Chapter 1

It was then that the officiant asked, "Do you accept the man by your side as your husband, staying with him in both good times and bad?"

"I-I do…"

That woman's voice was heard through the mask, sounding a bit muffled.

Upon hearing that, the assembled guests murmured to one another, remarking on the profound affection Zoe Sutherland, the heiress of the Sutherland family, held for me.

"Ms. Sutherland is truly infatuated with Mr. Sorenson! They say she had a sudden severe cold and a persistent high fever last night, but she insisted on going through with this wedding of the century today, even in a mask, afraid of disappointing her childhood sweetheart!"

"I guess it's true that the bond between childhood sweethearts is unique. In addition, this alliance between the Sorensons and Sutherlands is a total game-changer for the business world in Stonecreek."

I felt nothing but total disgust hearing the compliments from the crowd; after all, the comment section before my eyes was scrolling at a frantic pace.

"You think that's infatuation? Zoe is currently holed up in a suburban villa, cuddling with Jaiden while watching the live stream of the wedding ceremony! They're sipping wine and mocking the supporting male lead for being such a pathetic idiot!"

"I feel so bad for this stand-in bride. I mean, she accepted a measly 100 thousand dollars to take the fall for this, and she's about to be publicly shamed by the supporting male lead!"

"Do you not know who the stand-in actually is? She's actually the most powerful hidden big shot in the entire novel—Maisie Shepherd, the hidden billionaire!"

"She had harbored a secret crush on Waylon for ten whole years. She eventually tore the Sutherland family out by the roots and obliterated them to avenge Waylon. She's the very definition of the ultimate devoted lover!"

I was stunned to find out that Maisie, that legendary, enigmatic tycoon who controlled a vast business empire, had a crush on me, so much so that she even agreed to be my stand-in bride. I immediately took a deep breath and raised my hand, cutting off the officiant. "Hold on."

In that instant, everyone in the hall fell silent.

I noticed Maisie avoiding my gaze, her forehead glistening with fine sweat and her breath turning ragged. I merely smiled faintly and said calmly, "You don't look well. Have you been so busy with the wedding that you forgot your medication, Zoe?"

Maisie coughed nervously a couple of times, her throat tightening as she replied, "Y-Yes, I'm feeling a bit unwell."

I took advantage of the situation and addressed the officiant and guests. "I'm sorry, everyone, but since the bride is feeling quite unwell, I'll take her to the lounge for some medication. I'll have to briefly suspend the ceremony for about ten minutes, so please help yourselves to some champagne."

I grabbed Maisie's hand after saying that and led her into the lounge behind the stage.

I had just closed the door when my phone, which was on the table, suddenly rang. I checked it and noticed over a dozen unread messages—all from Jaiden Chapman. "You've already realized that the bride is a fake, haven't you, Waylon? How's the surprise? Zoe and I are watching your wedding live stream now."

He had also sent a high-definition image of Zoe leaning against his chest, with his chin resting on her head as they both smiled happily at the camera.

"I almost forgot—I was the one who suggested it. Zoe said that although you're childhood sweethearts, I'm the one she truly loves. She also said that this wedding of yours is just something she did to entertain me. You wouldn't be mad about it, would you, Waylon?"

I sneered and instantly replied to his messages. "Is that so? Do you want to bet that with one call, she'd leave you in a heartbeat and come back begging for my forgiveness, Jaiden?"

Just as I expected, Jaiden didn't reply for a long time.

I knew then that Jaiden had taken the bait.

I glanced over at the bride standing quietly next to me.

Maisie seemed flustered as she looked my way, her voice sounding low and slightly raspy while saying, "Waylon, I'm actually—"

I gently patted her on the shoulder and said, "You don't have to be so nervous, Maisie."

In that instant, everyone in the comment section was stunned. "Did Maisie just get outed? How come Waylon is going off-script?"

Maisie looked immediately relieved. "You've known all along, huh?"

She fell silent for a moment, then, as if coming to a decision, took a deep breath and said, "Zoe doesn't deserve to marry you. She's intentionally trying to humiliate you today, Waylon."