Chapter 2

Now that Terrence was back to full health, I finally had the time and energy to tackle the pending work pile.

Sarah had promised me that the wedding would happen right after Terrence got better and was discharged.

Despite being swamped over the last six months, I always made time to coordinate the wedding details with the wedding planners.

Sarah was kept in the loop of the preparation work and had shared her input.

She had mentioned by chance that she was into the whole island and lawn vibe, so I booked an outdoor venue at the city’s most exclusive Peninsula Hotel.

None of that mattered anymore.

Once I sorted out several mergers and acquisitions, I dialed the wedding planners’ number.

The head planner’s voice dripped with regret.

“Mr. Loving, are you sure you want to call off the whole thing? Per the contract, you won’t be getting the deposit back.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” My voice was firm.

“I’ll stop by in the afternoon to sign the service termination paperwork.”

At three in the afternoon, I drove down to the Peninsula Hotel.

The moment I reached the entrance of the lawn, a familiar voice in conversation caught my attention.

“Aiden, the floral arch design is made of champagne roses, just like the setup I told James about.

“The crystal stage looks more stunning in reality than in the design mock-ups.”

Through the flower wall, I saw Sarah looping her arms through Aiden’s as they stood on the lawn, appraising the venue with approval.

My heart stopped for a brief second.

Inhaling deeply, I took strides over.

As soon as she noticed me, Sarah froze for a moment before releasing Aiden’s arm.

“What brings you here, James?”

I said with bitter irony, “I’m the one paying for the venue. Why can’t I be here?”

Furrowing her brows, Sarah scrambled for an explanation.

“Dad’s biggest wish is to walk me down the aisle. Since I’ve accepted Aiden’s proposal, we must commit to the very end.

“I brought Aiden to check out the venue.”

She paused, her tone full of conviction.

“Since the venue is mostly set up anyway, we might as well use the place for the wedding.

“We’ll hold a small ceremony for Dad and invite some friends who are in on it.

“Relax. Once Dad is back on his feet, I’ll have a proper wedding with you. We can do whatever you want.”

I couldn’t believe she was taking my venue to hold a wedding with another guy just to put on a show for her father.

On top of that, I should be thankful that she would make it up to me.

“Easy there, James.” Aiden jumped in.

“Sarah is doing this out of love for her father. She wants to fulfill her dad’s greatest wish.

“I’ve told her that this might not be appropriate, but time is running out for Mr. Townsend with his health.

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll pay for the venue. Think of it as a little something from a friend.

“We all want what’s best for Mr. Townsend. There’s no need to make things ugly.”

“Oh, you’re paying?” I sneered.

“There’s an outstanding balance of two million dollars for the venue hire at the Peninsula Hotel and the wedding dress. Are you ready to cover that payment?”

Aiden’s expression went stiff, and he cleared his throat.

“That is a lot of money, but I can figure something out…”

The wedding coordinator approached with a file in hand.

Spotting me, he came over to say hello.

“Mr. Loving, the termination paperwork is all set. Once you sign here, we’ll release the venue for public booking.”

Taken aback, Sarah grabbed my arm.

“Termination? I told you that I was using the venue. You have paid the deposit. How can you just cancel out of nowhere?”

After prying her fingers off me indifferently, I took the pen from the coordinator and signed my name there and then.

“James!” Sarah was exasperated.

“Do you have to push things so far?”

“The venue has been cancelled.”

I tossed the pen back to the coordinator and stared at the ashen-looking pair.

“Since you’re so big on making wishes come true, you can do so at your own expense, Mr. Bowen.”

Not one to linger, I turned on my heel and walked off.