true. In just a few hours, the gates to her personal paradise would open wide. Emma would stand radiant like a queen—no, even more than that. She silently thanked fate for leading her to discover Alden’s hospitalization records. And even more, she appreciated the “friend”—or rather, the pawn she had manipulated—who had played a crucial role in helping her get close to Alden. Not to mention the stroke of luck in meeting a brilliant yet mad scientist who had created that miraculous drug.

“Yes, I understand your ambitions, but be careful with these dangerous adventures. One day, your husband will find out,” the man warned. “And when that happens…”

“He won’t.” Emma laughed smugly. “He’s completely obsessed with me and will believe anything I say. Alden will never escape from my grasp.”

“I’m just giving you a heads-up. It’s always better to be cautious,” the man sighed before adding in a serious tone, “Prevention is better than cure. If trouble comes, you won’t have time to react. And don’t forget, the Helen family isn’t one to be trifled with.”

“You worry too much.” Emma smirked arrogantly. “I know how to handle things. Just wait and see—I’ll get everything I want with ease and hold onto it for a long time. As long as I have Alden under my control, nothing can ruin my dream.”

“People are unpredictable.” The man continued his warning. “You might control Alden, but what about Gavin? He’s shrewd and perceptive. And don’t forget—the Helen family is not an easy opponent.”

“Stop meddling in things that don’t concern you.” Emma scoffed. “With Alden as my shield, I don’t believe Gavin or anyone else will dare touch me.”

“They may not confront you openly, but what if they use underhanded tactics? Can you protect yourself then? Emma, don’t be too overconfident.”

She clicked her tongue in annoyance, her face darkening. “We were having such a good time, and now you’re bringing up bad luck. You’re ruining the mood.”