When My Boyfriend Refused to Be My Groom, I Found Another

After all, the wedding venue was ruined, and Madeline had taken the dress.

With only two hours left before the auspicious hour, pulling everything together in time was impossible.

Hearing this, Tristan’s gentle expression darkened. “What happened?”

As I explained the situation, his tense features softened.

He smiled, leading me to another venue.

From a distance, I could see my mother being looked after by two professional caregivers.

Though her sight had failed her, her spirit seemed unusually bright that day.

I turned back in surprise. “How is this possible?”

Tristan smiled, looking warmly in his eyes as if he wanted to pat my head, but stopped himself at the last moment. “Forgive me for being forward, but I’ve been waiting a long time for this day.”

He led me to a room where makeup artists were already waiting.

There, hanging quietly, was a breathtaking wedding dress. I stared at it, momentarily lost in its beauty.

Tristan’s makeup artist's cousin smiled knowingly when she saw my gaze on the dress.

“Tristan refused to date or marry for years, but he bought this dress without hesitation. Looks like he was waiting for the one he truly wanted.”

I stood there, confused, fragmented memories flashing through my mind.

But there was no time to linger on them as the soft strains of the wedding march began to fill the hall.

Tristan and I walked to the stage together, our hands intertwined with the matching knots my mother had made.

***

Elsewhere, Alexander was immersed in the celebration of Madeline’s birthday, surrounded by friends.

Yet, no matter how lively the party was, the image of my hate-filled gaze refused to leave his mind.

A man of power, he loathed anything that disrupted his composure.

Even though he buried it deep, the unease in his heart wouldn’t fade.

Without warning, he pulled away from the circle, sang around Madeline, and dialed his assistant.

“Keep a close watch on Scarlett. Don’t let her stir up trouble.”

His assistant’s voice said reassuringly, “Don’t worry, President Adams. Miss Carter is getting married today. She won’t have time to interfere with the birthday party you arranged for Miss Landers!”

***

The wedding ceremony was a prolonged affair.

Even though my mother couldn’t see, she continued smiling in my direction.

Finally, I could put her mind at ease.

With tears welling in my eyes, I stood before her and vowed to live a happy life.

But just as we reached the ring exchange, Alexander stormed in, flanked by a group of his people.

The commotion disturbed my mother, whose face, despite her frail state, was uncharacteristically animated in her final moments.

Alexander’s voice was a low, menacing growl. “Scarlett! How dare you marry someone else?!”

He turned his gaze to my mother, whose eyes, despite their blindness, seemed unusually bright.

“You said your mother was gravely ill and that this wedding was her dying wish. Does she look like someone who’s about to pass? Did you trick me here for amusement?!”

Ignoring his outburst, he reached for my hand, but Tristan stepped forward, blocking his path.

I lifted my wedding dress and ran to my mother, who had suddenly lost consciousness.

“Mom!” I cried, but there was no response.

A single tear slid down from the corner of her eye.

We had been so close!

So close!

The medical staff rushed to her side and began emergency treatment.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

As I passed Alexander, I slapped him hard across the face, my voice choked with fury.

“Alexander! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”

After shouting, I followed the medical team to the hospital.

Alexander leaned silently against the wall outside the emergency room, his face ashen.

I was trembling all over, and Tristan tried to comfort me with a gentle pat on my shoulder.

But Alexander rushed over and shoved him away. “Don’t touch her.”