Chapter 9
Ella suddenly felt energized, her eyes lighting up. “You’re brilliant, you know that Why didn’t I think of this sooner!”
Excitedly, she stood on her toes, hugged Jaden tightly, and kissed him on the cheek. Then, she swiftly pulled out her phone and called Willow Group’s legal team.
Jaden felt the lingering warmth on his cheek from her kiss. Strangely, he didn’t mind her touch as much anymore. But business was business. He still needed to move forward with his plans,
On the wedding day, the biggest church in Ardbert City had turned d into a magical wonderland.
The venue had been meticulously set up a week ahead, with fresh green lawns laid down despite the approaching autumn. Every detail, from the grand Roman columns to drones dropping flower petals, was lavish.
A live piano orchestra played the wedding march, and an outdoor buffet offered gourmet food and drinks
An LED screen displayed the bride’s photos, alongside a glamorous welcome poster featuring her in a stunning dress..
Everyone who got an invite attended, some to honor the Willow family and others to witness how Ella would make a spectacle of herself
The wedding had been trending for days, and the media swarmed the scene, cameras ready to capture every moment. They had already dubbed it The First Groomless Wedding in History
At Harry’s house, he paced anxiously. Ella hadn’t called off the wedding and had even invited the media, clearly planning to cause a scene. This worried him. Gelling ready to leave for Grace’s hospital appointment, he kept trying to contact Ella.
Grace hugged him from behind, her voice soft. “She’s still not packing up?”
“She’s too stubborn.” Harry replied.
“She’s always been this way. Go to the wedding. I can manage the check–up myself” Grace said
“No way. I promised I’d be there, Harry replied, gazing at her with genuine concern as if her suggestion was asking too much.
Grace shook her head. Til handle it. We can’t let her embarrass herselfar her own wedding. There will be too many people watching”
Harry sighed. “She’s so spoiled, using this wedding to pressure me into marrying her. I feel sorry for you”
Grace skillfully stoked Harry’s resentment toward Ella while positioning herself as more understanding. “Just go. It wouldn’t be good if you’re late. I know we can’t be together officially, and that’s okay, I don’t mind staying in the background. As long as you love me. I’m content. Once the baby comes, we can confront her together and make amends. I’ll do whatever it takes to be near you.”
Grace’s selflessness tugged at Harry’s heart even harder. He embraced her tightly. “I’ve got to leave now. If I don’t go, she’ll be embarrassed. I need this marriage to keep my place in the Rhys family. Hang in there a little longer. Our child will be acknowledged soon”
“I believe in you. You’d never disappoint me,” Grace murmured, snuggling close to him.
Once Harry was gone, a self–satisfied grin crossed her face. She planned to pull off the same scheme again–interrupt the wedding with a fabricated emergency involving the baby. Harry, deeply concerned for her and their child, would undoubtedly leave Ella.
Harry rushed over before the Willow family’s convoy reached the church. He stopped them and tried the lead car door, but it was locked, and the tinted windows blocked his view
“Ella, cancel the wedding. I’m here out of respect, but don’t push me,” Harry shouted, genuinely upset.
He couldn’t understand why Ella was so impatient. After enduring so much over the years, why was she rushing now? He had even promised to marry her eventually.
Frustrated by
the silence, Harry raised his voice. “If you don’t come out, I’m leaving. Let’s see how you handle a wedding without a groom!”
Harry’s shouts drew the guests‘ attention: some even approached from the main venue.
“Sorry, guys, the wedding’s off. Ella loves her surprises. We’ll set a new date and invite you all soon,” Harry announced, trying to salvage the
situation
The crowd buzzed with gossip.
embarrassing herself again. The wedding’s canceled. Let’s head back.”
“Break this up, guys. Ella’s going to be in the headlines tomorrow.”
“Get those cameras rolling. We need videos and high–quality photos!”
Seeing the guests about to leave, Ella knew she had to act. She glanced at Jaden. “Stay here. I’ll handle this. Then she stepped out,
The dimness in the car kept Harry from recognizing Jaden in the backseat. He assumed it was one of Ella’s bridesmaids.
The crowd gasped when they saw Ella. Even those ready to mock her were stunned by her beauty. The lavish gown looked perfect on her. “Harry, my wedding isn’t getting canceled or delayed. It’s happening today!” Ella declared with determination
“Stop being so stubborn,” Harry snapped.
“This is your last shot. Stay, and we get married. Leave, and it’s over. Forever.” Ella said, her voice firm and determined. “From now on, we’re strangers,
Ella’s words echoed, catching everyone’s attention.
Harry frowned, haring to be comered, especially by a woman. His painful upbringing as an illegitimate child made him despise ultimatums. Yet, Ella’s threat struck a nerve. He relied on her love and her grandpa’s influence. If she cut ties, his position would be shaky.
Just as he was about to concede, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it and answered promptly.
Ella watched him calmly, guessing it was Grace.
“What? You’re bleeding? Hold on, I’m coming. Harry said urgently, panic in his voice.
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