Chapter 4

The impatience on Audrey's face shattered into pure shock. Her voice shook.

"What did you say? Nathan, have you lost your mind?"

My heart was as still as dead water. I didn't care what she thought. I turned and walked toward the hotel exit.

Audrey chased me for a few steps, her voice desperate. "My whole family is here! If you cancel the wedding now, you're doing this just to humiliate me!"

Just then, Christian's voice called out from behind, asking Audrey to come back inside.

She bit her lip, turned around, and walked back to the dining room without another word.

I wasn't even surprised.

Late that night, Audrey came home smelling of alcohol. She climbed into bed, wrapping her arms around me from behind. Her tears soaked through my shirt.

"Nathan, please don't leave me, okay? I promise I'll cut off all contact with Christian."

"We've been together for five years. Are we really going to end things over someone who doesn't matter? I don't know how to live without you."

They say drunk words are sober thoughts.

But right now, I couldn't care less if she was actually drunk or just putting on a show.

I got out of bed, fetched a warm, damp towel, and gently wiped her face.

Audrey grabbed my hand, her eyes watery as she looked up at me. "Nathan, we're not breaking up, right?"

"Get some rest," I said quietly. "We have to wake up early for the wedding makeup tomorrow."

Taking my words as a promise, Audrey closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, finally at peace.

I didn't sleep a wink. When the groomsmen arrived the next morning, I rubbed my temples, put on my suit, and got ready.

According to the plan, we went to the hotel to pick up the bride.

To my lack of surprise, when I opened the door, Christian was standing right next to Audrey, who was wearing a beautiful silk bridal robe.

He was gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Even when he saw me and my groomsmen enter, he didn't pull away.

"Hey, Nathan! You're finally here," Christian smirked. "I was just teasing Audrey, saying I thought you might run away and leave her at the altar!"

I didn't answer. I went through the motions of the pre-wedding photos and walked Audrey down to the bridal car.

On the way to the venue, Christian slid into the back seat of our limo.

He was holding Audrey's spare coat. After closing the door, he turned to me with an apologetic smile.

"You don't mind, do you, Nathan? I don't really know the other guests, so it would have been awkward for me to ride in the other cars."

I waved my hand dismissively. "It’s fine."

I was completely silent during the ride. The driver up front joked that I was just nervous, and I merely nodded.

The woman I was marrying was no longer the girl I loved.

There was no reason to be nervous.

Audrey took my hand, interlacing her fingers with mine, a serene smile on her face.

"Nathan, I'm so happy. Today is going to be the happiest day of my life."

I pulled my gaze back from the window and looked at her perfectly made-up face.

I could see a faint, faded hickey on the side of her neck, barely covered by concealer.

I could guarantee that today would indeed be the most unforgettable day of her life.

But it would not be the happiest.

Soon, we arrived at the venue.

The wedding coordinator started the romantic music. The guests held their breath as the doors opened for the bridal entrance.

I stood on the stage, holding the microphone. Under the expectant gaze of hundreds of guests, I spoke.

"Everyone, please wait. I have an announcement to make."