Chapter 13
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“Who played this? Who wants to spread rumors?! Turn it off!”
Nicole shouted sharply, running without grace to the multimedia equipment, yelling at the staff.
The guests below murmured louder, all wearing puzzled expressions.
But Aaron knew it was true.
He knew Nicole too well-this flustered, furious reaction was exactly how she responded when cornered.
He stood frozen in place,
as if drenched in cold water.
After Nicole’s mother passed, his father still refused to let her return to Philadelphia, disapproving of their relation- ship.
Her chance to return only came after his father’s death.
As for their son…
He remembered the recording Ashley produced that day when he made her taste fear.
She had sent it to him again later.
Twice, he hadn’t believed it.
Aaron swayed, nearly collapsing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, whoever holds a grudge against me chose to play this cruel prank on my most important day.”
Nicole had composed herself, standing gracefully on stage with the microphone.
She lifted her chin.
“No matter who wishes misery upon me, my happiness is inevitable. Please disregard that earlier interruption. Now, let the wedding proceed.”
A hand suddenly snatched the microphone from her grip.
“The wedding’s over. Everyone please leave.” Aaron spoke word by word.
Nicole froze.
“Brother, what are you saying?! Did you believe those baseless rumors, or were you just waiting for an excuse not to marry me!”
Aaron snapped, “Shut your mouth!”
Before the echo faded, officers pushed through the doors, marching straight to Nicole and clasping handcuffs around
her wrists.
Nicole was furious.
“You called the police?!”
“I did.” A voice sounded at the doorway.
Aaron’s eyes widened instantly.
Nearly two months apart, seeing Ashley again felt strangely unfamiliar.
The rhythmic click of high heels echoed across the floor until they stopped before Nicole.
“Nicole, consider this a wedding gift from your ex-sister-in-law. Do you like it?”
Nicole wanted to tear her apart!
Ashley gave a light chuckle. “Not pleased? You know how many times you’ve displeased me? This is just the begin- ning.”
“Brother, she framed me!”
Nicole struggled violently, screaming and roaring as the officers led her away.
He had come back just to hand over evidence to the police. Now that was done, Ashley was leaving too.
“Ashley!” Aaron hurried forward and blocked her way.
After a long stare, he said hoarsely, “How have you and our son been lately?”
“Fine.” Ashley walked past him and headed out.
Aaron chased after her again, “Before… I misunderstood you. I never thought Nicole would do something like harm- ing our son. She wasn’t like this before. Maybe she’s been abroad too long, I don’t know her well enough anymore.”
Ashley kept walking, this time not even replying with a word.
“Where are you and Nicole now? This wedding actually-”
“I’m not interested.”
Ashley cut him off. “I hope this is our last meeting.”
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Chapter 13
Aaron stood frozen, strength draining from his body under her disgusted gaze.
“I’ll make this right for you and Nicole.”
He finally forced out the words.
The slamming car door answered him.
Aaron went to the police station.
Nicole pulled her tearful victim act again, but he felt nothing this time.
“Why? Why did you do those things?”
One was his biological son, the other the father he loved and respected most.
Nicole stared at him for a long moment, finding only alienation and unfamiliarity in his expression.
Suddenly she burst into hysterical laughter.
“Anyone who stands between us deserves to die!
“Don’t you want to be with me too? I removed our obstacles, so why aren’t you happy?”
