Chapter 4

There were forty minutes left before the wedding ceremony officially began.

In the hotel's luxury lounge, Sophia sat before the vanity touching up her makeup.

Lucas leaned against the dresser holding a glass of champagne, occasionally leaning close to Sophia's ear to whisper something that made her giggle.

When I pushed the door open and walked in, the laughter stopped abruptly.

Several bridesmaids exchanged glances, their eyes full of unconcealed contempt and mockery.

"Why were you glaring at Lucas earlier?" Sophia glanced at me through the mirror, her tone cold and hard.

"He's been running around for our wedding and hasn't even eaten breakfast. Do you have no conscience?"

I walked to the sofa and sat down, my gaze sweeping over the scattered invitations on the table.

On one of the covers was clearly written "Benjamin Thompson."

That was Benjamin's full name.

"I wasn't glaring at him." I replied flatly, casually picking up a glass of water from the table.

"If you weren't glaring at him, why would he feel so wronged?" Sophia spun around abruptly, slamming her powder puff on the table.

"Ethan, don't think just because we're getting married today you can boss me around."

"Let me tell you — Lucas is the most important person in my life. If you can't accept him, we don't need to continue this marriage!"

Lucas immediately put on a wronged expression and tugged at Sophia's sleeve.

"Sophia, don't fight with Ethan because of me. It's such a happy day. I can take a little mistreatment as long as you're happy."

This manipulative speech immediately won the bridesmaids' sympathy.

"Exactly, Ethan, you're being way too petty."

"Sophia choosing you is a blessing you earned over eight lifetimes. Hurry up and apologize to Lucas!"

"Lucas studied abroad. He's more than good enough for your wife. What are you jealous about?"

I listened to these cutting remarks, my gaze falling on the trash can.

Inside lay several crumpled pieces of letter paper.

That was my wedding vow that I'd stayed up three nights revising over a dozen times.

I walked over, bent down, and picked up the crumpled paper.

"What are you doing?" Sophia wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I threw that away. What sappy garbage. So tacky I felt sick reading it."

"I'm reading my own vows later. I don't need your corny words."

She stood up and walked in front of me, jabbing her finger hard into my chest.

"Now, immediately, apologize to Lucas. Otherwise, during the ring exchange, you can stand on stage and embarrass yourself alone!"

She was certain I wouldn't dare resist.

After all, in everyone's eyes, I'd already invested so much sunk cost — eight hundred and eighty thousand in wedding expenses, a five-hundred-thousand-dollar IOU, and a hall full of guests.

I'd been pushed to the edge of a cliff. One step back would be an abyss.

I looked at her exquisite yet mean face and suddenly felt somewhat tragic.

What kind of trash had I fallen in love with these past three years?

"Apologize?" I smoothed out the crumpled paper bit by bit, folded it neatly, and put it in my suit pocket.

"Sure."

I turned to look at Lucas, my lips curling into an eerie smile.

"Lucas, I'm truly sorry. You've worked so hard today."

Lucas froze for a moment, clearly not expecting me to be this spineless, then broke into a smug smile.

"Ethan's too kind. We're all family from now on. Sophia's business is my business."

Only then did Sophia hum with satisfaction and return to her vanity.

"At least you know what's good for you. Go outside and check — make sure Benjamin's table is arranged properly. Don't neglect the VIP guests."

I turned and walked out of the lounge, closing the door behind me.

At the end of the hallway, my several groomsmen were waiting.

They weren't my friends, but professional bodyguards and a legal team I'd hired at a high price.

"Mr. Ethan, all evidence has been synced to the control room. We can cut to the big screen at any time." The lead bodyguard reported quietly.

"Have all the people at the 'special guest table' arrived?" I adjusted my tie.

"All present. Benjamin Thompson, trainer Ryan, and that intern Liam — eight people total, all at the front row VIP table."

I nodded, listening to the wedding march playing in the banquet hall.

That cheerful rhythm now sounded like a death knell counting down.

"It's time. The bride and groom are requested to enter." The emcee's voice came through the walkie-talkie.

The lounge door opened. Sophia walked out on her father Robert's arm like a noble princess.

Lucas followed behind her, holding the tray with the rings.

As Sophia passed me, she whispered a warning.

"Ethan, hold onto the ring properly. Don't embarrass yourself later."

I looked at her, a smile reaching my eyes for the first time.

"Don't worry. Today will definitely be the most unforgettable moment of your life."