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11:47 AM
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The ugly, contorted look on his face was almost comical. I couldn’t help but laugh.
This laugh seemed to infuriate Phoenix even more. He violently threw the mangled bouquet to the ground, roaring, “Do you know today is our wedding day?!”
I rubbed my eyes, extremely irritated at having my hangover disturbed.
My tone was equally harsh: “Didn’t I tell you the wedding’s off?! We’re breaking up, don’t you understand?!”
Phoenix’s eyes were bloodshot, as if he was desperately trying to contain his anger. Finally, he squeezed his eyes shut and said through gritted teeth, “Get dressed and come with me right now. I’ll pretend nothing happened. I can forgive you this one time.”
I don’t know how he got the impression I was some lovesick girl who couldn’t leave him. I had just taken our relationship seriously, and he assumed I couldn’t live without him!
I glanced over the groomsmen behind him, who all looked like they were enjoying the show to some degree.
“Phoenix! You’re the one who did something wrong. Do you want to discuss your relationship with Lydia right here?” I said coldly.
“Get lost now! We’re over, understand?!” I shouted.
Phoenix was stunned for a moment before his expression changed drastically. He no longer had his previous arrogant air. His eyes darted around as he avoided my gaze, but he didn’t leave. His tone softened.
“You misunderstood. It’s my fault. I should have explained things to you earlier,” he said.
“You can hit me or yell at me later if you want. Today is our wedding day, the most important day of our lives. All our family and friends are waiting for us. Please don’t make a scene. Just come with me, okay?” he pleaded.
He shook his head and smiled bitterly, his expression earnest, as if I was the one being unreasonable.
This man could change his tune so quickly. He was quite the smooth operator.
I could see the groomsmen giving me disapproving looks. One of Phoenix’s close friends even tried to persuade me.
“Come on, sis. Today’s not the day to throw a tantrum. You can do whatever you want after the wedding,” he said.
Very well. If Phoenix wanted to force my hand, I’d play along. But whatever happened next would be on him.
I nodded. “Fine. Wait here.”
I quickly washed up and threw on a dress before heading out. Phoenix asked where I was going to do my makeup and change into my wedding dress, but I refused. His face darkened, but he couldn’t do anything about it.
At the hotel, only Phoenix’s family and friends were there. Although my relatives and friends didn’t know exactly what had happened, they knew I had canceled the wedding.
Seeing me arrive dressed so casually, the guests‘ expressions became quite meaningful.
Several aunties immediately started criticizing me.
“How can you throw a tantrum over such an important event like your wedding? You’re so willful. Only Phoenix would put up with this. Anyone else would have left you by now.”
“Exactly! All these guests are waiting here. If you didn’t want to get married, why did you wait until now?!”
“Alright, alright. Cora’s here now, isn’t she?” Mrs. Brown interjected, taking my arm and leading me to sit at the main table.
Her face showed no signs of displeasure. She even asked me, “You silly girl, we were so worried when we couldn’t reach you. Did Phoenix upset you? Tell us, and we’ll teach him a lesson.”
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11:47 AM
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Mr. Brown also chimed in gently, “That’s right, we’re on your side.”
Phoenix’s parents had always been very good to me. Marrying into their family wouldn’t have involved any mother–in–law issues at all. Mrs. Brown was an especially considerate and tolerant woman, and Mr. Brown was a kind and generous man.
But Phoenix had cheated. I could never forgive that, no matter what.
I remained silent for a moment.
Mrs. Brown probably thought I was still upset. She spoke earnestly, “Cora, listen to me. Go get your makeup done and change into your dress. I promise I’ll make Phoenix apologize to you later!”
“Yes, don’t ruin this joyous day,” Mr. Brown agreed.
I let out a long sigh. At that moment, I wanted to explain everything properly to Phoenix’s parents and resolve this peacefully.
But someone’s arrival interrupted me.
Lydia floated in wearing a flowing red chiffon dress, looking delicate and pretty. She smiled slightly, her gaze challenging as she looked at me. Her elaborate makeup contrasted sharply with my bare face.
The rhythmic clicking of her high heels attracted everyone’s attention.
“I hope I’m not late. Congratulations on your wedding, Miss Cora,” she said sweetly.
