Chapter 4

Claire Carter POV

The host's smile froze on her face.

The applause on both sides of the red carpet gradually stopped. In the guest seating, it became so quiet only the music remained.

Grayson's extended hand hung in midair.

His expression changed as he said in a suppressed voice, "Claire, don't make a scene right now."

I didn't look at anyone else.

"I just need one answer from you. Is the person you've been waiting for today me?"

Grayson's Adam's apple bobbed.

He didn't answer.

He only said, "The ceremony has already begun. Let's complete it first."

That phrase again.

Complete the ceremony first, let the guests watch us perform first, let me continue being the sensible bride first.

Helen walked over from the side, still smiling on her face but her voice cold and hard.

"Claire, if you have something to say, say it at home. So many guests are here today. Don't make everyone uncomfortable."

I looked at her.

"Another woman was in my room, and I'm still supposed to smile through this ceremony?"

Helen's smile stiffened for a moment.

Quickly, she lowered her voice again. "A truly sensible bride doesn't put her husband on trial at their wedding."

Murmurs were already rising from the guest seating.

"What's going on?"

"Does the bride not want to marry the groom?"

"I think there's something wrong with that woman in the front row."

Those voices drilled into my ears.

The failed wedding three years ago had been just like this.

No one asked if I was hurt.

They only wanted to see if I would cry, if I would lose control, if I would become an even bigger joke.

Grayson suddenly grabbed my wrist, trying to place my hand in the crook of his arm.

His movement looked gentle, but the force was strong.

It hurt so much I frowned, yet still I didn't cooperate.

Grayson said in a low voice, "After the wedding ends, you can ask me whatever you want. Not now."

I looked at him.

"After the wedding ends, am I supposed to thank you for being willing to explain?"

Grayson's expression darkened, and he gripped my wrist even tighter.

At that moment, a harsh scraping of a chair came from the front row.

Sylvia stood up supporting herself on the chair back, her face very pale. The pearl hairpin on her chest swayed.

She looked at Grayson, her voice trembling.

"Grayson, I didn't mean to sit here. I didn't mean to make Claire misunderstand. If I'm causing problems for your wedding, I'll leave right now."

After speaking, her body swayed as if she might collapse at any moment.

Grayson barely hesitated.

He released me and walked straight toward Sylvia.

The force controlling me disappeared.

My wrist hurt badly, but Grayson had already reached Sylvia's side.

"Where does it hurt?"

His voice was urgent.

Much more urgent than when he'd been coaxing me to complete the wedding.

The entire venue fell completely silent.

The lights still fell on me.

But the groom was no longer by my side.

Helen's face looked terrible, but her first reaction was to have the host pause and have staff turn off the big screen.

Someone said quietly, "Who the groom really loves is pretty obvious, isn't it?"

I stood in place. The veil on my head suddenly felt as heavy as a shroud.

The host tried to salvage the awkward situation. "This guest isn't feeling well. The groom is just helping to look after her."

Guest.

I looked at the hairpin on Sylvia's chest.

A guest who had worn my gown, touched my veil, was wearing my hairpin, and could make Grayson publicly leave me at my own wedding.

I raised my hand and slowly removed the veil.

Grayson looked back and saw my movement. His expression immediately changed.

"Claire, don't!"

I ignored him.

I handed the veil to my bridesmaid, my voice calm. "I'm a bit tired. I'm going back to my room to rest."

The bridesmaid's eyes were red with anxiety. "Miss Carter..."

I'd already turned around.

I didn't make a scene. I didn't rush over to hit Sylvia.

I simply walked step by step away from the wedding venue.

Behind me, Grayson was supporting Sylvia. I knew he wanted to chase after me.

But then I heard Sylvia say, "Grayson, I'm so dizzy... Don't leave me."