Chapter 3

Ethan slowly stood up and took the microphone from the officiant.

The romantic wedding photos on the big screen abruptly stopped.

In their place appeared two documents stamped with embossed seals.

A paternity test, and a diagnosis of severe manic-type schizophrenia.

The entire venue fell deathly silent.

Ethan's eyes reddened.

"Everyone, I apologize. Today, besides our wedding, I must announce something heartbreaking."

"My bride, Lily Winchester, is not of Winchester blood. The true heiress is only one person---Miss Rain."

The crowd below erupted in gasps.

Ethan closed his eyes in pain.

"Unable to accept the truth, Lily developed severe schizophrenia. Just last night, she even tried to self-harm to threaten her family."

The big screen flickered, playing a silent surveillance video.

It showed me from just hours ago in the bridal suite, holding a glass shard against my bleeding neck!

My pupils constricted sharply, blood rushing backward through my body.

Everything had been within his control all along!

"For Winchester's stability, and for Lily to receive proper treatment."

Ethan stepped aside.

The family attorney, who had watched me grow up, walked onto the stage. He avoided my gaze and read aloud:

"Given that Miss Lily Winchester has been determined legally incapacitated, her Winchester shares shall be transferred by her husband Ethan to the true heiress, Rain."

Rain, wearing an elaborate bridesmaid dress, carried the transfer documents to me.

Looking at her pale, slender hands, a painful memory flashed through my mind.

Six months ago, I'd been in a car accident with a compound fracture in my right hand, desperately waiting for family consent to save the limb.

But Ethan, who was almost at the hospital, turned back because Rain claimed her claustrophobia was triggered and she was going to cut her wrists.

I missed the optimal surgery window, leaving my right hand barely able to hold a pen.

Afterward, he'd slapped himself hard at my hospital bedside, crying as he held me tight.

"Lily, it's all my fault. Rain is your sister. I was afraid if something happened to her, you'd spiral. From now on, my hands are your hands. I'll take care of you forever."

Now, Ethan walked over and gripped my right hand.

On that document stripping me of everything, he firmly signed my name.

The guests finally reacted, their contempt and disgust pelting me like hail.

"No wonder she's in a wheelchair---she's insane!"

"Mr. Fitzgerald is so unfortunate, tricked into marriage by this lunatic!"

A glass of champagne was viciously thrown from below.

Ethan removed his custom suit and wrapped my trembling body in it. His face was cut by glass shards.

"Please don't blame Lily. It's not her fault---it's the illness."

"I, Ethan Fitzgerald, swear that no matter what Lily becomes, she is my lawfully wedded wife. I will never abandon her!"

The guests were moved by his loyalty and devotion.

He pressed his lips to my ear, his voice tender as a love confession.

"Did you hear that, Lily? The whole world knows you're insane."

"You'll stay by my side alone and be Mrs. Fitzgerald for the rest of your life."