Chapter 2
He tilted his head, saw the pathetic state I was in, and actually let out a soft chuckle.[]
“Aurora Durand, did you really think that by charming my parents you could control my life? In your dreams. Let me tell you, no matter how many games you play, you’ll never be half the woman Stella is!”
I looked at the pure loathing in his eyes and could only find it laughable.[]
Our engagement had been arranged by our families when we were just kids.[]
He had never, not once, voiced any objection. Even after he started giving Stella more attention than he ever gave me, he never mentioned breaking things off
It was the Bernard family that pushed for the wedding.]
Back then, when Stella found out we were getting married, she threw a fit, crying and refusing to eat, making Felix and Gideon sick with worry.[]
To placate her, both of them started avoiding me completely.[]
During my last call to Gideon, I had asked him, “Gideon, do you actually want to get married or not
not?”
He was silent on the other end for a long time, until Stella’s tear–choked voice came through the line. “Gideon, honey, who are you talking to? Is that Aurora?“[]
e!“]
Only then did he hastily snap, “This is so annoying. Our families decided this ages ago, what’s there to even ask? Stop calling me!”
Mr. Bernard had told me not to worry, that he would handle the arrangements, and that he would persuade Gideon.[]
ne.]
Seeing Gideon like this, I figured he must have gotten an earful from his father and was now taking it out on me, deliberately trying to humiliate me.
I let out a low laugh, took the napkin from Felix’s hand, and gently wiped the wine from my
face.
*Aurora, Aurora, is your fiancé here yet? The officiant is ready to get you two on stage! You–oh my god! Your dress!“]]
My maid of honor, Eleanor Davis, rushed in frantically. The moment she took in the scene, she looked like she was about to faint.[]
Her almond–shaped eyes widened in disbelief. She looked from me to the two men, and the pieces instantly clicked into place.
You two sons of bitches, are you bullying Aurora again!“[]
Before her nails could find Gideon’s face, I shot out a hand and grabbed her arm.[]
Eleanor’s dad works for Gideon’s family company.[]
It wasn’t worth it. It so wasn’t worth it.[]
But Gideon seemed to misunderstand. Seeing me step between them, his expression flickered with a moment of stunned confusion.
Then, he lowered his voice.[]
11l give you two choices. One, you go through with the ceremony in this stained dress.”
“Two, you go apologize to Stella right now. If you can calm her down, I’ll announce the wedding is postponed and have a new dress rush–made for you. Your choice.”
He said he was giving me a choice, but the defiant look on his face told me he was just waiting for a fight.[]
Eleanor was so furious she started crying, staring at him with a murderous glare.[]
But I, from beginning to end, I didn’t show the slightest sign of anger.[]
I lifted my head and looked him straight in the eye.[]
“No, thank you, Mr. Bernard. My wedding dress–my mother made it for me before she died. I highly doubt you could find a designer better than her.“[]
Thud!
Behind me, Felix stumbled back into the vanity table. I turned to meet his utterly shell–shocked gaze.[]
His lips were trembling, moving but forming no words.
Chapter 2
I ignored him and turned back to Gideon. “So, as for your two options, I reject them both.“[]
