Chapter 24
Soft music played in the grand room filled with guests. I stood by Caius‘ side, dressed in a perfect white gown, flanked by my family and loved ones. Today is my wedding day, the day I finally tie the knot with the man who loves me without a doubt.
I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. Everything was going smoothly. Suddenly, someone’s shout startled me.
“Althea!!!”
The loud voice split the room, making everyone turn their heads.
I froze. I didn’t. This can’t be.
I slowly turned my head and saw him. Damien, standing at the entrance with an angry
expression.
The room that had been full of laughter turned silent. Whispers began to be heard among the guests. Some coworkers who knew Damien immediately looked surprised, while others looked at him with an expression of disbelief.
Lucas who was standing not far away immediately moved, his expression full of anger.
“Damn it! He’s coming,” he swore as he strode over.
Damien walked at a brisk pace through the aisle between the guests‘ seats. His eyes were only on me, filled with madness and despair. I didn’t know what he was going to do. I hoped he wouldn’t ruin my dream party.
Several guards rushed to intercept him, but before they could stop him, he shouted, “Althea, don’t do this! Come back to me. I still love you very much.”
I clenched my left fist. Why couldn’t he accept reality? Where was the old Damien? The man who seemed ashamed to introduce me in public.
I turned to Caius who was standing beside me, he remained silent, but I could feel his body stiffen. I glanced at him, and although his face remained calm, the look in his eyes hinted at danger.
Then, something I never expected happened.
Damien dropped to his knees.
The room grew chaotic. Some guests were shocked, while others whispered excitedly, especially some of my former coworkers. It was only natural that they didn’t know about it at all, except for our best friend.
I squinted, holding back the disgust that was growing in my chest.
“I love you, Althea. I realize I made a big mistake. I was a fool to let you go. I can’t live without you,” he said. His face looked sad with reddened eyes.
I saw the shocked faces of both our families.
I looked at him with hatred. In the past, maybe I would have melted. But now? Of course,
- no.
Chanter 24
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I let go of Caius‘ hand and stepped forward, standing right in front of him. I could see the hope in his eyes as if he thought that I would choose him again.
I tried to be calm so that it wouldn’t appear that we had a past relationship, saying in a cold and firm voice, “Wake up, Damien! I don’t know what you mean?”
His face instantly changed. But I didn’t care.
“I don’t know what you want from me,” I said again, and this time with an annoyed face.
The whispers from the guests grew louder. I could hear some people wondering what the hell was going on.
Damien was wide–eyed, looking confused. “A–Althea… what do you mean?” he asked back with an astonished face.
I smiled a little but without any warmth at all.
“We don’t have any relationship, Damien. So, how come I have to go back to you? Don’t make nonsensical jokes!” I said sharply. I don’t even care about his feelings right now. It’s a good thing I was firm in saying so, there wasn’t the slightest tremor.
The room became even quieter. Everyone stared at us in surprise.
Lucas laughed sarcastically behind me. “This is a very enjoyable spectacle,”
Damien looked increasingly desperate. “No, that’s not true! Althea, you know that we were together!”
I gave him a sharp look as I replied, “Ever been together? When Damien? I don’t remember.”
Damien looked even more panicked. “Althea, please. I know I was wrong, but I’ll make it up to you. I’ll fix everything!”
I chuckled and then, said in a sharp voice, “You can’t fix something that never existed, Damien.”
His face immediately paled. I could see how reality was starting to hit him.
gave him a sharp look then in a cold voice, I said, “So, I’m asking you, don’t make a scene at my party.”
The whispers from the guests grew louder. Some of them looked at Damien with disgust, others just shook their heads slowly.
I could see some of Damien’s coworkers who used to know him, looking at him with expressions of disbelief and embarrassment.
Damien was silent. His mouth opened, but no words came out.
I could see how his confidence was shattered instantly.
Caius finally made his move. With a casual step, he took my hand and looked at Damien with a triumphant expression.
“I think you’ve made quite a spectacle, Mr. Damien.” His voice was cold, piercing straight into Damien’s pride.
“I’m not talking to you!” said Damien with a hateful look in his eyes.
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“Speak politely to my husband, Damien! You better get out of here!” I said in a stern tone. I hated it when he was insolent to Caius.
“I don’t know how much you used to love my wife. It might have been unrequited love. But, don’t ever claim to be with her if you don’t have any proof. Go away, I’m still kind to you!” Caius said with a serious face. The atmosphere was getting tense as he spoke.
I grasped his hand tightly. Caius turned his head and I gently rubbed his hand, trying to
calm him down.
Lucas snorted. “You better leave before I drag you out myself.”
Damien looked at me once more, searching for an answer he would never get.
Then, with a broken face, he stood up and walked away in utter embarrassment and with the rest of his pride shattered by my rejection.
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