6
The wedding day arrived quickly.
The Highline Hotel, a five–star resort close to the beach, was relatively quiet this time of year, making the costs more
affordable.
The ballroom was lavishly decorated, with a romantic sea of pink roses and two rows of columns tied with white ribbons. Sixty–six tables were set up for the reception.
Although it fell short of a true high–society wedding, this was the best the Hastings family could manage.
Over the past few days, invitations from the Hastings family had been sent to everyone, from the three major families to the smallest households. Most esteemed guests only showed up out of respect for the Lewis family.
Owen and Harry were chatting with a few important guests while those from smaller families, feeling left out, gathered to gossip.
One said, The Lewis family sure knows how to cut corners. This table couldn’t have cost more than a few thousand dollars And the decor? Pretty underwhelming. They clearly don’t care much about the bride they’re bringing in
Another replied, “Not just that. The wedding wasn’t even arranged by the Lewis family.”
One was surprised. “Really: I thought it was common knowledge that Mr. Lewis and Ms. Hastings were madly in love. They used to be inseparable at all the big social events,”
Another laughed. That’s ancient history. Have you seen the rumors online about the Hastings foster daughter in the past six months The Lewis family isn’t stupid”
One asked. “Then why are they even bothering with a wedding?
Another replied, “You clearly don’t know the whole story. Word has it that Emily drugged Mr. Lewis, and they were caught by the media during well, you know at a hotel. Emily was left in quite a state by Mr. Lewis. Let’s just say that.”
One said, “So, to save face and silence the public, the Lewis family had no choice but to clarify to the media that they were getting married. This whole wedding? It’s just for show, Haven’t you noticed how few members of the Lewis family actually showed up?”
Another replied, “Oh, that’s what’s happening.”
The wedding was scheduled for 10 AM.
In the hotel dressing room, Emily sat in front of the vanity, dressed in a white wedding gown with flawless makeup. Behind her stood Heather, putting on the wedding veil for Emily.
Due to the Lewis family’s demands, the usual formalities of the wedding were skipped, and both families arrived at the hotel separately.
Soon, Miles entered the dressing room, dressed in a deep blue suit. Noticing him, Heather excused herself and left the
As Heather stepped out, a hotel attendant approached with a gift box. “Are you Mrs. Hastings? This gift is for you.
“A gift?” Heather took the beautifully wrapped box. “This must be for Emily, right?”
The hotel attendant said, “The label says it’s for you. You might want to open it.”
Heather stared at it for a few moments before casually unwrapping the package. Inside, resting on pale pink raffia, was a
12:49 Wed, Nov 13
Chapter 116
paternity test. [Blood relation: 98.99% Stamped with a bold red mark: Confirmed blood relation.) She looked at the names. [Emily Hastings, Owen Hastings]
Heather frowned and looked up, intending to ask who had sent but the attendant had already disappeared. She thought, Who would pull such a cruel prank?‘ Frustrated, she tossed the documents into the trash.
In the dressing room, Emily had finished her hair and placed her veil. “Max, do I look beautiful?” she asked sweetly.
Miles‘ expression was cold as he cast Emily a quick glance. In his mind, he couldn’t help but picture another face–one pure and innocent.
“Max, you once promised me that you’d make me your wife, and now you’ve kept your word,” Emily said, trying to please him. She knew that this was her only way forward. Marrying Miles was her last chance to turn things around. But the moment her hands touched Miles, he shoved her away with icy disdain.
“Any feelings we had ended the moment you drugged me. I can’t believe you turned out to be this kind of person.” Miles
said
“Max. I already told you I didn’t know what happened that night. You were so rough with me, and it was my first time… Isn’t this wedding to protect your reputation? Yet you’re still treating me like this?” Emily’s voice trembled with frustration.
Emily’s voice only deepened Miles‘ disgust. “Enough with the tears. You’ve already gotten what you wanted, so stop. pretending.” he snapped before turning and walking out without a second glance, leaving Emily seething.
Miles headed downstairs to clear his mind. As soon as the elevator doors opened on the first floor, he saw a familiar figure. He blinked, thinking his eyes were deceiving him.
Ophelia wore a white, vintage–style lace dress with gold embroidery, her shoulders draped in a khaki coat. Light makeup highlighted her natural beauty–elegant and subtle. Ophelia stood in stark contrast to the woman in the dressing room upstairs. Even the thought of comparing them was an insult to Ophelia.
1
“Elia…” Miles called her name, his voice nervous, his gaze fixed on her.
Ophelia, who had been registering her gifts at the reception, heard him and turned slightly. She smiled faintly, “Mr. Lewis/ congratulations on your wedding
Ophelia’s tone was casual, like that of an old friend, which made tiles feel flattered. But her congratulations made him feel awkward. “You… Why are you here?”
Miles quickly averted his eyes when he remembered Ophelia
