บท 7: Who was the groom?

The next day, Evelyn reluctantly accompanied Annabelle to the wedding boutique. She had arrived home late the previous afternoon to find out that Elias had been sent to their beach house in Velera City. She was relieved, knowing Elias would have opposed her plans, especially Zevian's involvement.

During the journey, Annabelle chattered excitedly about visiting the renowned store for the first time, but Evelyn's mind was elsewhere, stuck on the events at Zevian's home.

Even as Zevian tried to console his daughter, Kiana, the girl's tears had created chaos, only ceasing when Evelyn reluctantly agreed to consider becoming her mommy. Despite understanding the kid's yearning for a mother, she couldn't come to terms with Zevian's rescue plan for her. Rumors claimed he still loved his late wife, explaining his insistence on raising Kiana alone in a distant country, making it even harder to agree.

"Oh, this place is gorgeous!" Annabelle's delighted squeal pierced Evelyn's thoughts as they entered La Belle Mariée, a grand boutique behind gilded gates. The lavish interior, adorned with crystal chandeliers and elegant floral arrangements, spoke of exclusivity, catering only to the wealthiest clients.

Evelyn frowned upon seeing not just Nicholas, her soon-to-be husband, and Vincent waiting for them in the lounge. Annabelle coyly smiled at Nicholas, prompting him to rush over to her.

"Did you have to drag her along?" Vincent glowered at Evelyn, who had been informed that she had forced Annabelle to come. The last bit of sympathy he had for Evelyn vanished when Nicholas confessed she had indeed been sleeping with him, plotting to marry if he broke their engagement. And he couldn't wait to see her marry his uncle, believing she deserved it for what she did to poor Annabelle.

"It's okay, Vin. I was the one who insisted on coming along," Annabelle said with a pout. Although she was telling the truth, Vincent didn't believe her and continued glaring at Evelyn.

"I am glad you came along, Miss Wright," Nicholas interjected, standing beside Evelyn. He suddenly hugged her waist and pulled her closer.

"You might try some gowns for your future wedding. Right, darling?"

Evelyn struggled to free herself from his grip, her discomfort evident. Nicholas, in his early fifties, had thinning hair clinging desperately to his scalp. His bulbous nose dominated his round face, and his smile, framed by crooked teeth, made Annabelle pity Evelyn for ending up with such a grotesque creature.

"Let's go! I am so excited for this date," Annabelle mumbled, turning to Vincent. As if it was a slip of the tongue, she instantly lowered her head and blushed, making Vincent smile. He nodded and helped her toward the dressing room, leaving Evelyn to be dragged by Nicholas.

The gown selection was a nightmare for Evelyn. More than the couple's lovey-dovey antics, she couldn't handle Nicholas's lustful stares.

"So, the total expenditure would be around..." Nicholas droned on, his hand squeezing Evelyn's shoulder. His touch was so overtly inappropriate that even the staff exchanged uncomfortable glances. Evelyn glanced at Vincent on the couch, feeling a surge of rage at how they seemed to relish her discomfort.

The manager continued explaining as a staff member brought a tea tray. An idea flashed in Evelyn's mind, and she sighed inwardly, having found a perfect way to distance herself and teach Nicholas a lesson.

As the worker finished pouring the tea, Evelyn accepted the cup with a smile. She pretended to sip the tea before "accidentally" spilling the entire cup onto Nicholas's lap, eliciting gasps from everyone around.

"What the fuck?!" Nicholas stood up, his grey pants stained with tea. The tea had spilled directly onto his crotch, causing him to panic and cry.

"I am so sorry, honey!" Evelyn faked a gasp, placing the cup down and retreating a few steps. She shrugged as Nicholas glared at her, hastily rubbing his pants as the manager handed him some tissues.

"Oh, no! You must hurry to the hospital, Mr. Blake." Avery's voice boomed from the entrance, surprising everyone. The manager quickly went to greet her, recognizing her as not just Zevian's cousin but also the only daughter of a popular politician, Mr. Theodore Cartwell.

Avery walked over and stood protectively beside Evelyn. She glared at the couple on the couch before returning her attention to Nicholas.

"What are you still standing there for, Mr. Blake?" She glanced pointedly at his pants. "Don't you want to save your tiny little companion?"

The staff suppressed laughter at her remark, while Nicholas's face darkened with anger. Before he could retort, Evelyn chimed in, her comment sent the entire room into muffled laughs.

"It's no use saving it. He's infertile anyway."

Avery broke into a smile and continued the drama. "Right? Isn't that why his wife divorced him a few years ago?" Clicking her tongue, she added, "Poor him."

"You bitch!" Nicholas yelled, his voice echoing through the hall. The bemused gazes and suppressed laughs only fueled his anger. Throwing the tissues aside, he grabbed the kettle of hot tea and marched toward Evelyn, intending to throw it at her since he couldn't afford to target her influential best friend, Avery.

Evelyn didn't have the time to react as Nicholas suddenly threw the tea in her direction. But before the hot liquid could touch her, she felt a pair of strong hands on her shoulders. She instantly opened her eyes, wide and shocked, as Zevian hissed in pain as the liquid hit his back.

"Are you alright?" he asked, even though he was the one who took the blow for her. Evelyn nodded, still in shock.

"You bastard!" John, who had followed his boss, growled. The next second, the stunned crowd heard the kettle clatter and Nicholas's ear-piercing scream as John twisted his wrist. Many were certain his wrist was broken from the sickening crack they heard.

"Mr. Reign, what a surprise," Vincent's delighted voice broke the tension in the room. Rumor had it that Zevian had permanently returned to Vespera to take his father's position after working on their international branches for the past three years, and he couldn't miss this golden opportunity to become friends with him.

Annabelle, who didn't know who this handsome man was, simply stood up, but her eyes didn't miss how he was looking at Evelyn. Did this beauty with brains manage to catch some big fish?

"Are you here to shop with your cousin?" Vincent asked with a smile, turning to Avery but both ignored him.

Zevian turned around and stepped beside Evelyn. He gestured for John to release Nicholas, who let go of his wrist with a huff. Grabbing the old man's collar, he pushed him outside stating to be taking him to the hospital.

"Did you try any of them?" Zevian asked, glancing at the mannequins neatly arranged in the showcase. Evelyn shook her head, gasping when he suddenly placed his hand on her waist. Heat raced to her cheeks as she felt the warmth of his hand through her blue shirt. Why the heck was he doing this to her?!

Zevian broke into a small smile, his eyes fixed on one of the mannequins. "Let's try that one," he declared, filling the room with shock once more.

The workers exchanged glances, a few murmuring among themselves. Why was this tycoon acting like he was the groom?