Nightmare

The emcee finished reading the vows on stage, but the groom never stepped forward.

The guests murmured among themselves.

I realized—this was yet another setup to humiliate me.

Sure enough, in the audience, Rowan Remington idly toyed with the ring in his hand before turning to my half-sister, Lisa Hamilton, with a smile.

“Didn’t you say weddings are tedious and dull? Two people recite vows, exchange rings, and it’s over.

“Today, I’ll show you a single’s wedding. Interesting, isn’t it?”

My elder half-brother, Miles, immediately caught on and raised the microphone. “The wedding is on hold!” he announced loudly.

Then, my childhood friend, Nathan Keller, shouted, “Tessa! Look over here.”

A water balloon came crashing down from above. Even though I reacted quickly and tried to dodge it, it still caught me off guard.

Water dripped from my soaked hair, strands clinging to my face. Droplets slid from my dress, darkening the fabric.

I clenched the sides of my skirt tightly.

Only then did Lisa finally let out a laugh.

Rowan strolled over, feigning concern, though his voice betrayed his true feelings.

“What’s wrong, Tessa? Not happy?”

Rowan turned and playfully punched Nathan in the arm. “You really went all out, huh? Did it ever cross your mind that Tessa is the bride today?”

For a brief moment, I thought he had finally realized the joke had gone too far.

But then, he handed me the ring—still in its box—the very one meant for my finger.

“Didn’t you want to get married? To be a bride?” He smirked. “I’m making it happen for you. I even got the emcee, the groomsmen, and the guests to show up.”

I met his gaze with an icy glare. He scoffed.

“What’s with that look? You didn’t actually think I was going to marry you, did you? I was just helping you fulfill your wish—I never said I’d be the groom.”

Then, as if offering some thoughtful advice, he added, “Hold on to that wedding ring. Wouldn’t want to lose it now. Otherwise, your groom won’t have a ring to put on your finger.”

“Oh—wait.” He chuckled. “There isn’t even a groom at this wedding.”

Nathan made no effort to hide the mockery in his voice. “No way! A wedding without a groom?

“But I have to say, Tessa looks more than ready to get married. Just look at her—so dressed up for the occasion!”

His words instantly turned every gaze toward me and my drenched wedding gown clinging to my body.

In the past, I would have swallowed my tears and begged Rowan in a whisper not to humiliate me like this in front of everyone.

But now, I simply wiped the water from my face, careful not to smudge my makeup.

In a calm voice, I thanked them instead.

“Thank you all for walking me through this rehearsal. I was a little nervous before, but I feel much better now. The real wedding should go even more smoothly.”

Rowan froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“Are you really this stupid, or are you just pretending? Do you still think I’m going to marry you?

“Can’t you see? This was all just to make Lisa laugh!

“A woman who throws herself at a man only cheapens herself.”

His smirk was laced with ridicule, not even bothering to hide his amusement.

He didn’t care how much his words could hurt me.