CHAPTER 3

The wedding hall was filled with people.

Luxury cars lined the entrance, while photographers moved around the venue, capturing every important guest.

The Ethan family had arrived.

Everyone knew it.

Whispers followed them wherever they went.

Lily sat inside the bridal car, her hands clasped tightly together.

Her heart was beating faster with every passing minute.

She had not seen her husband.

Not once.

She had only heard about him.

Mich Ethan.

The eldest son of the Ethan family.

A man who had once been powerful and respected until an accident changed his life.

A man who could no longer walk.

Lily took a slow breath.

The car stopped.

Her heart jumped.

The door opened.

“Mrs. Lily, we're here.”

She stepped out.

Immediately, cameras flashed.

She lowered her eyes as she walked toward the entrance.

Then she saw him.

Mich was sitting in a black wheelchair near the altar.

He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.

His expression was calm.

For a moment, Lily simply stared.

He looked younger than she expected.

And more handsome.

She quickly looked away.

She didn't want him to think she was staring at his legs.

When she reached him, Mich looked up.

Their eyes met.

For a few seconds, neither spoke.

Then Mich smiled.

“Hello.”

His voice was surprisingly gentle.

Lily swallowed.

“Hello.”

“I'm Mich.”

She almost smiled at the obvious introduction.

“I know.”

He chuckled softly.

“I suppose everyone knows.”

Lily didn't know what to say.

The priest called for everyone to take their places.

Mich extended his hand toward her.

Lily hesitated.

Then she placed her hand in his.

His hand was warm.

He looked at her quietly.

“You don't have to be nervous.”

Lily looked at him.

“I'm trying not to be.”

“I understand.”

There was no arrogance in his voice.

No anger.

No bitterness.

Lily had expected him to be cold because of everything that had happened to him.

Instead, he seemed gentle.

The ceremony began.

On the other side of the hall, Vivian stood beside Patel.

She looked radiant.

Patel leaned closer.

“You look beautiful.”

Vivian smiled.

“I know.”

He laughed.

“You're confident.”

“I have every reason to be.”

Patel glanced toward Lily and Mich.

His expression changed briefly.

“Your sister looks nervous.”

Vivian followed his gaze.

“She'll get used to her new life.”

She said it with a smile.

But her eyes carried something else.

Satisfaction.

She had gotten exactly what she wanted.

The future heir.

The ceremony continued.

When it was time for Lily and Mich to exchange rings, Lily's fingers trembled slightly.

Mich noticed.

“Take your time,” he whispered.

She looked at him.

“Thank you.”

She slowly slipped the ring onto his finger.

Then Mich did the same for her.

The priest smiled.

“You may kiss your bride.”

Lily's face immediately became hot.

She looked at Mich.

He seemed equally uncomfortable.

He leaned slightly closer and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead instead.

The guests applauded.

Lily's eyes widened.

She had expected something else.

Mich smiled.

“I thought that would be more comfortable.”

For the first time that day, Lily smiled genuinely.

“Thank you.”

After the ceremony, the newly married couples stood together for photographs.

Vivian stood proudly beside Patel.

Lily stood beside Mich.

The photographer smiled.

“Beautiful. Everyone look at the camera.”

Flash.

Another photograph.

“Mrs. Ethan, move slightly closer to your husband.”

Lily stepped closer to Mich.

The photographer took another picture.

From a distance, Lily's stepmother watched.

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile.

Everything had gone according to plan.

Vivian had married Patel.

Lily had married Mich.

The family had made the perfect arrangement.

At least, that was what everyone believed.

Lily glanced down at Mich.

She noticed that the crowd was beginning to move toward the reception hall.

“Do you need help?” she asked quietly.

Mich looked at her.

“With what?”

“Your wheelchair.”

He smiled.

“I can manage.”

Lily nodded.

Then she noticed the slight difficulty he was having.

Without thinking, she stepped behind the wheelchair.

“I'll help.”

Mich looked surprised.

“You don't have to.”

“I know.”

She gently pushed the wheelchair forward.

Mich said nothing.

But his eyes remained on her.

For the first time since the wedding began, he looked genuinely thoughtful.

Behind them, the Ethan family's elders watched in silence.