Chapter 5
On the other side of the city, Beckett was a bundle of excitement as he reached the wedding venue, his entire being glowing with joy.
In stark contrast, his mother appeared more reserved. She cast him a wary glance and advised, “Beckett, try to keep your enthusiasm in check today. Mara has been quite emotional lately, and you don’t want to unsettle her.”
At the mention of Mara, Beckett’s smile faltered momentarily. He nodded understandingly. “I understand, Mom. But please, treat Clara well. Don’t let her suspect something’s wrong.”
Mrs. Vaughn sighed softly, nodding with
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resignation.
The ceremony commenced shortly after.
Without any clear reason, a deep unease gripped Beckett’s heart. He scanned the crowd anxiously but failed to spot my parents anywhere.
Unknown to him, I had confided everything to my parents the day I chose to leave. They were fully aware of why they wouldn’t witness the spectacle today.
Unable to locate my parents, Beckett began to panic. Just as he was about to inquire about their absence, the officiant announced the start of the ceremony. Reluctantly, he turned his focus back to the proceedings, finding no choice but to wait.
When he caught sight of Mara approaching
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J
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in in a white wedding gown, hissasiteite dr hisis face drained of color. He stataggere a ststep, his voice faltering, “Whyhywiwhy yordu?/Where’s Clara?”
Beferere Mara could respond, a man in im delivevery uniform entered the venue, a, a packakagia inahand.
“Who’s MMMBebeckett Vaughn?” he calleder out. “I haveva wwedding gift from Miss Cli Westfield. Plebease sign for it.”
The room buzzeded with murmurs. Everyc ki knew this weddingwavas supposed to be bebetween Becketeanahchene, yet was now in in sight. Now there wasasran unexpected fr from the absent bridede.
H&Hearing this, Beckett’s eyegelsdoecame va hishis spirit seemingly elsewhere resalsche st staggered toward the delivery nyeperson.
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He didn’t sign immediately but instead tore the box open. Inside, he discovered the hardware and the bank card containing the dowry money his family had given me.
As realization set in, a deep, hollow emptiness engulfed him.
He forced the corners of his lips into a smile, but it was a smile more sorrowful than tears. With eyes gleaming with unshed tears, he spoke in a trembling voice, “She ended the engagement… she doesn’t want to marry me… Why doesn’t she want me?”
His hands shook as he clutched the gift box, asking his unanswered questions repeatedly.
Alarmed, his mother rushed to his side. Just as she was about to speak, her eyes fell upon the box’s contents.
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Comprehension dawned on her, twisting her expression into one of angry disbelief. “This is the kind of woman you chose as your girlfriend? Abandoning you on her wedding day, humiliating you in public!”
However, her tone softened as she glanced toward Mara. “Perhaps it’s for the best. You and Mara should proceed with the wedding. After all, you’re already legally married and truly a couple, especially since she’s carrying your brother’s only child….”
“Mom!” Beckett interrupted, his bloodshot eyes blazing with anger. Through clenched teeth, he declared, “I only love Clara!”
His mother shot back, “What does that matter now? Are you saying that because you love her, you’d abandon Mara? Have you forgotten she’s carrying your brother’s only
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child?”
Despite his protests, Beckett found himself with no choice but to proceed with the ceremony. His mother’s authority was undeniable, her words cutting reminders of the tangled web they all had woven.
Meanwhile, I had reached my destination. After freshening up, I decided to find a well–rated restaurant nearby. As I scrolled through my phone, I accidentally opened my Instagram app.
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