Chapter 1

At the wedding, just as I was about to step up to the stage, Crystal Harding suddenly appeared in front of me, wearing a gown identical to mine.

“Thank you, sister-in-law, for being willing to give up your own wedding to make up for what I lost.”

I froze on the spot, not understanding what was happening, and instinctively looked at Christian Delgado.

He didn't stop her. He smiled at me instead.

“We decided this at the last minute yesterday. My brother passed away so suddenly that he never got to have his wedding. As his younger brother, it's my duty to fulfill his wish for him.”

“The ceremony's just for show anyway. When it comes time to get the marriage license, it'll still be you and me. This way you won't have to tire yourself out today. Just sit down there and watch.”

My nails dug deep into my palms, and my voice trembled.

“This is my wedding. Why didn't you talk to me about it beforehand?”

His face darkened at once.

“I'm the one paying for the wedding. Do I need to consult you about who I marry?”

“If you agree today, you're still my wife. If you don't, then leave right now. This wedding goes on the same, with or without you.”

With that, he took Crystal's hand and turned toward the stage.

I stood where I was, watching their retreating backs, cold to the bone.

……

Down below, the applause died and swelled again.

On the stage, Crystal held Christian's arm, smiling as she accepted everyone's blessings.

Every seat was full, and not one face showed surprise.

As if the bride standing in the spotlight had always been meant to be her.

So everyone had known all along.

This wedding I'd spent half a year preparing.

From beginning to end, I was the only one kept in the dark.

Naomi Delgado came over, gripping my wrist and dragging me toward the waiting area, her tone impatient.

“Crystal and his brother had already sent out the invitations, and then he passed away all of a sudden. It's not easy for a girl in her position.”

“Christian is just going through the motions for his brother. Once the ceremony's over, he's still yours. Live your life however you want, it's not like you're losing a pound of flesh.”

Spencer Delgado stood beside her, hands clasped behind his back, his face stiff.

“Have some sense of the bigger picture. Don't throw a fit over some trivial thing and make the Delgados a laughingstock in front of the guests.”

I pulled my hand back, my fingertips ice-cold.

“You'd do well to choose your words more carefully. No license has been signed, so whose he is remains to be seen.”

The appointment to get the marriage license had been a week ago.

That day I waited outside the county clerk's office from morning until afternoon.

Five hours. Eighteen phone calls.

In the end all I got was one message from him.

He said Crystal had a stomachache and had fainted alone at home.

He'd taken her to the hospital and couldn't get away from caring for her, so the license would have to be pushed back.

Until today, I'd been sad that our wedding would have the flaw of no marriage license.

Now I saw it for what it was: heaven's warning to me.

Naomi's face darkened instantly at my words.

“The Delgados letting you through our door is a blessing you earned in a past life. Don't spit on the face we're giving you!”

My voice turned cold too.

“My wedding, and you swap out the bride just like that. Did you ask me even once?”

Spencer's voice shot up sharply.

“Ask you what? The Delgados paid for this reception. We'll make whoever we want the bride!”

“If you know your place, sit tight and behave. If you don't, then get out right now. The Delgados aren't short one daughter-in-law!”

The argument grew louder and louder.

The ring exchange had just finished on the stage, and Christian immediately came over, holding Crystal's hand.

His gaze swept over my tight face, and his brows knotted.

“Tilda Swanson, are you done making a scene? My brother went so suddenly that Crystal never even had a proper wedding. I'm only fulfilling his wish for him. Is that any reason to throw a tantrum in front of your elders?”

Naomi jumped in at once.