Chapter 4
My stepmother chimed in, her face filled with disappointment and feigned sorrow.
“Daniel, I’ve been married to you for so many years. Have I ever treated Lily poorly? I’ve always
seen her as my own daughter.”
“But what did she do? She brought shame to the family, lost the marriage with the Duke family, and forced Rose to take her place for the sake of the family.”
“And now, she’s dressed like this to humiliate Rose. Daniel, if this situation isn’t resolved properly today, I really can’t stay in this family anymore.”
The onlookers began to murmur.
“The stepmother and Rose seem so much better than Lily.”
“Exactly! How can a used–up woman compare to a true young lady?”
“And she claims she’s marrying Evan Daxton. What a joke–she’s a pathological liar.”
The mother–daughter duo’s performance, coupled with the crowd’s murmurs, deepened Daniel
Gilbert’s frown.
. “What are you all standing around for? Strip her of that dress now!”
“Today is Rose’s wedding, and she’s the elder sister. Dressed like this, what will people think of the Gilbert family?”
“Guests will arrive soon. Where will I put my dignity as the head of this family?”
The men in the room exchanged knowing looks and began approaching me with malicious grins. Rose and my stepmother stood to the side, their faces lit with anticipation.
I flailed my arms desperately, trying to keep them at bay.
“Don’t come near me! Don’t touch me!”
“Evan Daxton will be here soon–I am his wife!”
“If you touch me, can you afford the consequences?”
Christmas
86.2%
But none of them believed me. Their hands continued to grope and tear at me indiscriminately,
Su little far. Still claiming Evan Daxton is coming to get you? You’re delusional”
“Then let him come! Let’s see if I’m afraid of him.
“Playing the chaste and pure act for who? Deep down, you’re loving every second of this.”
Within a minute, I was left in nothing but my undergarments. I curled my body tightly, trying to cover as much of myself as I could.
Lexi, tears streaming down her face, grabbed a bedsheet and draped it over me as soon as the men stepped back.
Seeing me in this state, Gavin squatted in front of me and gripped my chin tightly.
“Do you really think any man would want a woman like you?”
“Out of consideration for our three years together, I’m still willing to keep you as my mistress. Otherwise, with the Gilberts disowning you, where could you possibly go?”
“Stop being so stubborn, or you’ll only suffer more.”
Just as his disgusting face loomed closer, a deep and commanding male voice cut through the chaos.
“I’d like to see who has the audacity!”
“On the day of my wedding, who dares cause trouble here?”
Everyone turned toward the voice, looking toward the door.
A tall, imposing man dressed in a custom–tailored suit strode into the room. His presence was commanding, and several groomsmen and bodyguards followed closely behind him.
Gavin Duke immediately changed his demeanor, plastering on a fawning smile as he stepped forward to greet him.
“Mr. Daxton, what brings you here today?”
Did we make too much noise and disturb you? It’s all a misunderstanding, really.”
“We’ll keep it down and make sure not to bother you, I promise.”
Evan Daxton cast a brief, uninterested glance at him, clearly not inclined to engage.
c’s Christmas
86.59
This is a hotel owned by the Daston family. I came to pick up my bride. What do you think brought me here?
“Who’s in charge of this hotel? What kind of establishment allows such a ruckus? It’s disgraceful”
“Seems the management has really gone downhill, letting anyone in here.”
Gavin’s face turned sour, but he didn’t dare say a word.
At that moment, Daniel Gilbert leaned on his cane and stepped forward, extending his hand toward
Evan.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Daxton. I’m Daniel Gilbert, chairman of the Gilbert Group.”
“My daughter was being unreasonable, making wild claims about marrying you. She doesn’t know her place, and I was just teaching her a lesson!”
“Rest assured, Mr. Daxton, I will discipline this rebellious daughter properly and ensure she doesn’t interfere with your marriage to Mrs. Daxton.”
Perhaps Daniel thought his age would earn him some respect, but Evan didn’t even acknowledge his outstretched hand. Instead, he frowned slightly, looking at Daniel with cold indifference.
And who are you?”
“Your daughter claimed she’s marrying me?”
At that moment, I was disheveled, my clothes torn, and my face still swollen from the earlier slap.
