"He was kind enough to stand in for you at the wedding, and instead of being grateful, you attacked him? Bryan, when did you become this kind of person?"
"Apologize to Hugh!"
Before I could respond, Virginia’s parents stepped forward, their faces hard with disapproval.
"You’re already disabled, and yet you still refuse to behave. Do you really think you’re still the young master of the Klein family?"
"Who else would want a cripple like you, if not our daughter?"
"Enough! There’s no need to argue with him. Being disabled is punishment enough for his actions. Send Hugh to the hospital before his injuries worsen."
Their cruel words drilled into me like daggers, but I forced myself to remain silent. My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palm until I could feel the sting of blood.
Virginia helped Hugh up with one arm while holding Cassie with the other.
Without looking back, she walked away.
Five years of love crumbled into dust at that moment.
I scrambled back into my wheelchair, my heart pounding.
I booked myself a plane ticket for the day of the wedding.
Then, I turned and left for the hotel.
That night, Virginia sent me a message.
"Hugh will be standing in for you at the wedding after all. You hurt him, and it won’t look good for the ceremony. Asking you to apologize was just a temporary measure—it was all for show. Don’t overthink it.
As for my parents, they spoke without thinking. After the wedding, I’ll make them apologize to you.
Rest well. I have a surprise planned for you. When the wedding day comes, I know you’ll love it."
But I knew—this performance wasn’t for Hugh.
It was for me.
For five years, she had played the role of a devoted wife.
Now, it was time for the final act.
I didn’t go home for the next two days.
Virginia didn’t return either, too busy making the wedding arrangements.
She handled everything herself.
The morning of the wedding, I called her.
She answered distractedly, speaking to someone else in the background, barely acknowledging me.
"Virginia, are you sure about transferring half of the company’s shares to Mr. Wheeler? He’s not part of the Stuart family. Isn’t that too risky?"
"Just do as I say. Half of it is the compensation I promised him. The other half… is for the child."
There was a pause before the assistant cautioned, "You’ll be welcoming the guests yourself today. Be careful—the Klein family might show up and cause trouble."