Chapter 4

It wasn't long before the wedding day arrived. Michael and I were holding the ceremony at the most luxurious five-star hotel in the city.

Michael invited pretty much everyone he knew. He packed the guest list with his university classmates, colleagues, business partners, and every relative from his hometown.

He looked forward to this wedding more than anyone. He didn't view this as just a wedding. He considered this his formal entry into high society.

He stood at the entrance to the banquet hall in the custom suit I had spent around 15,000 dollars on. His hair was neatly styled, and he wore a smug, satisfied smile.

His groomsmen crowded around him, cracking jokes and laughing merrily. "You'll be set for life after becoming the Lambert family's golden son-in-law, Michael!"

Michael chuckled and playfully shoved them, telling them to stop messing around. He couldn't hide the absolute pride beaming in his eyes, though.

I sat in the bridal suite as the makeup artist applied my makeup. I saw my reflection in the mirror. I looked stunning in my custom-made wedding dress and flawless makeup. My gaze was completely cold, though.

Nora was already downstairs at the hotel. She was wearing the bridesmaid dress I had set aside for her, carrying Ryker in her arms. She was accompanied by the two men George Warner, my trusted aide, had arranged for her. She sent me a message, saying, "We've arrived, Ms. Lambert."

"Got it," I replied. I set my phone aside and smiled at my reflection in the mirror, knowing very well that Michael's good days were coming to an end.

It was 11:00 am sharp, and the wedding ceremony officially began. Every seat in the banquet hall was filled, crystal chandeliers illuminated the surroundings, and flowers and balloons were arranged throughout the venue.

The emcee delivered the standard opening speech while Michael stood at the end of the aisle, looking at me with nothing but adoration and anticipation in his eyes.

He really did seem to love me at that very moment, but his sincerity was utterly worthless to me.

As the wedding march began to play, I walked slowly down the aisle, holding Dad's arm.

Thunderous applause broke out as everyone stood up, showering us with warm, congratulatory looks.

I walked up to Michael, and Dad placed my hand in his. "You'd better take good care of my daughter, Michael."

"You can rest assured that I'll devote my life to loving Dakota, Dad," Michael said, his voice choking up slightly.

I couldn't help but sneer inwardly after witnessing his convincing performance.

The officiant moved through the schedule—the vows, the ring exchange—and everything went off without a hitch.

That was until the emcee announced, "Please give a warm welcome to the bride's bridesmaids!"

In that instant, the five bridesmaids walked out from the side entrance, slowly taking their spots on stage.

Michael looked at them with some confusion and asked softly, "Isn't there another one, Dakota?"

"That's right," I replied with a faint smile. I then took the microphone from the emcee and said, "Thank you all for coming to our wedding and celebrating this day with us."

My voice projected through the speakers, reaching every corner of the banquet hall.

"Please welcome my guest of honor—the bridesmaid who serves as my grand gift to both myself and Michael today!" I raised my hand and pointed toward the closed main doors of the banquet hall. "Please let her in!"

Everyone turned their attention to the entrance as the main doors slowly swung open.

Nora slowly made her way inside in a champagne-colored bridesmaid dress, holding Ryker in her arms.