3
I smiled back. How lovely she looked in that red dress, just like the star of the wedding.
Lydia casually walked over to the main table and sat down in the seat next to me that should have been Phoenix’s.
As she bent to sit down, a flash of light at her neck caught my eye. I couldn’t help but look closer.
I thought my heart had already turned to ice, but apparently it could freeze a few more degrees.
It was a diamond ring, identical to my wedding ring. I had personally designed that style – there was only one in the whole world.
Now it hung around the neck of this homewrecker.
If my wedding had gone ahead as planned, I don’t know what kind of ring Phoenix would have given me.
But whether he found a random replacement or took it off his assistant’s neck, it was utterly disgusting.
I guess I still couldn’t help feeling angry. I dug my nails into my palms, trying not to lose my composure.
Just then, Phoenix walked in with the officiant.
“Isn’t the bride wearing a wedding dress? A red dress is fine too, very pretty,” the officiant said approvingly.
He clearly thought Lydia, in her red dress and full makeup, was the pouting bride.
Lydia glanced at me, then acted embarrassed. “Oh no, I’m not the bride today. Please don’t be upset, Miss Cora,” she said, waving her hands.
Phoenix strode over, looking furious. He demanded, “Why haven’t you gone to do your makeup and change? Do you not care about our wedding at all?!”
He reached out to grab me.
Mrs. Brown quickly intervened, scolding Phoenix, “Phoenix, watch your tone! There’s no need to be so harsh.”
Lydia chimed in, “That’s right, Miss Cora is just being a little willful. Mr. Brown, you should coax her. Don’t let it ruin the wedding.”
Phoenix got even angrier, clearly frustrated in front of all the guests. He pointed at me and said, “Cora, your tantrums have limits. Go change
11:47 AM
<
Lydia stood up and patted Phoenix’s arm soothingly. “Don’t be angry. I’ll help you greet the guests and apologize while Miss Cora gets ready.”
“Why don’t you just finish the whole wedding for him while you’re at it,” I said coldly.
I was done pretending everything was fine. Clearly there was no way to resolve this calmly today.
I made a snap decision and announced loudly, “I’m sorry everyone had to see this farce. Please enjoy the food and drinks, but Phoenix and I are officially breaking up as of today. You’re all witnesses.”
“How long are you going to keep this up?!” Phoenix glared at me furiously.
Lydia looked very anxious and even stamped her foot. Her high heel made a crisp sound against the floor. “Miss Cora, please don’t misunderstand. I just meant I’d help greet the guests. I didn’t mean anything else,” she said.
She was quite the experienced manipulator. I crossed my arms and coldly watched her performance.
“You’re not just greeting guests for me. Didn’t you consummate the marriage for me too?” I said.
Lydia seemed very pleased with my reaction. A flash of smug triumph crossed her eyes before she quickly put on an expression of utter wronged innocence.
“Miss Cora, you really misunderstand me,” she said.
Slap!
The little vixen was quite the actress, but I had no interest in playing along with her act.
