Chapter 7

I covered my eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. I was in no mood to face whoever this person might be.

My father suddenly appeared. When he spoke, he addressed someone respectfully, "Mr. Kenway! Please, the VIP seat is that way."

"It's alright. I'm happy to be seated here," the man replied coolly, though with an air of superiority.

My father was about to respond when he was called away for the event.

Cameron quickly came to lead him off.

My mood finally stabilized. I looked up.

Before I could return the handkerchief, I heard a voice calling out, "Let us put our hands together to welcome the witness—Miss Taylor Jones!"

The spotlight suddenly hit me. The chatter quieted, and a heavy silence swept across the hall.

I could tell the crowd was shocked. Some looked at me with pity and sympathy, while others waited eagerly for some kind of drama.

I straightened my back and put on my mental armor. Steeling myself, I climbed the steps.

Commotion returned to the audience.

"Rumor has it that Harry's a terrible father to the daughter he had with his first wife. I guess what we see today confirms that!"

"Well, Taylor is superior in every way, isn't she? Of course, the stepmom's upset. And all it took was some persistent persuasion from Cameron for Harry to start mistreating his own daughter."

"Imagine your own father being so biased against you."

"Parental favoritism? That's normal. But Daddy helping his preferred daughter steal his other daughter's husband? Now that's drama!"

"Not that it matters to Mr. Jones. Either way, Mr. Kennedy will become his son-in-law."

The crowd directed most of their insults and contempt at the right people. I actually felt less humiliated now.

The host rambled on about true love and such before finally getting to the point. "And now, we begin the wedding by hearing from our witness as she gives her blessing."

I hesitated for a moment before taking the microphone.

Edward shot a quick glance at me before his gaze returned lovingly to Maddison.

The pain in my chest faded. In its place, my desire for vengeance took over.

"Today is a joyous day. I am blessed to witness my dear sister marry an ex I've decided to abandon.

"I hope their love lasts forever and ever, and that they are eventually blessed with children and a long life together.

"I would also like to thank everyone who's attending this wedding. Thank you for coming. God bless you!"

The crowd stirred again.

Someone started clapping. "Yay! No one is more blessed by this wedding than Mr. Jones himself! Congratulations, Mr. Jones!"

"Yeah! You did it, Mr. Jones!"

Their sarcasm wasn't lost on him. My father waved at the crowd to stop them from continuing.

Cameron was enraged. "How dare you humiliate us?!"

"I didn't humiliate anyone. Your daughter did the moment she stole my husband!" I retorted.

I was about to return the microphone and leave when Maddison grabbed it. "Wait, Taylor!"

I turned.

Maddison had let go of Edward and took my hand, leading me back to the center of the stage.

There, she began, "The person I want to thank most is actually my sister, Taylor.

"You see, I'm suffering from an incurable disease. I won't live forever. But if there's one wish I have… it's to marry the man I love, Edward Kennedy."