Chapter 1

Security grabbed my shoulder, and only then did the realization finally hit me.This was another cruel joke.Easton Carter quickly pushed the guards away, forcing a smile and saying to the guests, "Sorry, everyone. Big misunderstanding! She's my friend. Just a little prank today."After the security guards left while grumbling, Easton smoothed the wrinkles on my dress as if he were concerned."Wanda, are you okay?"His friends burst out laughing."You really nailed it, Easton! One phone call and she came running!""No kidding. This dress looks expensive. Didn't you say you got her a 99-dollar dress online?""She really is a lovesick fool. She paid for her own wedding dress! She must be desperate to marry you!"The spotlight in the banquet hall lit up my face. The murmuring among the guests grew louder, each word worse than the last.I felt my heart sink lower and lower.Easton raised his hand and pretended to scold his friends, "Wanda did me a huge favor today. Show her some

Chapter 2

Tina suddenly grabbed my hand. "Wanda, this diamond ring is huge!"Easton glanced at it and scoffed. "She probably bought it off some bargain app. Synthetic diamonds are dirt cheap these days."One of his friends, Tony Spencer, chimed in, grinning widely. "Exactly, Wanda, don't be so vain. If you're so desperate to get married and Easton's out of your league, I might as well do you a favor!"As he reached out with his yellowed teeth flashing, trying to touch my hand, I slapped him away hard. "Get lost!"His face twisted in anger. He spat at the floor and cursed. "You think you're so special? I was just being nice, but clearly, you don't deserve it! You really think I would want you?"Seeing this, Easton flared up. "Wanda, do you think I've been too soft with you? How dare you talk to my friend like that?"Watching his face flush with rage, I felt my heart turn colder.No matter what I gave to him, in his eyes, I would never matter more than Tina. Even his useless friends could humiliat

Chapter 3

Dressed in a black tuxedo, he made the dazzling stage look dull by comparison.Tony, who had mocked me, gaped. "Wow! Wanda, you really splurged this time. You hired an actor that handsome? Not bad. He's on par with Easton—"But before he could finish his sentence, Tina spoke in a trembling voice. "Mr... Mr. Hackett? Is it really you?"Tina worked for one of Gavin's business partners. She was always throwing herself at him, enamored by his wealth and looks.When she heard he was getting married, she dragged a whole group over just to cause a scene.Easton was so stunned that he dropped his e-cigarette on the floor. "He's the Gavin Hackett you were talking about?"I didn't respond. I simply reached out my hand and placed it gently in Gavin's.As I stepped onto the stage, I glanced back one last time at the crowd below.Easton still hadn't recovered. He stood there stiff and motionless, his eyes bloodshot beneath the shadow that fell over him.I suddenly remembered something.There was a

Chapter 4

Easton stormed up the stage in just a few steps and grabbed my hand."Wanda, haven't you caused enough of a scene? Come down with me."Gavin shoved him back and stepped forward to shield me."She's my wife. What do you think you're doing?"Easton's bloodshot eyes held contempt as he spat, "Wife? Buddy, you're just a prop! She's using you to get to me! Wake up, man. You've been played!"Then, he turned to me, his voice suddenly softening. "Alright, Wanda, that's enough. Come with me now, and I'll let the whole prank slide."Gavin's expression darkened. "You've said enough. I tolerated you because you're her friend. But if you don't get off this stage right now, I'll call security. This is our wedding, not a prank!"I tugged on Gavin's sleeve gently and said in a quiet voice, "Sorry, Gavin. It's my fault. I should've made things clearer to him earlier."Then, I looked Easton in the eye and said firmly, "Take a good look at the guests sitting down there. Do I look like I'm here to

Chapter 5

I continued calmly, "I know you misunderstood, so here, why don't you check for yourself? Did I ever set that post to be only visible to you?"Easton swayed on his feet as if he might collapse at any second.Tina ran up in a panic. "Easton, just let her go! If she wants to marry someone else, let her! Let's leave!"Tears welled in her eyes as she looked unwillingly toward Gavin, her gaze full of envy.She stepped forward, trying to grab Easton's hand like some final show of possession, but he shoved her away hard."This is between Wanda and me. You stay out of it!"You couldn't win over Gavin, so you dragged me into ruining his wedding. Well, I'm not like you. Wanda's always loved me!"He didn't even glance at Tina's stunned face. Stumbling, he walked over and reached out his hand toward me."Wanda, I regret everything. Please, don't marry him."Whatever you want, I'll give it to you! I promise I won't have anything to do with Tina again. Didn't you propose to me 99 times? Let

Chapter 6

After an exhausting day, I collapsed onto the bed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gavin loosening his tie. I suddenly sat up, eyes lowered, not daring to look him in the eye."I'm sorry, Gavin. Our wedding turned into a mess."After all, it was our special day, yet another man had caused such a scene. Anyone would feel a little bothered."If you regret it, I would totally understand. I won't blame you—"Before I could finish, he leaned in and kissed me, silencing me completely.When the deep kiss ended, I finally caught my breath and met his gaze, filled with affection."I've waited so long to finally have you," he said softly. "Don't even think about getting away now."I was stunned."What do you mean you waited so long?"We had met not long ago through a blind date. Gavin fell for me at first sight and proposed before we'd even seen each other more than a few times.My parents' friends had introduced us, and my parents were thrilled.I happened to be looking for a way