CHAPTER 1: THE BRIDE WHO STOPPED THE WEDDING
The wedding reception was supposed to unite two powerful families.
White orchids filled the hall.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.
Hundreds of wealthy guests watched as Ethan stood at the altar, holding a platinum wedding ring.
Then everything collapsed.
"I said stop."
Camila's voice cut through the ballroom.
She stepped back from Ethan, her face twisted with disgust.
"I am not marrying a man who has nothing."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Before Ethan could respond, Camila's mother joined her.
Victoria looked Ethan up and down, openly mocking his modest suit.
"You thought you could marry into our family?" she sneered. "A nobody chasing our inheritance?"
The humiliation was brutal.
Public.
Deliberate.
Ethan's hand trembled around the ring.
A tear slipped down his cheek.
He looked at Camila one final time.
"Is that really what you think of me?"
Camila didn't hesitate.
"I think you're a burden."
The room fell silent.
Nobody defended him.
Nobody moved.
May you like
Until a chair scraped against the marble floor.
And one of the most powerful men in the city slowly stood up.
