Chapter 4

When I opened my eyes, it was exactly seven in the morning.

"Good morning, Miss Davis."

I sat up abruptly, only to find an entire team standing in a neat row beside the bed.

World-class makeup artists, hairstylists, and a haute couture bridal gown hanging front and center, its custom crystals shimmering brilliantly under the morning sun.

"Mr. Hayes instructed us not to disturb your rest, so we will begin your styling now," the lead artist said with a warm, respectful smile.

I sat there dazed. Julian had arranged everything down to the smallest detail.

He had even predicted my insomnia—that scent last night was undoubtedly a calming sleep mist he had ordered for me.

Hair, makeup, gown—everything moved with seamless precision.

By ten in the morning, I arrived at the venue on schedule.

Hardly any of Derek's relatives had shown up anyway, leaving only a handful of his rowdy drinking buddies loitering around the hall.

"Escort those irrelevant people out," Julian commanded his chief assistant, his arm casually resting around my waist.

Several burly security guards in dark suits moved instantly, physically dragging Derek's friends out of the venue.

"Chloe! What on earth is going on?!"

My parents came rushing out from the backstage lounge, their faces pale with shock.

"Why is the groom's name different? Where is that bastard Derek?"

My mother’s eyes were rimmed with red as she grabbed my hand, voice trembling.

Seeing how panicked they were, I took a deep breath and told them everything that had happened the night before.

From Derek giving away our bridal home to Savannah, to him telling me to go stay in a hotel, I didn't hide a single detail.

"That absolute scoundrel! How dare he treat my daughter like this?!"

My father shook with rage, his fists clenched tight.

"I’m getting a crew together to beat him into the dirt! We’re calling off this wedding! We’re going home right now!"

My mother broke down, reaching for her phone to scream at the Vance family.

"Mom, Dad, please, calm down," I urged, holding them back.

"All our friends and relatives are sitting out there right now. If we call off the wedding, our family becomes the punchline of the town."

"If Derek wants to throw away his pride, let him drown in it."

My parents exchanged stunned glances before turning their gaze toward Julian, whose quiet authority dominated the room.

"And... Mr. Hayes? How does he fit into this?" my mother whispered, her guard up.

"It’s a mutual arrangement. We both needed a partner," I said, squeezing my mother’s trembling hand to reassure her.

"There are too many guests out there right now. I’ll explain all the details after the reception."

"Mom, Dad, trust me. I won’t let myself get hurt."

My father looked out at the packed banquet hall, then took in Julian's undeniable elegance and aristocratic poise, finally letting out a long sigh.

"Alright. As long as you aren't suffering, we stand behind you."

Around eleven in the morning, the ceremony officially commenced.

Julian’s family was already seated elegantly in the front row. Every one of them wore warm, dignified smiles, giving me the utmost respect and honor.

The atmosphere was grand and breathtaking, with cameras flashing continuously toward the altar.

Just as the officiant stepped up to announce the entrance of the bride and groom, the heavy double doors of the ballroom were slammed open with a violent bang.

Derek rushed in, his suit wrinkled and disheveled.

Clinging tightly to his arm was a pale, fragile-looking Savannah.

"Chloe, are you out of your damn mind?!"