Chapter 4

One of Hannah's followers handed her a small kitchen knife.

Hannah tapped the flat of the blade against my cheek, smiling coldly.

"We grew up together. I was going to let you go, but you just had to make trouble on my wedding day. Wayne is marrying me, not some useless nobody like you."

Her lackey kicked hard at the back of my knee.

My legs gave out, and I dropped to my knees.

Hannah planted her heel on my face. "You're nothing but my pet now. Grovel and apologize. Say you're sorry a hundred times. Maybe I'll be generous enough to forgive you."

Blood ran from the corner of my mouth. I laughed softly and looked up at her.

"Keep dreaming. As long as I don't agree, the Masons' wedding convoy won't show up today."

"Still talking big?" someone sneered. "When their cars arrive, I'll tear that mouth of yours apart. You really haven't woken up, have you? You actually think you can control the Masons?"

They didn't believe a word I said. Kicks and blows rained down on me.

I curled up on the ground, my whole body aching.

Even after they got tired of beating me, no wedding cars appeared.

Hannah panicked. She rushed over and grabbed my chin, squeezing hard. "What did you do? Why haven't the Masons come yet? You must've pulled something to ruin my wedding!"

I smiled faintly. "Well, it's because the Masons know you're trying to take my place."

She slapped me hard across the face. "You're still holding onto that nonsense? I'll throw you to the dogs right now!"

Completely unhinged, Hannah ordered them to drag me toward the kennel.

Just then, a sharp honk cut through the air.

The Masons' wedding convoy had arrived.

I froze, surprised. Hadn't the engagement already been called off? Why were they still here?

Before I could think it through, Hannah was already glowing with excitement as she climbed into the lead car.

I was hauled up by her follower and shoved in after her.

"Today, we'll let you see what a real upper-class marriage looks like," she sneered.

I hurt too much to respond. After a long while, the pain dulled, and the cars came to a stop.

The door flew open, and I was kicked out onto the pavement. My face hit the steps. Blood poured from my nose, making me look even more pathetic.

People around us laughed openly.

"Now that you're actually at the wedding, are you feeling awake yet?"

Hannah's smug expression filled my vision.

I replied calmly, "Until the ceremony's over, nothing's decided. Hannah, where's your groom?"

As soon as I finished speaking, the hotel doors swung open.

Wayne Mason stepped out, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His cold gaze swept across everyone present.

Instantly, the crowd fell silent.

"I didn't expect Mr. Mason to be this handsome! He and Hannah look perfect together!"

Hannah blushed shyly, then shot me a triumphant look. "Daphne, when I go to bed tonight, I'll reward you with a stray dog."

Wayne walked straight toward Hannah.

The next second, the color drained from her face, and terror flickered in her eyes.