Chapter 2 Shattered Vows

Aviah's POV

Morning sunlight streamed through the window as August pounded on the door, his urgent calls now grating against my ears.

I remembered every detail of last night with painful clarity.

Part of me wanted to fling the door open and slap him across the face, to expose everything and watch him get embarrassed in front of everyone.

But I couldn't. If I did, the scandal wouldn't just destroy the Westerfield family—it would humiliate the Lynch family too.

Scarlett was my uncle's daughter. When his business failed, he had come seeking refuge with my father, Alexander Lynch.

My father, acknowledging their familial ties, had given them a home and brought my uncle into the company.

When Scarlett came of age, Alexander had arranged her marriage to Kevin.

Unfortunately, just a few years into their marriage, Kevin died tragically in a fire.

Now August was in love with his sister-in-law and had arranged for someone to rape me.

If this scandal came to light, both the Westerfield and Lynch families would become the laughingstock of Lakeview.

Such a disgrace couldn't befall the Lynch family. As the daughter of once-prominent businessman Alexander, I couldn't let our family name be dragged through the mud.

Swallowing my rage, I called out as neutrally as possible, "Just a minute, I'm almost ready."

The wedding ceremony began shortly after. Under the officiant's witness, we exchanged rings.

I held August's arm, displaying my practiced smile as we greeted relatives, friends, and various socialites.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen, but the most beautiful woman in Lakeview is now my wife. My apologies for stealing the goddess you've all been dreaming of," August announced to the crowd.

"Isn't that right? Aviah has always been an angel to me. I promise to protect her for the rest of my life."

"Trust me, I will love Aviah exclusively for the rest of my life. I won't even look at another woman."

August's praises and loving glances directed at me felt nothing but ironic.

Looking at his demeanor, I wondered if he even realized I had discovered everything last night.

Probably not. Otherwise, he couldn't possibly act this naturally.

While lost in thought, I heard gasps rippling through the crowd of guests.

Curious, I turned around to see what had captured everyone's attention. On the large screen that was supposed to display our wedding photos, there now played footage of a bedroom, where two naked bodies engaged in sex.

The screen displayed footage from last night—me with an indistinct man who was definitely not August.

The air grew thick with tension as all eyes turned toward me.

My head buzzed, and I stood frozen, unable to believe what I was seeing.

Whispers quickly turned to harsh judgments. People took photos. Others smirked coldly.

I knew then that the wedding was over, and my life had completely collapsed. Regardless of the truth, at that moment, I was cornered in an awkward spot.

Ralph Westerfield, August's father, shouted in fury, "Alexander, what is the meaning of this? On her wedding day, no less! Are you trying to destroy the Westerfield family?"

Alexander's face turned livid, his eyes burning with rage. He raised his hand and struck me hard across the face. I stumbled and fell, my cheek burning with pain as my ears rang.

Holding my face, I looked helplessly at my father. He had never hit me before. This was the first time.

His voice trembled with anger. "How could you do this? You've brought nothing but shame to our family!"

At that moment, Scarlett hurried over and said soothingly, "Uncle Alexander, please calm down. We haven't figured out what happened yet. Let's not jump to conclusions."

"Dad, listen to me. It's her—" I caught a glimpse of satisfaction in Scarlett's eyes as I furiously pointed at her.

Scarlett quickly interrupted me. "Aviah, I know you've always looked down on me because I used to live in your house, and if blaming me makes you feel better, I don't mind. Don't worry, I know this isn't your fault, and I'll make sure Uncle Alexander and everyone else forgives you."

Scarlett's feigned concern and words of apparent support made me feel nothing but disgust.

"Shut up, you bitch! You set me up!" I spat.

"Enough! The Lynch family doesn't have a daughter like you. Get out! From this day forward, you are no longer my daughter!" Alexander declared with cold finality and crushing disappointment before turning to leave.

I could only stare in shock as he walked away. I looked toward Ralph, who shot me a disgusted glare before also departing.

Finally, I turned to August. I saw confusion in his eyes, but in the end, he said nothing. His face hardened as he too turned and left.

Unable to bear the crushing weight of this betrayal, my mind barely functioning, I fled the scene.

As I stood on the street, not knowing where to go, Scarlett followed me.

I glared at her with undisguised hatred.

"You did all this! You set me up!"

Scarlett let out a soft laugh, clearly pleased with herself. "Aviah, what are you talking about? I don't understand."

Her laughter ignited the fury within me.

"Scarlett! Don't pretend! I know you installed that screen on the ceiling last night. You made that video! August doesn't know about any of this. You revealed everything to me behind his back. Weren't you afraid I'd expose it all during the wedding?"

Scarlett snickered. "Expose it? Let me tell you a little secret. The man who raped you last night wasn't actually arranged by August. I was worried the man he chose wouldn't have any STDs, so I specifically switched him behind August's back. The man who slept with you last night has sexually transmitted diseases. Go ahead! Go tell everyone that you, the only heiress of the Lynch family, were raped by a disease-ridden man on the night before your wedding. Go on! Say it! Tell everyone!"