Chapter 2 The Wedding That Fell Apart

Selene's mother, Rebecca, was the first to react. She lost all composure as she rushed onto the stage. "What… what's going on here?! Who are you?!"

Her father, Daniel's face turned an ugly shade of blue. He raised his voice toward the panicked crowd and the reporters below the stage. "Everyone, calm down! There's been a small mishap with the wedding—it'll be resolved right away!"

How ironic. In my past life, I was the one standing on that stage in utter panic. Now, it was Selene's parents' turn.

My mother rose from her seat, stunned and worried. "Jace, what on earth is happening?"

I gave my parents a reassuring glance, then took Aria's hand before the astonished crowd, addressing, "Thank you all for coming to witness our wedding. There's been a minor mix-up with the posters and the rings."

I paused, my voice calm and steady. "But it's nothing serious. Let's continue."

At my side, Aria lifted her chin and faced the audience with composure, meeting their curious stares head-on.

Rebecca trembled with fury. "Jace Schreiber, have you lost your mind?! Do you even know what you're doing?!"

Daniel stormed up as well, lowering his voice in an attempt to contain the situation. "Jace, stop this nonsense! End the ceremony right now!"

I ignored them and handed the microphone to the woman beside me. "Aria, tell everyone why you're standing here today."

Aria and I exchanged a knowing glance. Then, she spoke clearly, her voice steady and unshaken. "I'm here because Selene Liraine paid me 100 thousand dollars to pretend to be her and attend the wedding in her place."

The entire hall erupted in chaos.

"What? She paid someone to marry on behalf of her?"

"Good God, has Selene lost her mind?"

As the truth came out, color drained completely from Daniel's and Rebecca's faces.

My father's temper finally snapped.

He jabbed a finger at Daniel, shouting, "You Liraines! How dare you—especially Selene—turn my son's marriage into a joke?! This is preposterous!"

My mother's eyes were red with anger. She stormed up the stage, shielding me behind her, her voice cold as ice. "This wedding is over. From this day on, the Schreiber family has nothing more to do with the Liraines."

The announcement hit like a thunderclap. Seeing their alliance about to crumble, Rebecca panicked. "Jace, Selene was just being childish! I'll make her come and apologize right now!"

I let out a cold laugh. "Sure. I'll give her one last chance. If you can reach her by phone, I'll act as if none of this ever happened."

Aria's grip on my hand tightened. I leaned close and whispered, "Don't worry. Selene's not coming back."

Rebecca clung to that sliver of hope, frantically dialing Selene's number again and again—once, twice, three times. Each time, the same mechanical voice echoed through the hall: "Sorry, the number you've dialed is unavailable."

I sighed with feigned disappointment. "It seems Ms. Liraine doesn't plan on returning. Security—please escort out the unrelated parties."

The guards dragged out Daniel and Rebecca as reporters surged forward, cameras flashing and questions flying.

My mother took my hand, her voice trembling but firm. "Jace, whatever you decide, your father and I will stand by you."

My father gave my shoulder a reassuring pat, and I was deeply touched.

In my previous life, I had insisted on marrying Selene, tearing my family apart. After my death, they both aged overnight. This time, I would never make the same mistake again. And as for Selene Liraine—the woman who caused it all—I wouldn't let her off so easily.

After the ceremony concluded, I called my assistant without hesitation. "Immediately terminate all cooperation with the Liraine family and withdraw all of our investment. Not a single penny stays."