Chapter 23
In the days that followed, I kept a close eye on the Internet.
As expected, some bloggers dredged up the Aetherion Biosciences corruption case from years ago.
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With the help of a few influencer accounts, the decades–old scandal suddenly resurfaced, dominating headlines across every
major platform.
Ethan didn’t send me any more threatening mes
would understand his intent.
- s. He knew I
Maybe he was still perched on his imaginary throne, waiting for
me to crawl back, begging for forgiveness.
But this time, I refused to play his game. I ignored him completely,
even as my wedding day arrived.
Of course, Ethan wasn’t one to back down so easily.
He showed up at my wedding, bringing Amber along, as if they
were honored guests.
Julian’s expression darkened. “Mr. Ward, I don’t recall inviting you
to my wedding.”
Ethan replied with a casual smile, “Surely it’s not inappropriate
for an ex–husband to congratulate his former wife on her new
Chapter 23
Though his words were aimed at Julian, his eyes never left me.
I knew that look.
A mix of awe and possessiveness, tinged with regret.
It must’ve been the first time he’d ever seen me in a wedding
dress. Our marriage had been a secret–there had been no
ceremony, no gown.
Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I replied coolly, “Well, a guest is a guest. Mr. Ward, please, come in.”
Ethan stared at me, his feet rooted in place.
Amber, her face pale, tugged on his arm, forcing him to move. Reluctantly, he followed her inside.
Julian’s gaze burned with menace as he watched Ethan walk
away.
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I waved a hand in front of his face. “Don’t make that expression.
You’ll scare the guests.”
Julian’s scowl morphed instantly into a smile. “My love, I want to
gouge out his eyes.”
Looping my arm through his, I smiled at arriving guests while whispering, “Not yet. Don’t ruin the big plan.”
I knew Ethan was here to stir up trouble. But that was fine. I had
plans of my own–bigger ones.
Chapter 23
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I let them sit in the front row. I even allowed Amber to live–stream
the event.
What I didn’t anticipate was Ethan pushing Amber forward to
create a scene.
Just as Julian and I were about to exchange rings, Amber stood
up suddenly.
“To all the guests here today, and to everyone watching my
livestream, I have a bombshell announcement!”
Her voice rang out, silencing the room.
“The bride, Clara Bennett, world–famous dancer, has a dirty little
secret. Her parents are none other than the masterminds behind
the Aetherion Biosciences scandal–the very people responsible
for the deaths of over twenty patients! Clara herself is the
company’s heir.”
Amber’s words dropped like a grenade into the room, sending shockwaves of whispers and gasps through the crowd.
Ethan watched me intently, his eyes glinting with twisted
excitement.
Was this what he wanted?
To shatter my dignity? To take pleasure in my humiliation?
I met his gaze evenly.
Chapter 23
In the prolonged silence between us, he finally looked away.
There was no guilt in his expression, none at all.
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The last remnants of affection I might’ve held for him disintegrated
into nothing.
Calmly, I picked up the microphone. “She’s right.”
I continued, “Today is my wedding day–the most important day
of my life. So I’d like to take this opportunity to do something even
more important.”
I squeezed Julian’s hand and nodded toward an assistant waiting
in the wings. “Play the video.”
The promotional wedding reel on the screen abruptly switched.
In its place played a 30–minute exposé–a montage of evidence.
All around me, I could hear guests‘ gasps and angry murmurs. On stage, Amber clutched Ethan’s arm, her face pale and trembling.
And Ethan?
He stood frozen amidst the crowd, his face a mask of devastation.
This was the moment everything flipped. Today, we traded places.
I wondered if he regretted it now.
Chapter 23
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“Stop staring,” Julian whispered, gently shielding my eyes with his
hand. “You’re marrying me now.”
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