Chapter 4

I told her to drive safely.

Ashley stared mockingly. "Wow, committed to the bit, aren't you? Did you hire an actress?"

"Julian, you'll do anything to save face."

"If you're that desperate, why not just pick a woman from the audience?"

Chloe, feigning kindness, grabbed a microphone. "Julian's looking for a wife, right here, right now!"

"Any single ladies? If you hit it off, you can get married on the spot!"

"Anyone? Julian's devoted—he's been chasing me for years!"

…

The guests buzzed, some pulling out phones to record.

My face burned with shame.

Yes, I'd pursued her for years, but she'd always led me on with vague promises.

Again and again, she'd stomped on my heart.

A draft swept through the hall.

I felt cold, deep in my bones.

Someone in the crowd actually volunteered.

Chloe led a woman onto the stage—someone in her late forties, who looked older than my father's date.

She grinned, a malicious gleam in her eyes. "Mr. Harrison, you're quite the catch."

Ashley and Sarah pushed me toward her.

I was too disgusted to speak.

Sarah saw my reluctance and scoffed, "Isn't this faster than hiring an actress? Just get it over with and stop embarrassing the family!"

Leo added, "Julian, stop making a scene. We 'carefully selected' her for you. What more do you want?"

I glared at these hypocrites, fists clenched. "My wedding is not your decision!"

Then I remembered. I'd filed the paperwork yesterday. Our marriage certificate was in my briefcase.

I strode over, grabbed my bag, pulled out the document, and slapped it open in front of them.

"This is my marriage certificate. I told you—my wife is on her way."

Sarah stared, then burst into hysterical laughter. "Julian, you're really committed!"

"Do you even know who that is? You Photoshopped her picture and called her your wife?"

Chloe took a look, and the whole room snickered.

"Which fake certificate maker did you use? That's Victoria, CEO of Everbright Group! I tried to meet her for a deal yesterday!"

"Her assistant said she just got married and was busy with her husband!"

"And you claim she's your wife? That's ridiculous."

I remembered yesterday. That woman had spent the whole day with me, suit shopping. Her phone kept ringing, but she insisted on staying until we were done.

Leo looked at me with pity. "Julian, unrequited love isn't your fault. But making up stories just makes you look like a clown."

Mr. Harrison finally lost it. He grabbed my arm and tried to drag me offstage. "Enough! Haven't you embarrassed us enough?"

But Chloe held my wrist, stopping me. "Didn't you say she was almost here?"

"Aren't you going to introduce us to this legendary bride? Or was this all for nothing?"

Sarah and Ashley held me back, and in the struggle, I nearly tumbled down the steps.

Just as I thought I'd hit rock bottom, a woman steadied me. A clean, gentle scent enveloped me.

"I'm sorry, hubby. I'm late."