Chapter 1

I stood on the stage alone in my wedding dress. I turned to the guests and gave a deep bow.

"Thank you all for attending my wedding. Unfortunately, there have been some last-minute changes.

"Bianca York will now take over Sandra Zimmer as the bride. I sincerely apologize, and please enjoy the night."

The room fell completely silent.

Gordon Abbott—the groom—stormed onto the stage and snatched the glass from my hand. "Sandra, what are you talking about? Today's our wedding. That was just a mistake!" His expression was unmistakably dark.

Upon hearing his words, I looked him straight in the eyes. With frustration simmering within me, I asked hoarsely, "Your assistant has worked with you for seven years. She was always meticulous with her work.

"Yet, she replaced our photos at our wedding with her prenatal screening report! You think that was a mistake?"

He said nothing. I knew he was not stupid. He must have known Bianca did it on purpose.

But even at our wedding, he still chose to protect her instead of defending his wife-to-be. As much as it hurts, I would not humiliate myself to finish this farce of a wedding.

"Gordon, we're done."

He froze, not believing what he had just heard.

"All I did was to accompany her for a prenatal checkup. Are you trying to break up with me over this trivial matter? Since when did you become so petty and selfish?"

He grew more agitated, his brow tightly knit. "We have been together for seven years. We've gone through so much together, and you're even pregnant with our child. How could you break up with me?"

That was when Bianca finally spoke up, gently taking Gordon's hand. "Mr. Abbott, don't be angry. This is all my fault.

"I must've upset Ms. Zimmer somehow. She didn't mean to announce the break-up and embarrass you in front of everyone like this.

"However, there are so many business partners here today. Ms. Zimmer, even if you no longer care about what Mr. Abbott had done for you, this isn't a time to cause a scene."

Gordon's expression turned darker with every word she said. He stared at me, and when he saw that I had no intention of backing down, his voice dropped low.

"I know you're not in the right mood now, but there are just too many partners here today. I will come up with an excuse to explain later. Bianca will help you finish this wedding, too.

"Go home, calm down, and stop acting like a child." He reached out and gently tidied the hair from my forehead. "There's no way we're breaking up, Sandra. You will always be mine, forever."

Bianca linked arms with Gordon, smirking at me mockingly. Just like that, they went off to toast the guest. It was as if nothing had happened.

I gently lowered my hand onto my abdomen, feeling my child inside me. Then, I looked around the venue. I planned every little detail of this wedding. Even the groom was someone I shaped with my own hands.

I let out a hollow laugh and turned to walk backstage.

Lilia Smith, who was my best friend, stood there in her bridesmaid dress. She quickly hung up the call when she saw me. "Is it time for the ring exchange? Should I go up now?"

She was busy with her start-up, so I let her stay backstage and just help with the rings when it was time.