Chapter 4

My father already knew what I was about to do. "All right," he said. "I'll go speak to the priest. Leave everything to me. I'll explain it to the guests."

His words gave me a sense of safety. No matter what happened, he would always catch me when I fell.

My mother called Mia. "If they still won't let you come, just stay where you are. Stick to our agreement. Unless we give the word, you don't need to do anyone else's hair or makeup."

The videographer kept the camera rolling as the bridal suite came back to life.

While everyone rushed around me, Dillon called several times. I ignored every one of them. I slipped out of my wedding gown, changed into a simple dress, and made myself presentable.

I looked at my reflection. Light makeup. A neat, understated hairstyle. I had dreamed about this day for so long.

Dillon and I first met at an underground fight club, where we were both trying to sign the same fighter. Handsome, charismatic, and impossibly generous, he paid a fortune to buy the fighter's lifetime contract—then handed it to me.

I fell for how thoughtful he seemed. He later told me it had been love at first sight for him too.

After that, we spent countless nights at that fight club together, placing bets before taking our winnings to casinos and racetracks.

Two years later, we got engaged.

That was also when Beth entered our lives.

Dillon said he was busy expanding the family business and wanted Beth to keep me company whenever he couldn't be there.

But somehow, every time Beth showed up, so did he.

When Beth lost money at the casino, he risked half the family's fortune just to win it back for her.

At the racetrack, when Beth's horse was injured and had to be put down, he left me behind and stayed with her all night.

Three years ago, we were supposed to get married. But because Beth was sick and didn't want to be around crowds, the wedding was postponed. Until today.

I had thought about leaving him more than once. But after ten years together, I could never bring myself to walk away. So I kept compromising.

He always told me the same thing: Beth had grown up with him. She had been the only person by his side when he needed someone most. Their bond was different. Special. I should try to understand.

But today, I was done understanding.

And I was done giving in.

Before Dillon arrived, the backup stylist finished my hair and makeup in just half an hour. By then, the family elders had already taken their seats inside the church.

My mother and I walked to the church entrance arm in arm. My phone kept buzzing with calls from Dillon.

When Dillon's car finally pulled up and he saw me at the church doors, he exhaled in relief. Then he walked around the car and opened Beth's door.

The moment I saw her, my fingers curled into fists.

She was wearing a white gown with a diamond tiara. Aside from missing a veil, she looked more like the bride than I did.

Dillon didn't seem to find anything wrong with it. After helping Beth out of the car, he finally looked at me.

His eyes swept over me, and a frown slowly formed. For the first time, he realized something wasn't right.

Beth looked me over with thinly veiled contempt. "Mia ran late, and Monica decided to show up looking like that? I guess Monica's still upset with me."

Then she turned to Dillon, her eyes glistening. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Monica's so angry she wouldn't even get properly dressed. Your whole family will be embarrassed."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Normally, Dillon would have rushed to comfort her.

Today, though, he only glanced at her, quietly pulled his hand away, and he secretly felt uneasy.

I hadn't answered his calls. I hadn't thrown a tantrum. And there wasn't the slightest trace of happiness on my face.

He walked toward me slowly, forcing a smile.

"Didn't you like the stylist I arranged?" he asked gently. "It's okay. You're beautiful even without the wedding gown.

"Come on. Let's go inside. We shouldn't keep everyone waiting.

"I'll book the best stylist for our anniversary. You can wear the gown then."

He genuinely seemed to think he was handling everything perfectly. The more he spoke, the more ridiculous it sounded. I didn't move.

Beth hurried forward. "Please, Monica, let's go inside. I know you're upset that I borrowed your makeup artist, but today is a special day. Don't be stubborn.

"If you're really that angry, hit me. If it'll make you feel better, go ahead. Then we can have the wedding."

With reddened eyes, Beth planted herself in front of Dillon and played the peacemaker.

Her hands gripped Dillon's tightly.

The sight of them standing there hand in hand turned my stomach. Even so, I kept my expression calm.

My mother's eyes were burning red with fury. She moved to confront them, but I held her back and shook my head silently.

Then I walked up to Beth and did something that stunned everyone.