On the big day of the wedding, the church was decorated fancy and surprising. Fresh flowers smelled lovely, fancy silks on the seats, and classical music softly played by a world-class orchestra.
Candles made the place warm and golden, creating a special feeling for the ceremony. Everything was made perfect without leaving any details of mistakes.
"Mom, didn't you tell me Stefan was half-exiled from the Morgan family?" Katrina complained, unsatisfied that they had spent so much for an infamous son.
Valentina heaved a breath, "The Morgans are a grand family who wouldn't like to lose their reputation even if this is only the wedding of an unwanted son." She patted the arm of her anxious daughter, "Wait and see, it won't be an easy time for that little slut to have such an asshole of a husband."
Meanwhile, Amber stood in the dressing room, a mixture of disbelief and awe reflected in her eyes as she gazed at the extravagant wedding dress. It starkly contrasted with the other modest one, which her family called an honor to let her wear an outdated dress of Katrina.
The Morgan family had sent a new wedding dress, which was out of Amber's expectations. "How amazing this is?" Amber couldn't help but compliment it.
Her makeup artist nodded in admiration, "Indeed, this is the most beautiful wedding gown I have ever seen. Only a top designer could create such a masterpiece."
"But how could..." Amber was confused as everyone said her groom-to-be was an unwanted son of that family.
Right at that moment, the door swung open and Kenneth entered with a venomous glare.
"Sir, this room is for the bride. Irrelevant one shouldn't be here." The makeup artist alerted but only got Kenneth's sneer, "Irrelevant one? Ask her if I am someone irrelevant."
His eyes were still fixed on Amber and she knew he wouldn't give up easily. Sighing, she instructed the makeup artist to get out, "Let me talk to him."
The room was left silent when it was just them two.
Amber looked away trying to pick her words. They hadn't contacted each other since that day she learned about Kenneth’s relationship with Katrina. Kenneth had also noticed the gorgeous wedding dress, his eyes filled with a toxic blend of hatred and jealousy. He could foresee how amazing Amber would look in this wedding dress, she was supposed to marry him but now she was going to another man.
"Well, Amber. You finally managed to hook up with a wealthy family. What's the price you're paying for this little charade?" The venom in his words stung as he sneered.
Amber was taken aback by Kenneth's bitter tone. With a sardonic smile, Kenneth continued, "I hope you're enjoying your Cinderella moment, Amber. But remember, fairy tales don't last forever."
His face, distorted by jealousy, was no longer handsome. Amber couldn't believe that she had loved the man before her for five years. What gave him the nerve to throw such harsh words on her wedding day when he was the one who betrayed their relationship first?
"It's my choice and I'm willing to take the risk," Amber swallowed the bitterness inside her and turned her back on him. "If you're not here to bless me, then leave now."
Seeing her indifferent back, Kenneth was unable to contain his frustration anymore. "Tell me, Amber, how could I bless you? We've been together for years, yet you forget all of it in just a blink of an eye and marry another. How could you expect me to bless you?!"
The bitterness and frustration in his tone made her want to cry. Yes, how had they gotten this far?
"You crossed the line first, Kenneth. The baby in Katrina's belly is yours, and you can't deny it," Her response was laced with deep bitterness.
Kenneth, taken aback by her response, was momentarily speechless. He didn't realize she already knew. Katrina had promised him it would be a secret for a while.
"It was a mistake, Amber. I regretted all of it," he finally said, feebly. "I thought..."
"Kenneth, there's an innocent child in Katrina's womb and you're telling me that it was all a mistake?" Katrina said firmly, exhaustion laced her voice. "Kenneth, get out. It's not good for us to talk about the past, as you will be my brother-in-law soon."
"I don't care!" Kenneth, desperate and unwilling to give up, "Amber, let's run away and start over," he pleaded, reaching for Amber's hand and making her face his gaze.
The unexpected proposition caught her off guard but the thought of Chase's mounting medical bills and the innocent baby in Katrina's belly weighed heavily on her.
In a moment of desperation, she fabricated a lie, "I don't love you anymore, Kenneth. I'm marrying Stefan Morgan," she said, biting her lower lip as she pushed Kenneth's hands away.
"He's a loser! You won't be happy marrying him!" Kenneth snapped and even forcefully held her back trying to get her feelings for him back with a kiss. Amber was shocked by his impulsive action but quickly slapped him in anger, leaving him frozen in his position.
"Don't you dare touch me after all this!" She raised her voice, "Leave, Kenneth. The talk time is over."
Hearing her calling, the makeup artist immediately came in. Feeling defeated, Kenneth walked but left her the last word.
"You'll beg me back after you realize what a monster you married."
As Kenneth left, Amber's facade crumbled, tears silently tracing down her cheeks. Her wedding day became a turbulent storm of conflicting emotions. The makeup artist felt sorry for Amber but could do nothing, so she continued her job with her best. Amber is already beautiful; she highlighted her features and made her the most beautiful bride of the year.
With her dress up complete, Amber was led into the grand wedding hall. Her new gown adorned her figure, radiating elegance. As she stepped into the hall, everyone gasped at her beauty even making Katrina's eyes widen with jealousy.
Guests murmured excitedly, and the atmosphere buzzed with the promise of a union between two prominent families. Yet, as the moments ticked by, the expected groom, Stefan Morgan, was noticeably absent.
"Why isn't your handsome groom here, Amber?" Katrina seized the opportunity to taunt, "Oh, he's probably too ugly to be seen and he needs more time to dress up." Everyone said Stefan was a monster. Katrina was expecting to see Amber standing beside him. That scene must be hilarious.
Amber clenched her dress as she heard the ill will in Katrina’s tone. Though she knew nothing about Stefan Morgan, Amber knew clearly what kind of husband Valentina and Katrina wanted for her. He was impossible to be a handsome gentleman but someone with obvious flaws.
However, standing there was no longer any chance for her to step back. She couldn't afford the risk of annoying the Morgan Family and poor Chaser was still waiting for her in his hospital bed. Her sacrifice would be worth it. She hoped. God bless her that Stefan could at least be a kind man.
All Amber could do now was wait for her husband-to-be.
"Kenneth, what would our wedding be like? Would it be much more lavish than this?" Katrina intentionally made her voice louder for Amber to hear.
Kenneth replied coldly while his eyes still fixed on Amber, "Katrina, this is not the right place to discuss our wedding."
Katrina felt disappointed, but her gloating smile widened when she caught a figure at the entrance. A man shuffled in. He was quite the sight—portly, unattractive, and with a shining bald head.
"Look, Amber, your groom has arrived! What a splendid couple you two will make," Katrina laughed out loud, pointing to the man.
Amber felt her nails piercing her palms. However, she could only accept her fate. “All for Chase.” She murmured to herself as she forced herself to face it.
As she was about to greet the supposed groom, the man just simply found his seat and sat down. He was only a guest. Amber was relieved while Katrina stomped her foot in anger.
"Maybe her husband-to-be is much uglier than that bald man," Katrina comforted herself upon saying that.
Right at the same time, the door opened again and an unexpected figure appeared. A man in a couture suit entered the fancy church, looking noble and handsome. With every step, he walked like a heavenly deity. No one could move their eyes away from him.
Katrina was dumbstruck, complaining to her mother. "M...Mother, it's not the same as what you told me." This man was simply a masterpiece from heaven.
Valentina swallowed hard, "I...I don't know. They said he's just an unwanted son...Maybe this one isn't..."
Katrina and Valentina couldn't help but hope this was only a stranger who wandered by mistake, just like the previous bald man. But the last shred of their delusion was shattered when the priest announced that the groom arrived and the ceremony should begin.
"Forgive my tardiness, my bride."
Amber felt incredulous as she looked at the man who was gently kissing her hand.
Who could tell her? Why did Stefan Morgan share the same face as the man she'd had a one-night stand with at the casino?