Chapter 3: Wedding

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 initially refused, but Alden had coaxed her into acceptance, promising to throw her a grand, royal-like celebration in the future. For now, he urged her to play along and please his parents. He even reassured her, saying that as long as they proved the strength of their love, his parents would eventually accept them and give their blessing.

Upon hearing this, Gavin could only laugh quietly to himself, mentally chiding his foolish younger brother for always losing his sense when it came to matters of the heart. “Just wait and see,” he thought, “who'll learn their lesson soon enough.” Gavin supported his mother's plan to test the would-be daughter-in-law. Everything would have its outcome; time would reveal the truth.

“Gavin.” Alden's gentle nudge broke his brother's train of thought.

“What's on your mind?”

Startled, Gavin blinked and awkwardly replied, “You look great. I'm sure you'll steal more attention than the bride.”

Alden chuckled at his brother's dry humor.

“Are you ready?” Gavin asked, his tone turning serious.

“Though a bit nervous, I'm ready,” Alden said, summoning all his courage to look his best on what he believed to be the most important day of his life.

“Perfect. Stay confident—the only one allowed to be late is the bride.”

With that, Gavin patted his brother on the shoulder, and the two made their way toward the church, where a wedding unlike any typical billionaire affair was about to unfold.

…

Alden tried his best to conceal his unease. The wedding had been scheduled for eleven in the morning, yet thirty minutes had passed, and Emma was still nowhere to be seen. Just as he was about to panic and send someone to check on her, murmurs spread through the room—word was that the bride had arrived.

Clenching his hands tightly behind his back, Alden turned his anxious gaze toward the entrance. Emma appeared, her arm linked with his father's. Her white dress hugged her waist perfectly, accentuating her figure, while the daring neckline added a sensual touch. Around her slender neck sparkled a necklace of dazzling gemstones.

In Alden's eyes, she looked regal and stunning. He felt a swell of pride for his bride, confident that many men must secretly envy him. But the harsh truth was far more bitter. Of all people, he alone had been blinded by her charm, his reason clouded entirely.

Alden had always dreamed of marrying a woman like his mother—kind, genuine, and full of grace. He had promised himself to show his love for his future wife with extravagant gifts and heartfelt vows, ignoring all warnings and admonitions from those around him, especially his family. Blindly, he had convinced himself that Emma was the perfect woman—the one he would spend the rest of his life with.

Was he pitiful or simply foolish?

…

After the Honeymoon Everything about Alden's marriage felt like a cruel joke, akin to a tragic film abruptly cut short. It had barely showcased the opening act before rushing to an unceremonious end, leaving no time for a proper middle. The story's progression was either unnecessarily convoluted or simply not worth delving into. It was too dismal to watch and too brief to rival the lengthy arcs of a multi-season drama.

The newlyweds hadn't even experienced the trials and tribulations of married life before they were forced into a hasty separation. The entire situation stemmed from a tragedy that seemed preordained—primarily due to human choices, with a touch of fateful irony.

A week had passed, during which both lived in a dreamlike state, only to be jolted awake by the harsh blow of reality. Alden had believed he would enjoy a blissful marriage with an extraordinary wife, admired and envied by all. Meanwhile, Emma had fantasized about her new life as a member of a wealthy family, free from worries and dedicated solely to indulging in luxury.

But alas, life rarely unfolds as expected. Fate enjoys playing hide-and-seek, catching people—especially the likes of Emma, who overestimate their invulnerability—off guard. When the reckoning came, Emma was left to face her punishment, blindsided and helpless, with no room for complaint. For Alden, the naive and trusting soul, the reality check delivered a devastating psychological blow, leaving him reeling.

Misplaced trust—who else was there to blame but himself for not questioning, doubting, or verifying?

No matter how beautiful a story begins, if it doesn't endure ups and downs, challenges, and tests, it will inevitably follow the same trajectory: starting in rosy hues and ending in bleak darkness. Alden and Emma's tale was no exception, a prime example of the natural order.

This is how it unfolded.

Today marked Alden's third day back at work after a week spent with his beautiful yet devious wife.

After enjoying a breakfast prepared by the chef, he kissed Emma passionately before stepping out the door.

“Let's have lunch together!” Emma suggested sweetly, her tone dripping with affection. “If you don't want to eat out, I can bring lunch to you.”

She played the role of a devoted wife perfectly, though it wasn't a style that suited her at all. Upon closer inspection, one could detect the effort she exerted to maintain the facade of a caring spouse. However, in Alden's eyes, everything she did seemed flawless. Such is the plight of those blinded by love—they lose their sense of direction, let alone their ability to think clearly or logically.

“That won't work,” Alden replied, much to Emma's surprise. She had expected him to be overjoyed by her suggestion, yet he declined. “I'm very busy today and already have a lunch meeting with a client. I might even be home late tonight.”

Seeing the disappointment on her lovely face, Alden quickly attempted to console her.

"But you'll have to reward me for this later," Alden teased with a wink.

Emma pouted like a sulky child but spoke with a sly tone.

"Then you'd better keep your word. I'll be looking forward to my gift."

"Of course, my love." He gently pinched her cheek with a fond smile. "You're going to love it."

"I don't want you to go. Stay home with me, please, please!" she coaxed, her voice sugary sweet. Her hand lightly stroked his chest through his shirt, her touch suggestive, as though tempting him into a moment of intimacy.

Over time, Alden had developed remarkable self-control. In the past, he wouldn't have hesitated to abandon everything just to satisfy his desires at Emma's invitation. But now, with a family to consider and the mounting pressure to excel at work in order to gain his parents’ approval of Emma, he had no choice but to rein himself in and remain focused.

Emma, however, seemed utterly oblivious to his efforts. Her constant lack of tact and insistence on being pampered and indulged showed no regard for the weight on his shoulders.

Looking back, Alden couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for himself. What cruel fate had led him to a wife so cunning, selfish, and utterly devoid of understanding or care for him?