Humiliation surged up like a wave, and tears spilled before I could stop them. But they didn't care at all.
"What are you crying for? It's just part of the game!"
"Yeah, it's not like we're taking a piece of your flesh!"
The bridesmaid picked up the envelopes they'd taken off me, counted them, and sighed dramatically. "Only eighty-seven? That's all?"
Right after that, all of them turned their gaze toward my dress.
Those eyes were shameless, predatory—devoid of restraint.
I immediately pressed my legs together, my voice shaking.
"That's enough! What you're doing is illegal!"
Just then, the bedroom door opened.
Eliza, who had been hiding inside the whole time, leaned lazily against the frame.
Smiling, she said, "Keep searching."
"If you ruin my husband's chance to 'retrieve the bride,' he's going to be furious."
With her encouragement, they grew even more reckless. Hands shot forward, tugging viciously at my dress.
"You've been touched so many times already—what's one more?"
"Please, you were totally enjoying it earlier. Don't pretend now!"
I struggled with everything I had, but I couldn't break free.
The moment I felt my dress about to tear—the front door suddenly slammed open with a deafening bang.
Maverick rushed in like a madman, voice cracking as he shouted, "Stop! All of you, stop!"
"Don't you dare hurt my sister!"
