Chapter 5: The Wedding Vow

Realizing she was now eating for two, Adeline began to discard her form-fitting clothes. Tight jeans were replaced with wide, flowing skirts paired with oversized knit sweaters. She made sure that no one would be able to tell she was pregnant by the time the wedding arrived.

Adeline even chose a wedding gown designed specifically to conceal her midsection. Axel didn't protest much, but she knew the extent of his sacrifice. To repay his kindness, Adeline promised herself she would not burden him further, even after they were officially husband and wife.

“Adeline, open the door!”

Suddenly, a voice thundered from outside. Adeline hurried toward the front door only to find Julian standing there, his face etched with irritation. He glared at her with a stern, demanding gaze.

“What brings you here? Do we still have business together?” Adeline asked. Her hands instinctively tugged at the edges of her sweater, hugging her stomach so Julian wouldn't notice any changes.

“Are you really going through with this? What is your goal in marrying my brother, Adeline? Were you cheating on me before we broke up?”

Adeline’s fists clenched tight. “How dare you accuse me of cheating?”

“Then what else is it? I know Axel would never marry again; he was devoted to his late wife. But then he suddenly wants to marry you—isn't that strange? Tell me, Adeline... did you sleep with him too?”

Slap!

Adeline’s hand instinctively struck his cheek. She couldn't take it anymore; his words were like poison.

“I know my past was far from perfect, Julian. But what gives you the right to judge me like that? I only ever slept with you!” Adeline stated firmly, her hand trembling from the surge of emotion. “It’s easy to judge others, isn't it? But what about you? Do I have the right to ask why you’re marrying Raya only two months after we split? Our wedding was just around the corner; we were only waiting for the invitations to be sent out. But you cancelled it so abruptly just because I was deemed 'barren' and your mother didn't approve?”

Adeline’s eyes were bloodshot, and tears began to fall. She remembered the beautiful times they had shared, and the fact that she was now carrying his child. But everything was ruined now for reasons she couldn't understand.

Was his love for me truly that shallow?

Was there ever any real love at all?

“I was just being logical, Adeline. I only have one mother and she’s getting older, but a woman... I can always find a replacement. I couldn't possibly defy my mother and make her ill just to defend you,” Julian said, his words piercing through his former fiancé’s heart.

“Then you don't need to ask how I could marry Axel. Our relationship is over. Let’s just mind our own business. You have a wife now, don't you? Why bother coming to my house and asking questions that are no longer your right to ask?”

“He is my brother, Adeline!” Julian’s voice rose. “Are you insane? The mirror in your room is large enough—take a good look at yourself. You aren't worthy... you’re a wild woman who frequented clubs and drank, and yet you want to stand beside my brother?”

Adeline offered a bitter smile, though her heart ached being reminded of her troubled past.

“You were the one who brought me to those places, Julian. Need I remind you how you seduced me? We were both broken, and you think you’re the only one who has the freedom to choose the life you want? Is that how all wealthy people are?” Adeline asked, and Julian had no answer. “But on the other hand, I want to thank you. With your attitude now... I’m grateful because you’ve erased every shred of guilt I had left.”

“Guilt?” The man frowned.

The guilt that had vanished from Adeline’s heart was replaced by a fierce determination: she would make the baby in her womb entirely hers.

By marrying Axel, the birth certificate would officially state that the father of her child was Axel Sterling. Adeline planned to file for divorce once their marriage contract ended, so she could be free to take her child wherever she pleased.

Of course, she would do this only after proving to Julian and Mrs. Eleanor that she was not barren and far from shameful.

“Do you know what made you lose your value in my eyes, Julian? In our five years together, we lived without any major conflict. I was so sure you were the best man to be my life partner. But apparently, that wasn't enough. Axel is more capable of respecting me as a woman with my flaws. He stands firm in his decisions even when he knows he is defying the rules. I... will love Axel from now on.” Adeline spoke with a purpose, knowing her words would affect Julian.

Whether there was still love left in this man or not, Adeline would never back down from teaching Julian a lesson.

“Now leave. We have nothing left to talk about.”

Adeline shut the door firmly, but she remained leaning against it, clutching her clothes. her heart raced—a mixture of pain and the lingering love she still felt.

Julian entered his car parked in front of Adeline’s gate, fuming with rage. Her words echoed in his ears, making his heart burn with an uncontrollable fire.

I... will love Axel from now on.

“Is she serious?” Julian muttered, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. He didn't know when it happened, but Adeline and Axel’s wedding was almost a reality. Could Adeline really love another man besides him?

She only loves me. She must be faking it.

Besides, I’m not at all sure Axel actually likes a woman like Adeline, Julian’s mind insisted on believing what it wanted.

“Darling... how did it go? Did you talk to Adeline?”

Raya’s voice from the passenger seat snapped Julian out of his thoughts. She looked at him with curiosity. Out of her own curiosity, she had accompanied Julian to see Adeline, though she stayed in the car as requested.

“I did.”

“And? Was she really cheating on you?” Raya asked.

“Most likely, though I’m still not sure. I can believe Adeline would seduce my brother, but I find it hard to believe my brother would be seduced by her, Raya. I know him inside out; he isn't someone easily moved.” Julian gripped the wheel harder, a wave of displeasure washing over him as he saw how certain she was about marrying another man so quickly.

“Then why are you so upset? Are you jealous that Adeline is getting married?”

Julian glanced at her briefly. “Not a chance.”

“If you’re still jealous, I can understand,” Raya said, looping her arm through Julian’s. “But for the future... can you just look at me? I am your wife now. Our relationship may have been brief, but I will do my best to make you and your mother happy.”

Julian remained silent, looking at this woman who was so gentle and understanding of his situation. They had married after Mrs. Eleanor made the choice; Raya had been meeting his mother behind Adeline’s back. When the engagement was broken, Mrs. Eleanor hadn't hesitated to choose her.

Julian had simply agreed; he would do anything for his mother. Lately, she had been complaining of illness and mentioning her own mortality. As a son, Julian wanted to fulfill her dream of having a grandchild.

“Never mind, let’s just go home. The important thing is you know Adeline is a traitor; she isn't worth holding onto. You’re lucky you saw her true nature. Imagine if you had married her—could you really forgive a cheater?” Raya said.

Julian simply nodded, then drove the car toward home. He tried not to care, especially as he watched Adeline move on with her life.

The day of Adeline and Axel’s wedding finally arrived. It was a ceremony that wasn't overly lavish but was solemn, held in a grand hall with important guests. Most of those in attendance from Axel’s side were business associates, employees, and fellow entrepreneurs.

They witnessed the ceremony as Adeline officially became the wife of Axel Sterling.

However, among the crowd, Mrs. Eleanor was nowhere to be found. Adeline felt a twinge of sadness—not for herself, but out of guilt toward Axel. On such an important day, Mrs. Eleanor should have been there if it weren't for her being the one marrying her son.

“Stay close to me. Come here...” Axel said as Adeline tried to keep her distance on the dais.

“Axel—”

“Don’t let others guess so easily, Adeline. I don't want you to ruin the atmosphere.”

Adeline bowed her head slightly, then shifted closer to him. “To be honest, I’m quite self-aware and embarrassed, Axel. You are a good man, but I... I feel like this shouldn't have happened. I’m sorry for indirectly using you for my own interests.”

“I don't think you’re the only one benefiting.”

“What do you mean? Is there any benefit for you in marrying me?” Adeline asked, genuinely curious.

“Tradition... I want to dismantle it.”

Adeline didn't understand at all what tradition Axel was referring to.

“Since you are now part of my family, don't you dare act weak. I chose you from the start because I trust you. Unless you plan to quit halfway... make sure you don't harm my family's blood, or you’ll have to deal with me.”

Adeline swallowed hard, trying to interpret every sentence he spoke. Though she didn't fully understand everything, she knew Axel cared about the baby in her womb.

But was that a threat?

“I’m thirsty.”

“What?” Adeline didn't quite catch it.

“I’m thirsty. Could you get me a drink?”

“A—ah, yes, Axel.” Adeline stood up for a moment to get a bottle of water, then handed it to him.

However, the man took her hand along with the bottle, making it appear as if Adeline was helping him drink. The gesture left her startled and nervous; she had wanted to maintain her distance out of discomfort, yet here they were.

Crash!

Far from where Adeline was standing, a glass filled with a drink fell to the floor, shattering into pieces. The liquid splashed onto Julian’s trousers, and Raya immediately grabbed a napkin to clean it.

“Goodness, why weren't you careful, Julian? Your pants are ruined—”

“Damn it,” Julian cursed under his breath. His eyes were fixed on Adeline, who was chatting with Axel on the wedding dais. One thing he had never seen before: they seemed close, as if they carried no burden at all.

Unable to take it anymore, Julian left the room without a single word to Raya, who had been so attentive to him.