Ditched at the Altar, I Married His Brother

At our engagement gala, Liam's assistant burst into the hall, screaming, Summer has been kidnapped.

Liam immediately let go of my hand, leaving a hall full of high-society guests behind as he bolted toward the exit.

I blocked his way. Today is our engagement. Are you really going to abandon me for your mistress?

His eyes were bloodshot as he shoved me aside. "She is dying. Can you stop being so damn selfish for once?"

I let go of him and smiled.

"Liam, if you walk out of that door today, I will never wait for you again."

He hesitated for a single second, then rushed out without looking back.

The crowd erupted into whispers.

I turned around, picked up the microphone, and looked at the man standing in the dark corner of the hall.

"Ethan Hudson."

The entire room went dead silent.

Ethan, the man I had abandoned at the altar three years ago, stepped out of the shadows. His gaze was as cold as a knife.

I extended my hand to him. "Let's change the groom for this gala. Do you dare?"

Chloe's POV

The smell of disinfectant was overwhelming.

During the stitches, I didn't let the doctor use anesthesia.

The needle pierced my skin, pulling the thread through.

It hurt, but I didn't even flinch.

The young ER doctor kept glancing at me as if I were a monster who couldn't feel pain.

"The cut is deep. It almost nicked the nerve." The doctor cut the thread, his voice laced with suspicion. "How did this happen?"

"I was carving something, and the knife slipped," I replied flatly.

I wasn't lying.

To prepare a wedding gift for Liam, I had hand-carved a pair of obsidian cufflinks.

The stone was too hard. The carving knife slipped and went straight through my left hand.

Blood had splattered everywhere.

After bandaging the wound, I used my uninjured right hand to pull out my phone.

The screen lit up. No missed calls, no messages.

Liam had been completely unreachable for three whole days.

Our wedding was less than a month away.

I stood up, preparing to pay the bill.

A TV mounted on the ER wall was broadcasting the local news.

"Today's torrential rain has caused severe flooding across several areas of New York..."

The screen flashed to a live reporter on site.

My steps froze.

In the pouring rain on the screen, a man in a black suit held a massive black umbrella, shielding a petite woman tightly in his arms.

The rain soaked half of his shoulder, but he didn't seem to care.

He looked down at the woman in his arms. His gaze held a level of intensity and tenderness that I, after knowing him for seven years and loving him for three, had never once seen.

That was Liam.

The heir to the Hudson Group, proud, arrogant, and cold.

And the woman in his arms was someone I knew too.

Summer Evans.

A well-known digital reporter.

She had built a massive online following on Twitter and TikTok with her "never tells a lie" persona.

On screen, Summer was soaked, still clutching her camera. Her voice trembled, yet she sounded defiant. "Mr. Hudson, I was just doing my job. I don't need your pity."

Liam let out a low chuckle.

That laugh echoed through the TV speaker, stabbing right into my ears.

"I don't pity you," Liam's voice was deep and commanding. "I care about you."

The people watching TV in the lobby gasped.

"Who is that guy? He's so hot!"

"That's the CEO of Hudson Group! Oh my god, a billionaire and a reporter! So romantic!"

I stood there, staring at the screen.

The wound on my left hand suddenly throbbed violently.

It hurt so much my fingertips went numb.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Liam's number.

It rang for a long time, but no one answered.

I hung up and tried again.

This time, the call was instantly declined.

A second later, a text message popped up on SnapChat.

Liam: I'm busy. Stop annoying me.

I stared at the words and curled my lips.

Busy.

Busy holding an umbrella for another woman in the pouring rain.

I didn't reply. I turned and walked out of the hospital.

It was still raining.

I didn't use an umbrella. I just got straight into my car.

I placed the box containing the cufflinks on the passenger seat and started the engine.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a private lounge in Manhattan.

This was Liam's usual hangout spot.

I pushed the door open and walked straight inside.

The bouncers at the VIP entrance paled when they saw me, quickly stepping forward to block my path.

"Miss Vance, what are you doing here?"

"Move," my voice was quiet but dripping with ice.

"Mr. Hudson gave strict orders. He doesn't want to be disturbed today..." Sweat beaded on the bouncer's forehead.

I ignored him, shoved past his arm, and walked down the hallway to the private suite.

Bang!

I kicked the door open.

The laughter inside stopped instantly.

On the couch, Liam was gently drying Summer's wet hair with a towel.

Summer shrunk into his chest like a frightened little deer.

Several of Liam's wealthy friends sat around them, wearing smirks on their faces.

Seeing me, everyone froze.

Liam's hand paused, his brow instantly furrowing.

"What are you doing here?" His tone was filled with utter impatience.

I walked over.

I was soaked. Rain dripped from my hair, and my face was pale.

But my spine was perfectly straight.

"I came to deliver something." I handed him the box.

Liam didn't reach for it.

He glanced at my bandaged, bleeding left hand. His eyes didn't show a single flicker of concern.

"What could be so urgent that you had to bring it here now?"

"A wedding gift," I said, looking into his eyes. "I made it myself."

The room fell into a dead silence.

Summer peeked out from Liam's arms, staring at me.

"Miss Vance, please don't misunderstand. I got caught in the storm during an interview, and my gear broke. Mr. Hudson was just passing by and helped me out..."

"I didn't ask you," I cut her off, my eyes locked on Liam. "Take it."

"Just leave it on the table," Liam said coldly.

I didn't move.

My hand remained suspended in the air.

Summer bit her lip and reached out. "Miss Vance, let me help you put it..."

The moment her hand brushed the box, Liam suddenly lashed out, slapping the box away.

Clatter.

The box hit the floor, bursting open.

Two cufflinks rolled out.

On the pure black stone, my dried blood was still visible.

"Don't touch it," Liam pulled Summer behind him, glaring at me coldly. "Who knows if that thing is even clean."

I stared at the cufflinks on the floor.

I had pulled three consecutive all-nighters, carving them millimeter by millimeter.

Every cut held my hope for our upcoming marriage.

Now, they lay at someone else's feet like trash.

Chloe's POV

"Liam," my voice was barely a whisper. "We are getting married next month."

"So what?" Liam sneered. "It's just a piece of paper. Do you really think of yourself as Mrs. Hudson already?"

He stood up, looking down at me.

"Chloe, you are so boring. You're like a programmed machine. You never make mistakes, but you never surprise me either."

He pointed to Summer behind him.

"Summer is different. She is real, she is alive, and she never lies. With her, I actually feel like a living human being."

I looked at him.

For a long, long time.

"Are you done staring? If you're done, get out." Liam turned around and stepped directly on one of the cufflinks.

Crack.

The sound of stone shattering.

My heart shattered completely along with that sharp noise.

I didn't cry.

I didn't throw a tantrum.

I simply bent down, using my uninjured right hand to pick up the broken pieces one by one, squeezing them in my palm.

The sharp shards sliced into my skin.

But I felt no pain.

"Sorry to bother you."

I stood up and walked out of the suite.

The moment the door closed, I heard Summer's soft voice from inside.

"Liam, treating Chloe like that... won't she be really sad?"

"Why care about her? A woman like her doesn't have a heart."

I closed my eyes.

I took a deep breath.

When I opened them again, there was nothing left but icy silence.

Liam, you're right.

I don't have a heart anymore.

The next day.

I went to work as usual.

I am the CEO of the Vance Group.

Though the Vance family isn't as massive as the Hudson conglomerate, we are still a highly respected prominent family in New York.

However, over the last few years, our cash flow had run into issues, and we had been relying on joint projects with the Hudson Group to stay afloat.

That was why everyone in our social circle said I was marrying up.

At 10:00 AM.

My office door was pushed open.

Liam walked in.

He was wearing a tailored suit, his hair perfectly styled.

He looked nothing like the man from the bar last night.

He walked straight over to the couch, sat down, and crossed his legs like he owned the place.

"Is there something you need?" I didn't even look up from my documents.

Liam frowned.

"Summer's media channel is doing a special feature on prominent New York entrepreneurs," Liam got straight to the point. "She needs a high-profile interview subject."

My hand pausing on the page.

"And?"

"You will accept her interview," Liam said, his tone commanding.

I raised my head and looked at him.

I looked at him as if he were a complete stranger.

"Liam, have you lost your mind?"

Liam's face darkened. "Chloe, watch your mouth."

"Watch my mouth?" I let out a cold laugh. "You want me to do an interview with your mistress just to help boost her career? What do you take me for?"

"She is not a mistress! Stop using such disgusting words!" Liam stood up abruptly. "Summer is a professional reporter! She just needs an opportunity to prove herself!"

"If she wants to prove herself, why does she have to step on me to do it?"

"Chloe, stop throwing a tantrum." Liam walked over to my desk, leaning over to stare down at me. "You must do this interview."

I leaned back in my chair, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"And if I refuse?"

Liam narrowed his eyes, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.

"The Vance Group is currently developing the Brooklyn Waterfront Project, right? You still have a three-hundred-million-dollar funding gap. If the Hudson Group pulls its investment right now..."

My face paled instantly.

The Brooklyn Waterfront Project was my father's lifelong dream. If the funding cut, the Vance Group would go bankrupt.

Liam knew exactly where my weakness lay.

He was using my father's dream to blackmail me into pleasing another woman.

Looking at this man, I felt utterly disgusted.

"Liam, you are despicable."

"Say whatever you want." Liam stood up and straightened his suit jacket. "Summer will bring her team here at two this afternoon. You better cooperate."

With that, he turned and walked out.

The door clicked shut.

I sat in my chair, my body freezing cold. The wound on my left hand began to throb again.

I opened my drawer, pulled out a bottle of painkillers, and swallowed two pills dry.

Chloe's POV

At 2:00 PM.

Summer arrived at my office right on time with her camera crew.

She was wearing a sleek professional blazer today, with flawless makeup. She looked both innocent and professional.

Liam was right behind her.

"Miss Vance, sorry to disturb you," Summer smiled sweetly.

I ignored her, pointing to the seat opposite me. "Let's begin."

The cameras were set up.

The red recording light turned on.

The smile on Summer's face vanished, replaced by a sharp, professional mask.

"Miss Vance, rumors say that the Vance Group's recent growth relies heavily on the support of the Hudson Group. Is this true?"

The very first question was a direct attack.

I remained calm. "The Vance Group and the Hudson Group share a standard, mutually beneficial business partnership."

"Is that so?" Summer flipped through her tablet. "But according to my sources, over sixty percent of your profits over the past three years came from projects outsourced by the Hudson Group. Doesn't that count as dependency?"

I frowned slightly.

This data was a trade secret. How could a digital reporter like Summer access it?

I instinctively looked at Liam, who was standing behind the camera.

Liam avoided my eyes.

I understood.

Liam had handed her my company's financial data just so she could humiliate me.

"Miss Evans, I don't care where you got your fabricated data," my voice grew cold. "If you only came here today to audit my company's finances, this interview is over."

"Please don't be angry, Miss Vance. I am just seeking the truth." Summer blinked innocently, throwing an even sharper question.

"Since the Vance Group is so dependent on the Hudsons, rumors say you used underhanded tactics to force Mr. Hudson into this marriage. How do you respond to that?"

The air in the office froze instantly.

Even the cameraman gasped.

This wasn't an interview. This was a public execution.

My fingers clenched tightly.

My nails dug into my palms. The pain kept me focused.

Looking at Summer's smug, provocative face, I suddenly smiled.

"Miss Evans, you claim you never lie. Do you dare to look into that camera and say you have absolutely no personal motive behind these questions today?"

Summer's face stiffened.

"I... of course I don't! I am just asking on behalf of the public!"

"The public isn't that interested in my private life." I stood up, looking down at her. "The only people interested are those hiding in the shadows, desperately plotting to steal the title of Mrs. Hudson."

"You!" Summer's eyes welled with tears instantly.

"Chloe!"

Liam strode over, pulling Summer behind his back.

He glared at me, looking like he wanted to tear me apart.

"Have you lost your mind? Summer is just doing a standard interview!"

"A standard interview?" I pointed at the camera. "A standard interview asks if I forced you into marriage? Liam, do you dare deny that you authorized these questions?"

Exposed, Liam's face turned an ugly shade of red.

"So what if I did? Did she say anything wrong? If your grandfather hadn't used his deathbed wish to force my grandfather into this arrangement, do you think I would ever marry you?"

Those words felt like a dagger driving straight into my heart.

I looked at Liam.

For three years.

For his sake, I had swallowed my pride and learned how to be the perfect fiance.

I thought even a cold stone could be warmed up.

But a stone is just a stone.

"Fine," I nodded, my voice incredibly calm. "Since you feel so victimized, we don't have to get married."

Liam froze.

He obviously didn't expect me to say that.

After all, in his eyes, I loved him so desperately that I had no dignity left. How could I ever call off the wedding?

"Don't try to threaten me with calling off the wedding," Liam sneered. "Do you think I'm scared?"

"I am not threatening you." I sat back down and pressed the intercom on my desk. "Security, escort these intruders out."

"Chloe, how dare you!"

"Watch me." I looked up, my eyes as cold as ice. "Liam, take your woman and get the hell out of my company."

Chloe's POV

The interview video was released anyway.

Summer's team was highly skilled at editing.

They cut out all of my counterattacks, leaving only Summer's sharp questions and my silent, tense expressions.

The video was posted with a highly provocative title:

The Truth Behind the Billionaire Alliance: Love, or a Financial Trap?

Once published, it immediately went viral on Twitter and TikTok.

Summer's fans shared it like crazy, dragging my name through the mud.

"So she did force him into marriage! How shameless!"

"No wonder Mr. Hudson doesn't love her. Who would want a gold-digger who blackmails her way into a family?"

"I feel so bad for Summer. She got bullied by this evil CEO just for exposing the truth!"

"Liam and Summer are the real soulmates! Boycott the forced marriage!"

I sat in my dark apartment, watching the vicious comments stream down my phone screen.

My expression remained blank.

It felt like I was reading a story about someone else.

On the coffee table lay a stack of wedding invitations.

Our names, "Liam Hudson" and "Chloe Vance," were printed side-by-side. It looked like a massive joke now.

My phone buzzed.

It was a message from Liam.

Liam: Don't worry about the video. Summer needs the publicity right now. Once the hype dies down, I'll have PR handle it.

Looking at the text, I found it laughably absurd.

He had pushed me off a cliff, letting the entire internet tear me apart, just to generate traffic for his mistress.

And then he casually dismissed it with "don't worry."

I didn't reply.

I tossed my phone aside, stood up, and walked into my study.

Inside the safe lay a dusty wooden box.

I opened it to find an old, discontinued phone model.

I plugged in the charger and powered it on.

The lock screen lit up, showing a blurry photo of a man's back.

He was wearing a black trench coat, his posture tall and imposing, radiating a dangerous, untouchable coldness.

Ethan Hudson.

The true, formidable heir of the Hudson family, and Liam's older half-brother.

He was also... my former fianc.

Three years ago.

On the eve of my wedding to Ethan.

Liam had knelt outside the Vance mansion in a torrential storm for an entire day and night.

He had grabbed my hand, his eyes red as he begged me, "Chloe, don't marry him. I love you. Run away with me."

Back then, I was blinded by Liam's dramatic display of affection. In a moment of madness, I made the most reckless decision of my life.

I ran away from my own wedding.

I abandoned Ethan, the ruthless, terrifying man everyone feared, and ran away with Liam.

The Hudson family was furious.

Ethan became the laughingstock of New York high society.

Yet, he didn't unleash his wrath. He didn't send men to hunt me down.

He simply stood at the wedding venue, calmly announced the cancellation, and boarded a flight out of the country that very day.

It had been three years.

Ethan had never returned.

And I had paid a devastating price for my impulsive mistake.

I thought I was running toward love.

Instead, I had leaped straight into an abyss.

I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling as I dialed the number I hadn't touched in three years.

The line rang for a long time.

So long that I feared he had changed his number.

Just as I was about to hang up, the call connected.

There was no greeting.

Only the sound of faint breathing and the sharp click of a lighter.

I gripped the phone, my knuckles turning white.

"...Ethan," I whispered, my voice hoarse.

The other end remained silent for two seconds.

Then, a deep, magnetic, and freezing voice cut through the line.

"Chloe Vance."

Just hearing him speak my name made my chest tighten with a suffocating pressure.

"It's me," I said, closing my eyes.

"Is there a reason you're calling?" Ethan's voice was completely flat, as if he were talking to a stranger.

"How... how have you been?" I didn't know how to start.

"If you called just to make small talk, you can hang up."

"Wait!" I blurted out.

I bit my lip, making up my mind.

"Ethan, do you want to make a bet with me?"

A faint, mocking chuckle came from the other end.

"What makes you think I would ever play games with you again?"

"Because you didn't destroy me three years ago," my voice steadied. "Ethan, I know you hate me. I am giving you a chance to get your revenge."

"Speak."

"Next month on the eighth, it's my wedding with Liam." I paused. "If he abandons me at the altar, I will marry you right then and there."

The air seemed to freeze.

Even across half the globe, I could feel the terrifying chill radiating from Ethan.

"Chloe, what do you think I am?" Ethan's voice dropped low, laced with dangerous anger. "A trash bin for my brother's leftovers?"

"No," I opened my eyes, my gaze resolute. "I am treating you as my only way out."

The line fell silent again.

Only the rhythmic click, click of his lighter echoed in the quiet night.

Every flick of the flame seemed to beat against my heart.

After what felt like an eternity.

Ethan finally spoke.

"And if he doesn't abandon you?"

"Then I will transfer thirty percent of the Vance Group's shares to you, free of charge," I said without hesitation.

"Chloe, you are out of your mind."

"Do you dare to bet?"

"Fine," Ethan's voice held a trace of ruthless amusement. "I'll be there on the eighth. Chloe, this is your last chance. If you dare to play me again..."

"I won't," I interrupted. "Ethan, I'll be waiting."

I hung up.

My strength evaporated, and I slid down onto the cold floor.

My back was drenched in sweat.

I knew I was playing with fire.

Ethan was a sleeping beast. Once provoked, he would tear me apart without leaving even a bone behind.

But I didn't care anymore.

If Liam wanted to drag my dignity through the mud.

Then I would flip the table and make sure everyone burned with me.

Chloe's POV

With one week left until the wedding.

Liam seemed to have completely forgotten our past arguments.

He began showing up constantly, playing the role of a doting groom.

It was as if the online hate and Summer's provocations were just a figment of my imagination.

At a high-end bridal boutique downtown.

I sat on the couch, watching the clock on the wall.

3:00 PM.

Liam was already a full hour late.

The consultant carefully served a cup of coffee. "Miss Vance, would you like to try on the dress first? Mr. Hudson might be stuck in traffic."

"No, I'll wait," I said calmly.

At 3:30 PM.

The bell at the entrance finally chimed.

Liam rushed in, bringing in the cold draft from outside.

Along with a faint scent of citrus perfume.

That was Summer's favorite scent.

"Sorry, an urgent meeting came up at the office," Liam walked over, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

I tilted my head, avoiding him.

Liam's hand froze in mid-air. A flash of annoyance crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it.

"Still mad? I'll take you to that French place you love tonight to make it up to you, okay?"

"No need. Let's just try the dress." I stood up and followed the consultant into the fitting room.

When I stepped out wearing the custom gown designed by a top French designer, Liam gasped.

The pure white skirt was encrusted with tiny diamonds, shimmering under the boutique lights.

The gown accentuated my collarbones and slender neck, making me look like an untouchable, regal queen.

"Beautiful," Liam stepped forward, genuine admiration in his eyes.

He reached out, wanting to wrap his hand around my waist.

Right then.

A loud ringtone broke the silence.

It was Liam's phone.

The custom ringtone he had set exclusively for Summer.

Liam's movement froze.

He looked at me, then at the phone in his pocket.

"Answer it," I said, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My voice didn't hold a single drop of emotion.

Liam pulled out his phone and stepped aside to answer.

"Summer, what's wrong?"

I couldn't hear the other side, but Liam's face instantly paled.

"Don't cry! I'm coming right now! Stay where you are and don't move!"

He hung up and turned to me, his face frantic.

"Chloe, Summer is trapped at an interview site by some aggressive men. I have to go."

I looked at him.

"We are fitting my wedding dress."

"The dress fits perfectly, no adjustments needed," Liam said impatiently, tugging at his tie. "Summer is in danger. She can't handle this alone."

"Liam," I turned around, looking straight into his eyes. "If you walk out of this door today, I will never wear this dress again."

Liam frowned, clearly thinking I was just throwing a childish tantrum.

"Chloe, can you be reasonable for once? This is an emergency, and you're choosing now to act jealous?"

"Reasonable?" I smiled, but the warmth didn't reach my eyes. "Fine. Go."

Liam gave me a long look, then turned and bolted out of the boutique.

Without a shred of hesitation.

I watched his figure disappear through the glass doors.

I turned to the consultant. "Help me take it off."

"Miss Vance, the gown..."

"Pack it up and send it to the Hudson estate," I said flatly. "I don't need it."

After changing back into my clothes, I walked out of the store.

My phone buzzed.

It was an image message.

Sender: Summer.

In the photo, Liam had his sleeves rolled up, standing in a cramped kitchen cooking soup.

His profile was incredibly soft and focused.

Below the photo was a text:

Miss Vance, I'm so sorry for ruining your dress fitting. But my stomach ulcer flared up so badly, and Liam insisted that takeout isn't clean enough. He insisted on making me soup himself. You don't mind, right?

I stared at the photo.

There were no aggressive men trapping her.

It was just another one of Summer's pathetic games to secure his attention.

And Liam had willingly played right along.

My fingers flew across the keyboard as I replied:

You two deserve each other.

I hit send and blocked her number instantly.

At 11:00 PM.

Liam returned to our apartment.

The place was pitch black.

He turned on the lights and saw me sitting on the couch, holding a glass of red wine.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Liam walked over, trying to soften his tone. "Summer was really shaken up today, so I stayed to keep her company for a bit."

"Shaken up, or was it just her stomach ulcer?" I took a sip of wine and asked quietly.

Liam's face stiffened.

"Are you tracking me?"

"I'm not that bored." I set the glass down. "Liam, aren't you tired?"

"What do you mean?"

"Lying to both sides, placating both sides. You might not be tired, but I'm exhausted just watching you." I stood up and faced him. "You can just call off the wedding and be with her."

"Chloe Vance!" Liam snapped. "Do you have to pick a fight right now? The invitations are already out. All of New York knows we are getting married. You want to cancel now?"

"Are you just afraid of losing face?"

"I am doing this for the reputation of both our families!" Liam took a deep breath, forcing his anger down. "Chloe, I admit I have feelings for Summer. But the position of Mrs. Hudson will only ever belong to you. Just behave, and I will treat you well."

Just behave.

The words sounded incredibly repulsive.

"Sure," I suddenly smiled.

My smile was bright and dazzling.

"Liam, remember what you said today."

I walked past him and went into the bedroom.

Chloe's POV

The night before the wedding.

Our families hosted a massive rehearsal dinner at the most luxurious hotel in Manhattan.

All our relatives, friends, and business partners were there.

The crystal chandeliers gleamed, and the champagne towers sparkled under the lights.

I wore a stunning red gown, socializing with the guests with a flawless smile on my face.

Liam stood beside me, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

He kept checking his watch and pulling out his phone.

"Liam, what is wrong with you?" Liam's mother walked over, whispering sharply. "Today is a big day for you and Chloe. Focus."

"I'm fine, Mom," Liam brushed her off, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

A waiter carrying a tray accidentally bumped into me.

The red wine spilled, splashing onto my skirt.

"I am so sorry! Miss Vance, I am so sorry!" The waiter apologized profusely, trembling.

Before I could speak, Liam suddenly exploded.

"How do you do your job? Are you blind?!" He violently shoved the waiter, his voice echoing across the quieted ballroom.

Everyone turned to look at us.

I frowned slightly.

Liam was overreacting.

He wasn't acting out of concern for me. He was just using this as an excuse to vent his pent-up anxiety.

"I'm fine," I grabbed Liam's arm. "I'll just go to the restroom and clean up."

Right then, the phone in Liam's pocket began to vibrate frantically.

As if grabbing onto his last lifeline, he snatched it out immediately.

Seeing the name on the screen, his face drained of all color.

He violently threw my hand off and answered.

"Summer? What's wrong? Speak to me!"

Summer's terrified screams echoed faintly from the receiver. "Liam! Help me! Someone is breaking down my door! They're inside... Ah!"

The call cut off.

Liam's eyes went completely wild.

He turned and bolted toward the exit like a madman.

"Liam! Where do you think you're going?!" his father, Charles Hudson, roared.

"Summer is in danger! I have to save her!" Liam didn't even turn his head.

"Stop right there! Do you have any idea what night it is? If you dare walk out of that door, don't ever call yourself a Hudson again!"

Liam paused.

He turned around, looking at the room full of guests, his furious parents, and finally, his gaze landed on me.

I stood there, watching him.

I didn't stop him, nor did I beg him to stay.

My gaze was as cold as if I were looking at a corpse.

"I'm sorry," Liam gritted his teeth. "I can't let her die."

With that, he ran out of the ballroom.

The heavy doors slammed shut with a resounding thud.

The room fell into a dead silence before erupting into a frenzy of whispers.

"Oh my god, did the groom just run away?"

"For a reporter? This is insane!"

"The Vance family's reputation is completely ruined..."

Liam's father looked like he was about to have a stroke.

My father, Arthur, looked furious. He strode over to me. "Chloe, what on earth is going on?!"

"Dad, it's fine," I supported my father, my voice completely steady. "Let the guests enjoy their dinner. It's just a minor hiccup."

I turned back to the room, raising my wine glass high.

"Apologies for the drama, everyone. Mr. Hudson had an emergency to handle. Tomorrow's wedding will proceed as scheduled. Please, enjoy your evening."

I drained the glass of red wine in one gulp.

My movements were sharp and elegant, without a hint of desperation.

After calming the guests, I slipped away and walked out onto the hotel terrace.

The night wind was freezing.

It cleared the alcohol from my mind.

I leaned against the railing, looking down at the city streets.

Liam's car was already gone.

I closed my eyes, letting out a long, slow breath.

It was over.

The very last shred of hope I had for Liam had died completely tonight.

Click.

The sharp sound of a lighter echoed behind me.

It was startlingly loud in the quiet night.

I spun around.

In the shadows of the terrace stood a tall man.

He wore a long black trench coat, holding a freshly lit cigarette between his fingers.

The glowing red tip flickered in the dark.

He stepped out of the shadows.

The hallway light hit his face, carving out his sharp, aristocratic features.

His eyes were dark, dangerous, and dripping with raw intensity as he stared at me.

Ethan.

He really came back.

My heart skipped a beat.

After three years, his aura had become even more terrifying.

Ethan walked over, looming over me.

His gaze swept over my red gown, finally landing on my bandaged left hand.

He reached out, his long fingers gently wrapping around my wrist.

His touch was as cold as ice.

"Does it still hurt?" His voice was deep, gravelly, and laced with a subtle danger.

I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip tightened.

"It doesn't," I met his gaze.

Ethan let out a low chuckle.

He took a drag of his cigarette and slowly blew the smoke into my face.

The bitter scent of tobacco enveloped me instantly.

"He abandoned you at your rehearsal dinner for another woman," Ethan's voice held no effort to hide his mockery. "Chloe, is this the man you ran away with three years ago?"

My face paled.

"I made a mistake," I admitted frankly, offering no excuses.

"And you think a simple confession wipes away those three years?" Ethan suddenly lunged forward, pinning me against the terrace railing.