Chapter 1

When my boyfriend, Simon Hepworth, got down on one knee for the 66th time, I was finally moved by his persistence and said yes.

But on the eve of our wedding, he dropped a bombshell on me. He told me he wanted to have a child with his stepsister, Fiona Hepworth.

Have a baby with his own sister? How absurd was that?

I refused outright, and we got into a huge fight. But I never could've imagined what came next.

On our wedding day, I stood waiting at the altar for three hours, bouquet in my hands. But Simon never showed up. Guests were getting restless, demanding to know when the ceremony would start.

I frantically dialed Simon's number for the 18th time. This time, he finally answered.

But before I could say a word, his irritated voice came through the line. "Didn't I tell you I'm taking Fiona to the hospital today for our IVF appointment? Why are you being so unreasonable?"

My fingers tightened around the fabric of my wedding dress as I shouted back, "Why today of all days? Is she more important than our wedding?"

After a brief hesitation, he replied, "I'm sorry, darling. But Fiona was abused by her father growing up. She'll never be able to marry. I just want to help her fulfill her dream of being a mother. It's just IVF, and it's not like we're actually sleeping together. Stop being so sensitive."

"Anyway, I'll make it up to you next time. I'm at the hospital now. I've got to go," he quickly said before hanging up.

I stood there frozen, staring at the sea of guests and the flashing cameras. My mind went blank.

Because of the Hepworth family's reputation, this wedding had been the talk of the town. On top of that, Simon had made sure to publicize every detail in advance. So, reporters had shown up to livestream the whole thing.

Now, everyone was waiting for an answer from me.

I forced myself to pick up the microphone. "I'm sorry, everyone. The groom isn't coming. The wedding is canceled."

The words sent shockwaves through the crowd, and the venue erupted in chaos.

"What the hell? We traveled all this way, and now the wedding is off just like that? Do you think this is a joke?"

"I bet the bride did something bad to make that Hepworth kid dump her."

"I heard he proposed 66 times. He's obsessed with her! It must be her fault. Otherwise, why wouldn't he show up for his own wedding?"

Rumors spread like wildfire. The online comments were even worse. And I, alone and powerless, could do nothing about it.

Just then, a voice cried out from the crowd, "Someone's collapsed!"

It was my father. His heart condition had sent him crashing to the ground. My face instantly turned pale.

Just like that, my wedding ended with wailing sirens and angry shouts.

My father was rushed to the ICU. Thankfully, his life was spared. At his bedside, I held his hand as tears streamed down my face.

My phone buzzed twice. Fiona had sent me a photo of a positive pregnancy test. "Ivy, good news! I'm pregnant with Simon's baby!"

Moments later, Simon finally texted. "Darling, I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you the wedding was postponed. Don't be upset. I'll make it up to you next time."

That was it? What about the humiliation and pain I suffered?

There wouldn't be a "next time".

I shut off my phone and wiped away my tears. I looked at my father with resolution as I said, "Dad, you were right. I won't marry Simon. Next week, I promise I'll come home and take over the family business."