The next two days flew by in a whirlwind, setting the stage for the most scandalous wedding the city had ever seen. Despite the short notice, guests eagerly arrived at the beachfront resort, drawn by the prospect of witnessing the downfall of the most notorious fake heiress in their society.
The ceremony was set against a magnificent ocean backdrop, with waves gently lapping at the pristine sandy beach. Neatly arranged chairs and tables lined the balcony, offering a perfect sunset view. A heart-shaped wooden frame adorned with vibrant blooms served as the picturesque stage for the couple. Lanterns hung from palm trees, casting a warm glow as the soft hum of waves provided a serene soundtrack.
Sophia dressed in a sleek red dress that exuded authority and malice, roamed around the venue, acting as if she had arranged everything herself, though the Wrights hadn't spent a penny for this wedding. She couldn't help but smile at the setup for the chaos she had orchestrated.
"Seriously, Annabelle?" Sophia grumbled as Annabelle approached her, walking steadily. "This is an important day. Don't cause any trouble!" Sophia glared at her sweet daughter, adjusting the splint on her right wrist. She wanted nothing to spoil the fun of finally throwing Evelyn out of the Wright family. Not her own puppets at least!
"Isn't it suspicious that she agreed to the marriage so easily?" Annabelle asked for the umpteenth time, her brows furrowed. She couldn't shake off the odd feeling, especially after seeing that handsome man, the richest tycoon according to Vincent, save Evelyn at the boutique. It added more pieces to the puzzle.
"She realized there's no escape and accepted her fate," Sophia replied smugly, her overconfident smirk dismissing any concerns.
"But—"
"Quit ruining my mood. Go find your lover boy; he's our main actor today," Sophia snapped, pushing Annabelle toward the entrance. This day would become a nightmare for Evelyn, and for the first time in decades, Sophia missed Evelyn's real mother.
"Only if you were here, Mrs. Margaret Wright," she mumbled, looking up at the sky with a smirk before walking downstairs to welcome the guests.
———
In the bride's room, Evelyn stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression betraying her nervousness. Avery had called to inform her they had left the city and would be there before the vows, but Evelyn's heart still pounded erratically.
Felicia walked in, wearing a royal blue dress. She couldn't help but admire Evelyn in her wedding gown. If only Evelyn hadn't turned out to be the fake daughter, Felicia would have been the proudest mother-in-law today.
Clicking her tongue, she commented, "If you had been a little patient, you would have been marrying my son, Evelyn."
"Stop rubbing salt in her wounds, Felicia," came a hoarse voice from the door. They turned to see a 70-year-old man standing in a brown suit.
"Father-in-law," Felicia quickly bowed, not expecting Edmund Blake to attend the wedding. As he gestured for her to leave with his eyes, she gritted her teeth and walked out.
"Grandpa Edmund," Evelyn greeted him with a small smile. The old man smiled back, his expression one of guilt and pain.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you more," Edmund said, gently patting Evelyn's head. She was the spitting image of her mother, Margaret. How could William ignore the resemblance and blindly believe those fake reports?
"Rest assured, Grandpa," Evelyn mumbled, holding his hand. She leaned closer and whispered with a smirk, "It's finally my turn to pay them back."
Edmund blinked, looking at her in confusion. "Whoever tried to dig dirt on me will regret it today," Evelyn added in a low voice, her determined eyes intriguing the old man. Oh, how he would love to see her in her villain era!
"I'll go grab the best spot for the show then," Edmund joked, causing Evelyn to chuckle and nod. As he walked out, she turned back to the mirror, taking a deep breath and hoping everything would go according to plan.
———
[An hour later]
The guests gasped as Evelyn stood beside William at the end of the makeshift aisle. She looked stunning from every angle, and even Vincent, catering to Annabelle, couldn't take his eyes off her.
William reluctantly held out his hand, and Evelyn took his arm like every daughter should on her wedding day. Cameras clicked as they started walking down the aisle, with Nicholas clad in a black suit standing on the stage.
Evelyn looked at each face relishing her suffering: her scheming stepmother, the so-called real heiress, her ex and his family, and everyone else who had once praised her to the skies when she was still the pampered princess of the Wrights. She couldn't wait to slap them with the biggest shock of their lives.
"Don't try anything funny. This wedding will take place at all costs," William warned, his voice low but full of hatred. His fatherly instincts told him Evelyn was up to something again.
Evelyn scoffed softly at his words, trying to remain unaffected. "We are strangers after this marriage, Mr. Wright. And… I hope you will stop resenting me for your wife's death," she said, trying to sound as mean as she could.
William glanced at her, his brows furrowing deeply, but he quickly changed it into a smile as the photographer snapped a picture. They reached the end of the aisle, and he stepped back, allowing Evelyn to face Nicholas.
Evelyn's nose wrinkled as Nicholas came forward, extending his right hand. He reeked of alcohol, but the bandage around his left hand, particularly his fingers, brought a small smile to her lips. It must have been John, she thought. Ignoring his extended palm, she stood beside the pastor.
Nicholas scorned her attitude, but an evil grin quickly replaced it. He would make sure to bend her to his will after this marriage. Standing in front of her, he waited for the pastor to begin the ceremony.
"We all have—"
"Cut the crap and get to the point," Nicholas grumbled, cutting off the old man. Everyone in the room could understand his impatience to marry such a stunning woman and claim her. Many men couldn't help but envy this insolent drunkard.
The pastor frowned, holding back his irritation as the groom glared at him. Rubbing his nose, he moved to the main vows. "Do you, Nicholas Blake, take Evelyn Wright to be your lawfully wedded wife? To—"
"I do!" Nicholas cut off the pastor again, causing the guests to snicker and shake their heads.
Evelyn's heart raced, not expecting things to move so rapidly. This was not how they had planned it! The fact that Zevian hadn't shown up yet raised her blood pressure. She clutched her gown tightly, ready to go with Plan B.
"Do you, Evelyn Wright—"
Before the pastor could continue, William's voice boomed through the venue. "Mr. Reign!" he exclaimed, getting up from his front seat and running toward the entrance.
Even a few guests stood up, surprised to see Zevian and Avery attending this marriage. Evelyn heaved a sigh of relief, her eyes locking with Zevian's before a small smile spread across her face.
Just his arrival was enough to halt this one heck of a wedding, and she couldn't wait to see everyone's reaction to his next surprise.
"I wasn't expecting you to attend on such short notice, Mr. Reign," William murmured excitedly, thinking Zevian was here to respect their recent collaboration. He then acknowledged Avery beside him with a nod, believing her to be there at Evelyn's invitation.
"Please, come have a seat. The wedding has just started."
"I am not here as a guest, Mr. Wright," Zevian declared curtly, his eyes shifting to Evelyn on the stage.
William's smile faltered. "I'm sorry, what do you—"
With a small, confident smile, Zevian cut him off. "I am here to replace the groom and marry your daughter."
The crowd erupted into chaos, murmurs and whispers blending with the background jazz music. No one could dismiss it as a prank since the Zevian Reign made such a brazen demand. But why Evelyn? Even the Wrights and the Blakes stood dumbfounded, unable to comprehend.
Edmund Blake broke into a small smile and glanced at Evelyn, who shrugged in response, making the old man chuckle. He sipped his wine, anticipating more surprises.
Felicia was the first to break the silence. She sneered, clapping her hands, and mocked, "Woah, Evelyn! You've indeed surpassed your prostitute mother in seducing men!"
Scornful gazes turned toward Evelyn, the guests eager to spew more venom. But it still didn't make sense. Zevian Reign, a virtuous iceberg, was devoted to his dead wife and impervious to any woman's advances. Rumors about how his mother kept sending women to his house while he was abroad, but none had succeeded in even entering his room were well known. Either Evelyn was exceptional at seduction or there was more to it.
Felicia threw a glare at Evelyn before stomping down the aisle toward Zevian. "Looks like you haven't been reading the news, Mr. Reign. Let me wake you up to reality," she said, her voice dripping with malice. " She has been cheating on her fiancé with his uncle just to get shares in our company. Do you still wish to marry such a scheming bitch?"
"Yes," Zevian replied without hesitation.
Felicia's smirk vanished, and so did Sophia's, who had been silently watching in glee. Guests suppressed their laughs, and even Avery pressed her lips together, relishing Felicia's pale expression.
Composing herself, Avery took a step forward and asked, "Do you have any solid proof for such brazen claims, Mrs. Blake?"
Felicia's confidence returned to her face. Raising her chin, she answered, "Yes! She was caught entering the Nexus Hotel with Nick!"
Avery shook her head, snickering in disbelief. Crossing her arms, she replied, "Oh, you mean the picture you doctored and sent to the paparazzi? Don't worry, Mrs. Blake, we've already sent it to the police. They are investigating it thoroughly."
Felicia's face blanched at the face of truth. Even the guests exchanged glances and murmurs, shocked by the twist. Everyone knew Avery wouldn't speak without proof, especially not with Zevian Reign involved.
"W-what do you mean?" Felicia stammered, turning toward the bride and groom. "The photo was not edited, Ms. Cartwell! She was with him that night! Right, Nick?"
Nicholas nodded, sweat trickling down his forehead as he felt Zevian's murderous glare on him.
"Are you sure it was Evelyn and not Annabelle, Mr. Blake?" Avery's question sent the crowd into another uproar. "According to your own driver, you were too drunk to differentiate anyone that night."
"Ms. Cartwell! Mind your words when you speak about my daughter." William stepped forward this time, frustration etched on his face. Glaring at Avery, he continued, "And what proof do you have for such nonsense?"
"Evelyn was with me that night, Mr. Wright," Zevian calmly replied, dropping another bombshell. Felicia looked as if she might faint. What better proof does any need than this ruthless devil's confession?
"W-what do you mean?" William stammered, his eyes darting between Evelyn, Annabelle, and Zevian. The guests, now completely engrossed, leaned in to catch every word.
"We don't have time to explain all the details, Mr. Wright." Avery stepped forward to reply. "To summarize, Evelyn was set up by the Blake family and your sweet daughter to marry this moron. Her drinks were spiked that night, and she entered the wrong suite—Zevian's suite—leading to their fateful encounter."
"You will see a detailed press note from Reign Constructions soon." Turning to Annabelle, Avery added, "And also from the police, who are almost done investigating what really happened that night."
If the Blakes could cook a story and manipulate the paparazzi, Avery could easily bring a better script and use Zevian to clear Evelyn's name. Power ruled this world, and even the government would step up to help if the CEO of Reign Constructions was involved.
"So, since Zevian was with Evelyn that night, he is here to take responsibility and marry her," Avery concluded, leaving the crowd intrigued. It felt like the Blakes had accidentally dug up their own grave while trying to bury Evelyn alive with Nicholas.
Annabelle moved closer to Sophia and grumbled, "I told you to take her silence seriously! Now bear the consequences, Mom."
Sophia glared at her before looking at her husband's back. At her suggestion, Nicholas had traded half of his Blake company's shares to William in exchange for Evelyn. So, even if Evelyn's name were cleared, she would not be saved from this disastrous marriage. A smirk lifted her spoiled mood when William spoke again.
"Even if Evelyn is innocent, she will still marry Nicholas, Mr. Reign. I promised Nicholas, and I cannot go back on my words." Even the guests found it absurd, but the one who was hurt the most was Evelyn. He was simply setting the bar high for toxic fathers.
Zevian raised an eyebrow, amused that this old man still had the guts to say no to him. Even Avery fumed with frustration and grumbled, "Are you hearing yourself, Mr. Wright? Even if she is not your daughter, you can't just—"
"Consider our collaboration canceled, Mr. Wright," Zevian cut off Avery, his words sending another wave of shock through the crowd. Calmly placing his hands back into his pockets, he added, "Reign Constructions will no longer be working on your resort project."
When William's face paled in horror, Zevian continued, "And I will make sure no one else does."
Even Evelyn wasn't expecting Zevian to be this serious. All she wanted was for this marriage to stop, but it seemed like he had come with the major intention of marrying her rather than just canceling the wedding.
Avery observed not just Vincent's but also Sophia's face blanch at Zevian's words, and she smirked in victory. This was just the beginning; they would be living in hell in the coming days. Turning to William, she fueled his panic, "We don't have much free time, Mr. Wright. Either stop this marriage or watch your company go bankrupt."
Sophia's expression darkened completely, not anticipating such a twist even in her wildest dreams. She thought Zevian was only here at Avery's plea to save her best friend and wasn't expecting him to be this serious, to the point of threatening them.
"No, I can't let her win!" she muttered under her breath, her glare fixed on Evelyn, who looked like Margaret for a split second.
She looked around, her eyes fixed on the champagne bottle on their table. Quickly picking it up, she moved closer to the stage and rolled it down in a way that the bottle stopped right beside Nicholas's feet.
Nicholas looked down, feeling something hit his shoe. A frown grimaced his face, wondering who was in the mood for drinking in such a disaster. When his glazed eyes met Sophia's, who was gesturing toward Evelyn, a mischievous glint enveloped them.
Without thinking, he picked up the bottle and hit it directly on the pastor's head.
People nearby screamed as blood poured out of the poor pastor's head, his hand reaching to touch it as the wine bottle broke into shards. He stumbled back as Nicholas stepped forward, his intention of killing someone quite clear in his expression.
Before Evelyn could escape, he roughly grabbed her with his bandaged hand. Placing the sharp edge of the broken bottle to her neck, he tightened his grip and sneered, "It was you who planned this, right?"
When Zevian rushed, Nicholas pressed the broken edge closer to Evelyn's neck, causing everyone to halt and hold their breaths. Turning to Evelyn, he continued, "Now I will give you two options, Evelyn. Either marry me or die!"
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