Chapter 18
Matthew stared at Sophie in her wedding dress, tears streaming down his pale cheeks.
“Sophie, how can you marry him? You’re my wifer“]
The grand ballroom fell silent. All eyes were fixed on the uninvited guest.[]
Sophie looked at him coolly, her expression serene.
It had only been two weeks, but he looked as if all the life had been drained out of him.
His face was ashen, with dark circles under his eyes, and even his usually immaculate hair was a mess.]
“Mr. Wilson,” she began slowly, her tone distant. “I don’t understand what you just said. When was I ever your wife?“[]
“Ethan and I were legally married three days ago.”
She raised her eyes slightly, a faint note of mockery in her voice. “As for your wife, isn’t that Ms. Monica Moore, the woman you officially registered with?“]
“No! I don’t have a wife anymore!“||
Matthew lurched forward, struggling against the guards who intercepted him. “I divorced Monica! Sophie, you’re the one I’ve always loved! I’m here to take you and our daughter home! Please, come with me“]]
“How dare your
A commanding voice cut through the hall. Sophie’s mother, dressed in a stunning custom wine red gown, strode onto the stage, her presence powerful. “Who gave you the nerve to crash my daughter’s wedding?”
Seeing her, Matthew grasped at a lifeline. “Mom, please, let me explain! I had my reasons…”
0
“Don’t call me “Mom.” I can’t bear the title,” her mother interrupted coldly. “You swore you would be good to Sophie. And what happened? A fake marriage certificate? What do you take the Harris family for?!“]
A wave of whispers immediately broke out among the guests.
“So the Wilsons faked the marriage?“]]
“No wonder the Harris family cut ties. Who could tolerate such a humiliation?”
“Mr. Delaney is the real deal. You can see how much he cares for her.“[]
The whispers were like needles in Matthew’s ears. His face flushed red as he turned to Sophie, his voice choked with emotion. “Sophie, I was deceived! I swear!
“Monica tricked me! She told me she was pregnant with my child! That’s the only reason I registered the marriage with her! The one I love has always been you! That’s never changed…”
Before he could finish, a heavy fist crashed into his face.
THWACK!
Matthew stumbled backward, blood immediately trickling from the corner of his mouth.[]
Ethan lowered his fist, his voice like ice. “Matthew Wilson. I’ve kept a record of every single pain you’ve caused my wife.”
“This punch is for desecrating our wedding“]
He put his arm around Sophie’s waist, his voice ringing out with authority. “Now, the wedding will continue.“]]
Sophie gently patted his hand, her smile soft. “Ethan, don’t waste your anger on someone who isn’t worth it.“]
Ethan looked down at her, his eyes instantly softening. “He comes here on our wedding day to cause trouble. I won’t let insulted.“]]
you
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He raised his voice to the crowd. “And let me be clear: my wife will be cherished and protected. I would never let her suffer a fraction of the humiliation that some people have.
“Well said:“[]
The room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.]
Watching Sophie nestled in Ethan’s arms, Matthew’s heart ached so much he could barely breathe
“Why…?” He staggered back to his feet. “Why did you choose him? Why did it have to be Ethan Delaney?!”
“You don’t really love him, do you? You’re just marrying him to get back at me!“[]
Matthew had lived in Ethan’s shadow his entire life.
Their families were long time friends, of equal standing and age, but in everything from academics to character, Ethan was always the “golden boy the elders praised.]
He had been jealous for over twenty years. When he found out Ethan had a crush on Sophie, he practically raced to win her over first.
It was the only way he could prove he was better than Ethan.]]
But now, even Sophie was Ethan’s wife.
He had lost. Completely and utterly.]]
- e.
“Matthew Wilson, you’ve made enough of a scene. Get out. Sophie’s mother said, standing beside her daughter, her eyes like ice. “Your performance is over. It’s time for you to exit.”
She paused, her voice rising sharply. “Furthermore, I am announcing that as of today, the Harris Group will be terminating all partnerships with the Wilson Corporation. Let this be known to all“]
