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I grabbed Derek’s hand and headed downstairs to the stage.
Ignoring the surprised looks from everyone around, I tried to stay calm as I said, “Sorry for making everyone witness this drama. Let’s get back to business.”
I turned to give my parents a reassuring look before continuing, “Due to some special circumstances, I never clarified certain rumors, and now the elders have misunderstood.”
“There were some errors in the wedding announcement just now.”
turned to look at Derek. He looked at me gently, his eyes full of encouragement.
“Ryan and I have always been good friends. Actually, Derek and I are together.”
“Our relationship is stable, and we’re about to walk down the aisle.”
Without caring about the crowd’s shocked reactions, I pulled Derek off the stage.
My parents hurried over to ask me what was going on, while Ryan’s parents‘ faces darkened. They finally glared at Ryan and left the venue.
Seeing this, I looked up and gave Ryan a challenging look.
This marriage arrangement could only bring him huge benefits. If it weren’t for the fact that I liked him, he wouldn’t have his current status.
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If Ryan had married me, he could have tried competing with Derek again. The Mitchell family would have been Ryan’s best bargaining chip.
But now, because of him, he was kicked out of the competition before it even started.
Derek stood obediently beside me without saying anything, gripping my hand tightly.
Everyone here was smart. They all tactfully avoided mentioning the photo incident and came forward to offer toasts.
The only person who seemed happy at the whole event was probably Sophie.
Between the drinking and socializing, Ryan and Sophie had already left. This was probably for the best–at least I found out everything before the wedding. It wasn’t too bad.
After it ended, I got into Derek’s car. The warm interior lights cast a golden glow.
“Caressa, there’s no going back with me. Since you agreed, there’s no chance to change your mind.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
***
Ryan was called home by his parents and got a harsh scolding that left him dizzy.
For the first time, he felt like things were spiraling out of control.
How could Caressa announce she was marrying someone else? This
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woman had liked him for so many years–how could she just stop loving him so easily?
After the lecture, Ryan walked out of the villa in a daze. His phone kept ringing in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw it was Sophie calling.
He had never told Caressa that he actually liked her too. It’s just that this affection couldn’t compete with the call of novelty and freedom.
He was just having a little fling–it wasn’t supposed to be a big deal.
“What’s wrong?” He took a deep breath and answered the call.
Sophie’s sweet voice came through the speaker, “Ryan, are you okay?”
Ryan’s panicked heart felt comforted. “I’m fine.”
“Ryan, you won’t leave me, will you?”
Ryan didn’t know how to answer. He had originally planned to just play around with Sophie. He thought he’d have fun for a year or two and then marry Caressa.
With the Mitchell family’s help, he could’ve gone up against Derek–but now, nothing was going according to plan.
“Ryan, are you going to break up with me? Did I do something wrong? Or is Caressa threatening you about the marriage again?” Sophie’s voice became choked up.
“If you have to marry Caressa, I’ll bless you both. After all, you two grew up together. I’m just an outsider.”
Too much had happened today. Ryan’s mind was completely chaotic.
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He didn’t know what to say for a moment, and finally just said, “Baby, don’t overthink it. Get some sleep, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
After hanging up. Ryan comforted himself by thinking that Caressa was just angry for the moment. As long as he coaxed her properly,
everything would be fine.
Chapter 7
