Chapter 4

They never expected that even after all this drama, Ethan would still go through with the wedding.

But the most shocked person in the room was Melanie.

Her fake, gentle smile froze.

The triumph in her eyes shattered, replaced by sheer panic.

She stood there, her fingers clenching into tight fists.

After a brief silence, the guests began to murmur again, trying to push Ethan toward Melanie.

"Ethan, why settle for less? Melanie is the one who actually matches your status. You two are a match made in heaven."

"Chloe's reputation is completely ruined. She doesn't deserve you. You should take this chance to cancel the wedding."

"Melanie has been by your side quietly for three years. She's sweet, sensible, and a million times better than Chloe."

Hearing everyone take her side, Melanie quickly hid her anger, looking down with a flush of mock embarrassment.

I pushed myself up from the floor, wanting to leave this nightmare of a wedding as quickly as possible.

But a wealthy socialite nearby, who had always despised me, glared at me with disgust.

Seeing me struggling to stand, she raised her foot and kicked me hard in the shin!

The blow was sharp and sudden, her pointed stiletto heel digging straight into my flesh.

A sharp pain shot up my leg, making it go numb.

I gasped, losing my balance, and collapsed sideways back onto the floor.

My knee slammed hard against the sharp edge of the carpeted steps.

A dull, throbbing pain bloomed, making it hard to breathe.

Everyone saw it happen, but no one said a word.

Ethan instinctively reached out to help me, but when his eyes caught Melanie's, he froze and pulled his hand back.

He saw it.

He saw me get kicked and bruised.

But he chose to ignore it.

A flash of dark joy crossed Melanie's eyes, but she quickly put on her angelic act.

"Everyone, please stop. Chloe has had it hard enough today. Let's be kind."

Her hypocritical kindness only made me look more pathetic and ungrateful.

The guests grew even more irritated, their insults flying again.

"Melanie, you're just too sweet. Why are you protecting a snake like her?"

"She has some thick skin, still clinging to the title of Mrs. Carter after being humiliated like this."

Ethan withdrew his gaze and looked back down at me.

His eyes were filled with a cold, helpless impatience.

"Get up. Let's finish the ceremony."

With that, ignoring Melanie's pale face, he grabbed my hand and tried to force the diamond ring onto my ring finger.

But in the next second, I pulled my hand back, ripped the ring off, and threw it hard against the floor!

Ethan's face finally twisted in rage.

"Chloe! Have you lost your mind?!"

Right then, the wail of sirens echoed from outside.

Several police officers burst into the ballroom, frowning as they took in the chaotic scene.

Melanie stepped forward, pointing her finger at me.

"Officers, it's her! She destroyed my million-dollar custom gown, and she's trying to scam her way into a marriage!"

The two officers stepped forward, reaching out to grab my wrists to take me in for questioning.

The crowd watched coldly, laughing at my downfall.

Melanie smirked, waiting to see me thrown into a prison cell, completely ruined.

Ethan's face darkened. He made a slight move to step in front of me, but Melanie quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him back.

Just as the cold metal of the handcuffs was about to touch my skin...

At the entrance of the ballroom, a tall, imposing figure stepped through the doors, cutting through the light.

His presence was so powerful that everyone froze.

"No one touches my woman."

The man's deep voice echoed through the hall.

His gaze fell directly and steadily upon me.

"Chloe, I finally found you."