Chapter 3

Joanna got a quick reply.

[Really? That's amazing, sweetheart!

[I'm so glad you finally came around. I'm not trying to force you to come home and get married. Your dad and I simply found out that Theo really isn't a good match, and we're worried about you.]

She could almost see her mother's warm, gentle smile.

She still remembered that moment in her last life when she watched through the window as her mother cried, heartbroken in her father's arms.

Her mother kept apologizing over and over, while her father was so full of regret that he slapped himself across the face.

They even begged Theo to talk her into seeing them just one more time.

But what they didn't know was that she'd been right there.

She was like some wounded animal trapped in the dark, screaming silently in her heart for someone to save her.

Just thinking about it made tears slip down Joanna's cheeks.

At that moment, loud noises erupted outside.

She looked up and saw Theo walking in with his arm wrapped around Sharon's shoulders.

Sharon was wearing the exact same wedding dress Joanna was wearing while leaning softly against him, with a sweet smile on her face.

Their parents followed behind them, all of them looking pleased.

The applause was nonstop. Even the roses swayed in the breeze, as if they were giving their blessings to the happy couple.

And right then, Joanna felt like the ridiculous intruder at someone else's wedding.

She hated Theo now. She really did. But still, her eyes stung, and she couldn't stop them from turning red.

Theo caught sight of her thin figure, and his expression flickered with panic.

He rushed over and gently wiped her tears, speaking carefully, "I'm sorry. I never expected this.

"I didn't know Sharon would pull something like this. She had the wedding dress custom-made behind my back…"

He had no idea her tears had nothing to do with him.

Joanna shook her head and forced a weak smile. Her eyes stayed soft as she looked at him, as if she still loved him deeply.

She said softly, "It's fine. I'm just… I'm just glad Ms. Cooper is okay."

Theo felt a sharp pang in his chest. Guilt hit him hard. "There's nothing going on between us—"

Before he could say more, Sharon strutted over with her chin held high, cutting in, "No point acting all kind and forgiving. You really think you're some Cinderella? What isn't yours will never be yours.

"Like this wedding, for example. The real couple getting married today is Theo and me!"

The room fell completely silent. Everyone turned to watch, waiting for the drama to unfold.

Joanna looked at Theo in mock shock, her voice shaking. "What is she talking about?"

Theo stayed quiet for a moment, looking ashamed, but he still said firmly, "Let Sharon have today. She promised if I just go through with this wedding and let her live out her dream of marrying me, she'll leave me alone for good.

"If I don't… she said she'll do something crazy. So for our future, can you just step aside for now?

"I swear, this is all just for show. I'll make it up to you. I'll give you a better wedding next time."

Joanna froze, her hands trembling with emotion.

She'd been wondering how to stop this wedding without blowing her cover.

After all, she was playing the role of someone madly in love with Theo. If he truly wanted to go through with it, she couldn't object without seeming out of character.

But now that Sharon was pushing things this far and making such an unreasonable demand, it was perfect!

Joanna quickly buried the excitement rising in her chest. She let tears fall as she said with a trembling voice, "Did you even think about how this would make me look? Just because I love you doesn't mean you get to humiliate me like this!

"If you really love her, I won't stand in your way."

She slowly removed the crown from her head, her eyes full of disappointment and finality. "Go on and marry her. We're done."

Then she turned to leave.

Theo panicked and grabbed her wrist tightly. "Stop making this a big deal! I told you, this is just an act. I'll throw you an even grander wedding later!"

Joanna shook her head and choked back a sob. "I don't want it…"