The first thing I heard at my own wedding was blame.
They accused me of ruining the day, urged me to apologize, and even defended the mistress dressed like a bride.
Liam raised his voice, ordering me to behave. I answered by walking straight to the projector and broadcasting the video of their bubble-bath affair.
While setting up the wedding bed, I found an unfamiliar stain on the sheets.
Someone else had been staying in my townhouse!
I couldnt think straight and immediately video-called my fianc.
Unusually, he picked up right away.
The new bed is soft. I tested it for you.
The person on the video wasnt Liam Prescott but his assistant, Sienna Vaughn.
She smiled at me, sultry and smug.
Wheres Liam? Get him on the phone.
TSienna Vaughn answered the video call. I froze for a moment but quickly regained my composure.
Sienna glanced around, pretending to examine the room I was in. Then she smirked.
Oh, Miss Reese, youre at the townhouse?
She leaned closer to the camera, her voice dripping with mockery.
The beds so soft. I tested it for you.
I felt the ground drop out from under me, my mind buzzing loudly.
I glared at the woman on the screen, unable to speak for a moment. Siennas gaze shifted to the stained sheets, her tone oozing triumphantly.
The grooms not bad either. I tested him, too.
I finally noticed her surroundingsa room at The Franklin Hotel. Suppressing my burning anger, I steadied my voice.
Where is Liam?
Sienna made a show of glancing off-camera, feigning hesitation.
Oh, Mr. Prescott? Hes working late and very busy.
Then I heard his voicehis all-too-familiar voice.
Sienna, come help me scrub my back.
I froze, my mouth opening and closing with no sound.
You just want me in there with you. Youre such a tease! Sienna giggled as she tossed me a victorious look and hung up the call.
All my strength drained from me, and I sank to the floor, overwhelmed by a mix of fury and heartbreak.
I dont know how long I sat there before I laughed bitterly, tossing the stained sheet into the dumpster.
Tomorrow was supposed to be my wedding day. I was busy decorating the townhouse while Liam shared a bubble bath with his assistant.
Sienna had aimed to ruin my weddingand she succeeded.
I texted Liam:
Were done. The wedding is off.
A soiled bed I can replace. A filthy man? Never.
I stared at the wedding-themed figurines of a couple kissing, dressed in bright red gowns and tuxedos, and threw them in the dumpster.
Then, I smashed the framed wedding photo on the wall.
One by one, I destroyed the decorations Id lovingly prepared for the townhouse.
Finally, I sent a mass message to all the guests canceling the wedding, powered down my phone, and returned to my parents’ home.
That night, I drowned the memories of the past years in cheap whiskey and passed out in a haze.
The following day, loud, frantic knocking woke me up.
Standing at the door were Liam and his groomsmen, dressed to the nines in tailored suits, looking all smug and polished.
Liam clutched a bouquet of roses, now crushed and falling apart. His expression was furious as he took in my unkempt, half-asleep state.
Delia! Are you out of your mind?
His twisted, contorted face was so grotesque it almost made me laugh.
That laugh pushed him over the edge. He threw the mangled bouquet to the ground, yelling,
Do you even realize what day it is? Its our wedding day!
Rubbing my temples, still groggy from my hangover, I snapped.
I told you Im not marrying you. Were done! Didnt you understand the text?!
Liams bloodshot eyes flared with suppressed rage. Finally, he shut his eyes tightly, gritting his teeth.
Change your clothes and come with me. Ill forget this ever happened, and Ill forgive you. Just this once.
Forgive me? Did this man think I was desperate for him? That I couldnt live without him?
I glanced past him at the groomsmen, whose faces ranged from uncomfortable to entertained.
Liam Prescott! Youre the one who messed up. Are you here to talk about your relationship with Sienna Vaughn?
Leave! Were over. Understand?!
Liam froze for a second before his expression crumbled. The arrogance evaporated, replaced with a nervous, almost pleading tone.
Youve got it wrong. This is my fault. I didnt explain it to you properly.
Do whatever you want to punish me lateryell, scream, whatever. But todays our wedding. Its the most important day of our lives. The guests are waiting for us. Lets just go, please?
His fake sincerity was laughable. The way he suddenly switched tonesone second arrogant, the next grovelingwas almost impressive.
One of his friends, clearly feeling sorry for him, stepped forward.
Sis, todays not the time for this. Get through the wedding, and then you can settle everything however you want.
Oh, Liam was trying to force my hand now? Fine. Lets see who ends up regretting it.
I nodded.
Alright. Wait here.
I washed up, wore a simple dress, and left the house. I waved him off when Liam asked about my hair, makeup, and gown. His frustration was visible, but he couldnt stop me.
Only Williams family and guests were present at the hotel. My friends and relatives had already received the cancellation message.
The guests expressions turned from confusion to amusement when they saw me in casual attire.
A few older women couldnt resist commenting:
A wedding isnt a time for tantrums, sweetie. Only Liam would tolerate thisanyone else wouldve called it off ages ago!
Thats right. With so many guests here, why didnt she call it off sooner if she didnt want to marry him?
Alright, alright, shes here now. Lets not make a scene.
Mrs. Prescott pulled me to the main table, her demeanor warm and welcoming.
We were so worried when we couldnt reach you, Delia. Did Liam upset you? Tell us, and well sort him out.
Mr. Prescott chimed in, his voice kind and steady.
Yes, were all on your side here.
Liams parents were genuinely wonderful people. Marrying into their family wouldve been a dreamif only their son hadnt been a cheating coward.
I stayed silent, unsure of how to break it to them.
Mrs. Prescott mistook my hesitation for a lingering grudge. She patted my hand gently.
Delia, listen to me. Get dressed and made up first. Ill make sure Liam apologizes properly later.
Yes, lets not ruin such a joyous day, Mr. Prescott nodded.
I sighed heavily, ready to explain the truth, when the heels clacking interrupted me.
Sienna Vaughn strutted in, wearing a striking red gown that hugged her figure. Her makeup was flawless, a stark contrast to my bare face.
Am I late? she asked sweetly, eyes locking onto mine with a pointed, provocative gleam.
Congratulations, Miss Reese. Happy wedding day.
I smiled back, though it didnt reach my eyes. Sienna Vaughn looked stunning in that red dress, almost like the bride.
She waltzed over to the main table and casually sat in the seat meant for Liam Prescott. As she leaned down, a glint around her neck caught my eye.
My chest tightened, and I stared.
It was a diamond ring. Not just any ringmy ring. The one I had designed myself. It’s the only one like it in the world.
Now, it hung around Sienna, the mistress’s neck.
I couldnt imagine what ring Liam wouldve handed me if my wedding had gone ahead. A cheap stand-in? Or had he planned to pluck this one right off her neck? Either way, the thought turned my stomach.
Despite my efforts to stay composed, my nails dug into my palms as I fought the anger boiling inside.
At that moment, Liam entered the room with the officiant.
Wheres the bride? Not wearing her gown? A red dress would work toovery pretty, the officiant remarked approvingly, clearly mistaking Sienna for the bride.
Sienna glanced at me, feigning surprise, and quickly waved her hands.
Oh, no, no! Im not the bride! Miss Reese, dont be upset.
Liam stormed over, his expression thunderous.
Why arent you dressed yet? Do you even care about our wedding?
He reached out to grab my arm, but Mrs. Prescott intervened, pulling him back.
Liam, speak to her properly! Dont be so harsh.
Sienna jumped in, her voice syrupy sweet.
Miss Reese is just a little emotional. Liam, you should calm her down. We cant let this ruin the wedding.
But Liams frustration only deepened. He turned to me and barked in front of the whole room,
Delia, enough of this! Get changed now! Stop embarrassing yourself!
Sienna placed a soothing hand on his arm, murmuring,
Dont worry, Ill help you apologize to the guests. Everything will be fine.
I let out a bitter laugh.
Why dont you just finish the wedding with him while youre at it?
I was done pretending, and the time for quiet dignity had passed.
Raising my voice so everyone could hear, I announced,
Sorry to make this such a spectacle, everyone. Please enjoy the food and drinks. But as of today, Liam Prescott and I are officially over. Consider yourselves witnesses.
Liams eyes burned with fury.
When are you going to stop this nonsense?
Siennas face contorted in mock alarm, her high heels clicking as she stomped in frustration.
Miss Reese, youve misunderstood! I was just trying to help manage the guests!
Her act was as transparent as a windowpane, and I crossed my arms, watching her smugly.
You werent just managing guests, were you? Didnt you also manage the wedding bed?
Her smug grin faltered for a split second before she quickly recovered, tears welling in her eyes.
Miss Reese, I think youre mistaken
Slap!
The little snake was a master of putting on an act, but I had no interest in arguing with her.
Delia, have you lost your mind?
Liam panicked, pulling Sienna into his arms as if to shield her.
Sienna hadnt expected me to slap her and froze, her large, teary eyes trembling like shed just suffered the greatest injustice. Slowly, she leaned into Liams chest, her tears soaking his shirt.
Liam glared at me as if he wanted to tear me apart.
Delia, youre nothing but a crazy shrew! What about you even compares to
Shut up, Liam!
Mr. Prescott yanked him back, cutting him off mid-sentence. Beside him, Mrs. Prescott stepped forward to pull Sienna away from Liams arms.
Miss Vaughn, this is a family matter. Im afraid well have to ask you to leave.
Sienna hesitated, glanced at Liam, and then turned to me with a slight, triumphant smirk before strolling out of the room in her heels.
Liam wasnt finished.
Are you happy now? Youve turned our wedding into a circus! No man in his right mind would ever marry someone like you!
Liam Prescott, shut your mouth! Mrs. Prescott tried to intervene, grabbing his arm, but he shoved her away.
Mom, stay out of this! If this wedding is ruined, Ill ensure she regrets it for the rest of her life!
Well, wasnt that convenient? Because I was planning to teach him a lesson.
I slammed my hand on the table, standing up.
Youre right. There wont be a wedding. But the lesson? Thats coming from me.
Ignoring everyones shocked expressions, I strode toward the officiant standing awkwardly near the screen at the front of the room.
Miss Reese, uh… what do you need? he stammered, inching aside as I walked past him to the computer.
I plugged in my phone and transferred a video to the big screen.
It played immediately.
Siennas face filled the screen, smiling wickedly.
Her voice echoed through the silent hall.
The grooms not bad either. I tested him, too.
Wheres Liam?
Mr. Prescott? Oh, hes working late. So busy.
Sienna, come help me scrub my back.
You just want me in there with you. Youre such a tease!
The video ended, leaving the room so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Slap!
Bastard! Mr. Prescotts hand came down hard on Liams face. He slumped back, his shoulders caving under the weight of disappointment.
My chest ached as I watched. I had truly respected his parents, and ending things with Liam meant cutting ties with them, too.
I faced the stunned crowd, my voice steady despite the storm in my chest.
Liam Prescott, who betrayed this wedding, wasnt me. It was youthe man who defiled our wedding bed with his mistress.
And that… mess you left behind? Do I need to spell out what it was? Youre disgusting.
I couldnt hold back anymore. My voice cracked as the floodgates opened.
As I shouted, my vision blurred. These years of love werent fake. How could I not feel pain as everything unraveled?
When had the man standing before me turned into a stranger?
He had once been so genuine, so passionate.
I remembered how he’d woken up early during winter to buy me a fresh, handmade raspberry Danish from my favorite bakery, tucking it inside his jacket to keep it warm. His chest was bright red from the heat when he handed it to me, and his grin was as wide as the sky.
Or that year when a fire broke out in the dorms. Everyone ran out, but Liam rushed toward the girls building without hesitation. Who knows what might have happened if I hadnt returned just in time to pull him away?
There were so many little moments like that, tiny memories that convinced me he truly loved me.
But now, it was clear: he only used to love me.
I wiped my tears away with my hand.
Liam opened his mouth to say something, but the words didnt come.
Ignoring him, I turned to his parents and the assembled guests.
Mr. and Mrs. Prescott, dear friends and family, Im truly sorry for the mess today. Liam and I are officially breaking up, and I ask for your understanding regarding my behavior.
With that, I turned and left without another glance.
As I stepped out the door, I saw Sienna Vaughn leaning casually against the wall.
She looked surprised to see me but quickly recovered with a smug smile.
Not getting married today, Miss Reese? So, where are you off to?
I crossed my arms and stared at her calmly without responding.
She chuckled, tilting her head.
Delia, no matter how much a sparrow flaps its wings, itll never be a phoenix. You should stick to finding a regular guy and settling down. Liam Prescott was way out of your league.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise, stifling a laugh.
Out of my league?
You dont think youre overreaching, Miss Reese? A person should know their place, Sienna Vaughn sneered, pointing a crimson-painted nail at me with a derisive snort.
So, this was it. She had been destroying my wedding out of some delusional belief that snagging Liam Prescott would elevate her.
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