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00:00Everyone listen! This whole thing is a mistake! I'm the Harmon Bride!
00:06The day before the wedding, I just found out that my fiancé is already married.
00:10Not the past.
00:12But now, the bride is his closest friend.
00:15I didn't cry, nor did I make a scene.
00:18I just suddenly wonder if marriage can be a joke.
00:20Then what were these six years of mine?
00:22I photographed it and texted him.
00:24Explain this.
00:25I figured it was some kind of prank.
00:27Then his friend's voice message came through.
00:2960 seconds.
00:32Hey, I'm so sorry.
00:33We were at a bar last night, had a stupid idea, got a little drunk, and just went and did
00:38it.
00:38Don't worry. Once the 30-day waiting period is up, we're filing for divorce immediately.
00:42We'll give him right back to you.
00:44I was quiet for two seconds.
00:45Then I blocked her.
00:47Three hours later, Ethan came home.
00:49I was already at the bottom of the stairs, luggage in tow.
00:52He glanced at the certificates, sitting on the coffee table and pressed two fingers to his temple.
00:58It's not a big deal.
01:00She was just messing around. You're really going to hold this over everyone?
01:03You've been waiting for this wedding for six years. You can't wait one more month?
01:07I smiled. I didn't deny it.
01:10No. I can't.
01:12Ethan blinked.
01:13He stepped in front of me on instinct.
01:16Mia, stop. Don't do this.
01:19The invitations are already out.
01:20If you leave now, what are our families supposed to do?
01:24I moved his hand aside and kept walking.
01:26His voice finally went cold.
01:28You're going to throw away six yearsers over something this small?
01:31I stopped. I turned around.
01:33Six years?
01:36Ethan, when you signed that certificate with her, did you think about those six years at all?
01:41He had nothing. He forced out something useless.
01:44The bar was loud.
01:46The guys kept pouring drinks.
01:48She took a lot of them for me.
01:49She was pretty out of it herself.
01:51Everyone was egging us on.
01:52I wasn't thinking straight.
01:53They basically dragged us there.
01:58It was a joke.
02:00We'll fix it.
02:01I looked at his unbothered face and didn't even have the energy to argue.
02:05A joke.
02:06If marriage could be a joke, what in this world was actually serious?
02:10I turned away.
02:11His phone rang.
02:14He looked at it.
02:15It's Cassie.
02:15She knows she's screwed up.
02:17She wants to apologize to you.
02:18I ignored him and opened the door.
02:21Cassie was already standing outside.
02:23Keys dangling from one hand.
02:28You're actually leaving?
02:29I wheeled my suitcase around her.
02:31Cassie clicked her tongue and grabbed the handle.
02:33Really?
02:33I said I'd apologize.
02:35Isn't that enough?
02:36I'm the one who talked him into it.
02:38I'm the one who kept pouring.
02:39If you're mad, be mad at me.
02:42Don't take it out on Ethan.
02:44Cassie, be respectful.
02:46Give her the bag.
02:47Cassie didn't give it back.
02:48She pulled it further behind her.
02:55If I do, who's he going to swap rings with tomorrow?
02:59Air?
03:01Look, unlike you, I don't spend my whole life orbiting some guy with zero career of my own.
03:08But even I know.
03:09A guy like Ethan, the dinners, the schmoothing, the situational flirtation, that's just business.
03:17We grew up together.
03:18I helped him fight his battles.
03:20You weren't even the picture back then.
03:23Getting all dramatic over one little joke.
03:25Can't you act like a grown-up?
03:28Since you're so mature and so concerned about him.
03:32Then you go.
03:34Tomorrow.
03:35To the wedding.
03:38You be the main event.
03:40That certificate becomes the real thing.
03:47I pulled my suitcase back.
03:50Cassie's expression cracked.
03:51Her chest rose and fell twice.
03:53Then she smirked.
03:55Fine.
03:56She dug into her bag.
03:58Pulled out her copy of the certificate.
04:01This little thing bothers you that much?
04:03Then I'll just tear it up.
04:07Consider it my apology.
04:09The certificate split straight down the middle.
04:12Cassie dropped both halves on the floor.
04:14Done!
04:15Happy now?
04:17If you can't take a joke, you can't take a joke.
04:20This is so boring.
04:21Ethan's expression went dark.
04:23Cassie.
04:24What are you doing?
04:27Fixing your problem.
04:29Certificate's gone.
04:30She can calm down now, right?
04:32She turned to me.
04:33Satisfied?
04:34Then she shot me a look.
04:37Eyes already going red and ran.
04:40Then I looked at Ethan.
04:45That's her apology?
04:46He watched the spot where she disappeared.
04:48Rubbed his forehead, irritated.
04:50She's impulsive.
04:51She was trying to let you vent.
04:53Let me vent.
04:54I nearly laughed.
04:56She tore up the marriage certificate.
04:59Before you two can file for divorce, you'll have to go replace it.
05:03Ethan!
05:04She wasn't letting me vent.
05:06She was rubbing salt in the wound on purpose.
05:08She didn't think that far.
05:09Right.
05:11She didn't have to.
05:12Because in the end, it's not her problem.
05:14I stopped looking at him.
05:16Grabbed my suitcase.
05:17Turned around.
05:19The driver helped load it into the trunk.
05:24Ethan caught up.
05:26Pressed his hand against the door before it closed.
05:28He leaned down to look at me.
05:31Mia, go to your parents' place.
05:33Cool off.
05:34Think about whether you're being unreasonable.
05:36But tomorrow, every guest and every reporter will be there.
05:40You know how to show up as a proper bride.
05:43Our family's reputations are not yours to throw around.
05:46I slowly lifted my head.
05:48There it was again.
05:49Our family's reputations.
05:51Six years.
05:53Every time Cassie crossed a line in the name of best friends.
05:57Because he was sure I couldn't leave.
05:59Not emotionally.
06:00Not financially.
06:01He never once thought about putting distance between himself and Cassie.
06:05I did believe nothing physical had happened between them.
06:07I spent six happy months planning a wedding.
06:10And then...
06:11A marriage certificate.
06:12A bar.
06:13Her name on it next to his.
06:14First, it was all the small things.
06:17Now she'd even slipped herself into the legal definition of his spouse.
06:21As a joke.
06:22Our family's reputations.
06:24I repeated it softly.
06:26You keep them.
06:28That's your job.
06:29The wedding.
06:30I'm not coming.
06:31As for the bride.
06:34I pulled the door shut.
06:37Marry whoever you want!
06:39The car pulled out.
06:41Miss, where to?
06:43The airport.
06:44My phone vibrated the whole way there.
06:46Ethan.
06:47My mom.
06:48His mom.
06:49Mutual friends.
06:50I declined every call.
06:52Turned it off.
06:53For the first time.
06:55I was not being good.
06:57And I felt something I hadn't felt in years.
07:00Light.
07:01But just when I thought I was free.
07:03That lightness shattered the moment we pulled up to the terminal.
07:06My parents were there.
07:08My brother Jamie.
07:09And the family's adopted daughter, Sierra.
07:11Jamie grabbed my suitcase handle.
07:12Mia, what is wrong with you?
07:14If you leave, what happens to us?
07:16The comp is on on life support waiting for the Harmon Group investment.
07:19My mom took advantage of the distraction and snatched my purse.
07:22Sweetheart, I heard everything.
07:24Just wait for them to divorce in a month and it's like it never happened.
07:28Stop causing a scene.
07:29Sierra drifted over.
07:30Sis.
07:32I know you're hurting.
07:34But we're family.
07:37Can't you think of us just this once?
07:40Just this once.
07:41Was that really what it was?
07:42At 18, I signed over Grandpa's shares to her.
07:45At 21, when she had her eye on someone, I stepped aside from the engagement Grandpa
07:49had arranged for me.
07:50An old money family, the Yates.
07:52At 22, I drank until I was hospitalized to smooth over a business dinner for the family.
07:56At 25, I took the fall for Jamie's embezzlement to protect the heir's clean record.
08:01Every single time, written off as family.
08:03And it is what you do.
08:04Since the day I was brought into this so-called home, had anyone ever thought about me, my parents'
08:09warmth and favoritism had always flowed straight to Sierra.
08:12The good daughter.
08:13The one they'd raised from childhood.
08:14Jamie had been carried his whole life.
08:16He was a leech, and he knew it.
08:17If it hadn't been for Ethan walking into my world like a light through a window, I wouldn't
08:21have lasted this long.
08:22He saw through my silence.
08:24Understood the things I couldn't say, with him there.
08:26Sierra's digs, and my parents' favoritism had stayed in check.
08:29I fell in love with him, depended on him.
08:31I held on like he was a life raft.
08:32I'd pushed so hard for him to marry me sooner.
08:35Convinced myself that once I had my own home, I could finally leave this suffocating place
08:39behind.
08:39For that, I told myself Cassie's boundary crossing was something I could tolerate.
08:43But now, even that last stupid hope was gone.
08:46Give me my bag.
08:47I held out my hand to my mother.
08:49Come home first.
08:50We'll talk when you've settled down.
08:52Jamie groaned and stamped his foot.
08:54Mia, I'm begging you.
08:56Just get through this one thing.
08:58Once the funding comes in, after that, you can do whatever you want.
09:01I looked at this brother who'd been pampered his whole life.
09:04How much money would it take to save this family, so it doesn't have to sell off another
09:08daughter?
09:09Jamie flinched.
09:10He gave me a number.
09:11It was stag-
09:12If you agree, we get married tomorrow.
09:15Three million in cash as a wedding gift.
09:18If you agree, we get married tomorrow.
09:21The breath on the other end paused.
09:23Agreed.
09:24At my hand.
09:24Sweetheart, you can't just talk money with Ethan over the phone like that.
09:29It damages things.
09:31Sis-in-law will think less of you.
09:33People will call you a gold digger.
09:36All right, all right.
09:38The amount doesn't matter.
09:40What matters is that it's settled.
09:42The original agreement with the Harmons was 500,000 up front.
09:46This time he's offering three million.
09:48It means he values Mia.
09:53Mia, I don't want to hear you say selling daughters again.
09:57Embarrassing.
09:58You and Sierra are both our girls.
10:00We love you the same.
10:03You and Sierra are both our girls.
10:06We love you the same.
10:07If it's the same, why didn't you offer Sierra for this one?
10:09The Yates are older money than the Harmons, stronger by a mile.
10:13Sierra went white.
10:14The Yates were more prominent.
10:15And because of it, stricter about bloodline.
10:18When they'd come to discuss the engagement, they'd looked at me the whole time.
10:23Sierra hadn't even been formally introduced at that meeting.
10:25The Yates hadn't wanted her.
10:27Everyone in that room knew it.
10:30Why bring up old history?
10:32Then we won't.
10:32The money's coming.
10:34Problem solved.
10:36Let's go home.
10:36You want me walking down the aisle tomorrow, don't you?
10:38I left without waiting for an answer.
10:43Back in the car, my phone buzzed once.
10:46But at this hour, there was only one person it could be.
10:49A location pin.
10:50Then a second message.
10:52Tomorrow.
10:53I am looking forward to seeing you in a white dress.
10:56Back at the house.
10:57The air was thick.
10:58I went straight upstairs.
11:00The Harmons side had already been told.
11:02The bride has returned.
11:04Wedding is on.
11:05Satisfied, presumably.
11:06The crisis was over.
11:08The ceremony would proceed.
11:10That was enough.
11:11Whether or not the bride was willing, no one thought to ask.
11:15The next morning, the house had none of the warmth the wedding day should carry.
11:19No bustle.
11:20No joy.
11:21Just a cold and indifferent quiet.
11:23My parents only changed into appropriate clothes when the housekeeper reminded them.
11:28Ethan's motorcade arrived on time.
11:30His suit was immaculate.
11:32His expression composed.
11:34The groomsmen surrounded him.
11:36The energy among them was easy and warm.
11:38But no one from the bride's side came to block the door.
11:41They were just awkwardly ushered in.
11:43My mom held a practice smile.
11:45Jamie looked like he hadn't slept.
11:48Ethan scanned the room.
11:50No family friends.
11:51No laughter.
11:53Where is she?
11:54Still getting ready?
11:55Oh, probably still upstairs doing her makeup.
11:58Go check.
11:59Is she ready?
12:04Relax.
12:05A bride's supposed to make you wait.
12:07Ethan's brow stayed locked.
12:08He pulled out his phone and opened Mia's messages.
12:11A red exclamation point.
12:13His fingers went still.
12:15She still has you blocked?
12:17The ceremony's about to start.
12:18A cold unease expanded in his chest.
12:23Ma'am?
12:24The young miss isn't in her room.
12:26We checked everywhere.
12:27She's gone.
12:28What?
12:30By the time they pulled the security footage, they found she'd left hours ago.
12:34Ethan's chest went airless.
12:36He told her to come back.
12:38She'd still pulled this.
12:40Ethan.
12:41Look at the group chat.
12:42Someone posted a video.
12:43Wait.
12:44Isn't that Mia?
12:46Ethan grabbed the phone.
12:48The video was from the same seven-star hotel where their ceremony was booked.
12:53A woman was led toward the bridal suite by a staff member.
13:00See?
13:01I told you.
13:02She just wanted a dramatic entrance.
13:04She's there.
13:05That's what counts.
13:06This girl.
13:07Couldn't say a word.
13:09Gave us all a scare.
13:10Let's get to the hotel.
13:11Don't miss the timing.
13:13The motorcade reached the hotel.
13:15Ethan exchanged brief greetings with arriving guests.
13:18It's a wonderful night.
13:19It's a beautiful party.
13:20I'm so glad you could make it.
13:22I need to go to the restroom.
13:23Excuse me.
13:23The officiant was ready.
13:24He turned and headed for the bridal suite.
13:26He stopped at the flower-decorated door.
13:29Knocked.
13:30Me, it's time.
13:31Are you ready?
13:33Silence.
13:34His expression tightened.
13:35He turned the handle.
13:41The room was bright and empty.
13:43And then the thing that turned his blood to ice.
13:46Cassie was standing in the middle of the room.
13:48Ethan!
13:48You can't just come in.
13:50What are you doing in here?
13:53Where's Mia?
13:54His temper surged hard.
13:56Why are you yelling at me?
13:57The ceremony was about to start and she wasn't out yet.
14:00I came to check if she needed help.
14:03She wasn't here.
14:04The dress was just hanging there.
14:07I just...
14:08It's so beautiful, I couldn't help it.
14:11I tried it on.
14:14The vein in his temple jumped.
14:16Take it off.
14:18Now, if Mia sees this...
14:20Cassie's lip pressed together.
14:21Then someone knocked.
14:22Mr. Harmon, the ceremony start time has passed.
14:25The officiator's asking if the bride is ready to enter.
14:29Also, Mr. Harmon,
14:30the ballroom next door has just begun an unscheduled ceremony.
14:33The timeline is quite tight on their end.
14:35If your side is unable to start just yet,
14:38would you consider briefly yielding the corridor?
14:41We'd hate to disrupt the other event.
14:44It's a Yates-Carter wedding.
14:47A Yates-Carter wedding?
14:51Which Carter?
14:54I'm not entirely sure of the details.
14:57A nameless unease moved through him,
14:58but he had no time to chase it.
15:00He dialed the groomsmen group.
15:02Mia's not in the suite.
15:04Split up and find her.
15:06Then he turned back to the manager.
15:08This wedding was booked six months ago.
15:10We're not moving.
15:11Mr. Harmon, the timing really is...
15:13There's no conflict.
15:14Let my fiancé hear that her aisle is being cleared for someone else.
15:18His voice dropped.
15:19She won't be happy.
15:20Mmm, mmm, mmm.
15:22His phone buzzed.
15:24A photo from one of the groomsmen.
15:26A slender figure in a wedding gown,
15:28half-turned on a call.
15:30The dress was simpler, elegant.
15:33She was stunning.
15:34All the tension melted away.
15:35He would marry her.
15:37He would have a home with Mia.
15:39Maybe children soon.
15:40Don't you think I looked better in it?
15:43Looks like she didn't love the one I picked.
15:45Fine.
15:46He pocketed his phone and turned to go find her.
15:49Ethan.
15:49Cassie grabbed his arm.
15:51Um...
15:51She asked the question that broke through every layer of best friends,
15:54and it means nothing.
15:55When you walked in just now,
15:57and saw me in the dress,
16:00what did you feel?
16:01He looked at her red-rimmed eyes,
16:03at the expensive gown on her body.
16:05The faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away.
16:07Cassie in a wedding gown was,
16:09undeniably striking.
16:10There was something arresting about it.
16:12What he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness
16:15over someone who belonged in his orbit.
16:16Liked feeling needed, admired.
16:18But he liked more.
16:19The ease of holding two women in careful balance.
16:22He'd never imagined having to choose.
16:24Cassie's tears.
16:25Her question.
16:26They tore the paper screen open.
16:28He was still for a moment.
16:30Not now.
16:31His throat moved.
16:32He looked past her eyes.
16:33Cassie, not now.
16:35This isn't the moment.
16:36Change out of the dress.
16:37He turned and walked out toward Mia.
16:39I was on the terrace outside the ballroom finishing a call.
16:42I turned to go inside.
16:46Mia!
16:47You're here!
16:52The groomsman and Cassie poured in behind him,
16:55filling the doorway.
16:56Sis-in-law, you're something else.
16:58Gave us a serious scare.
17:00Wandered over to the next venue?
17:03Right.
17:04Is this a location comparison?
17:06Didn't like the decor on our side?
17:08Cassie stepped to my side.
17:09You nearly gave Ethan a heart attack.
17:12She laughed and scanned my gown.
17:14That's pretty too.
17:15But the star of today isn't here for someone else's party.
17:19Come on.
17:20Everyone's waiting.
17:21By the way,
17:22you'd technically be the other woman right now.
17:26But don't stress about it.
17:28We know the truth.
17:30Congratulations on the wedding, though.
17:32I looked at her.
17:34Her smile stalled.
17:35Ethan stepped in front of me.
17:37Done with your call?
17:38Let's go back.
17:39We've lost time,
17:40but we can still make it.
17:41If you actually like this room set up,
17:43I'll talk to the Yates.
17:45We might be able to switch.
17:46Whatever makes you happy.
17:48He said it so naturally.
17:50His groomsman watched,
17:51certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done.
17:53He reached for me.
17:54Palm up.
17:55I looked at his face,
17:56the handsome face with its faint impatience,
17:58in front of everyone watching.
18:00I turned slightly and spoke quietly
18:02to the hotel attendant at my side.
18:03Could you please let the officiator know we're ready to begin?
18:06Of course,
18:07Mrs. Yates.
18:08Mr. Yates has been ready.
18:09Mrs. Yates,
18:10the certainty on Ethan's face split open.
18:12He looked at her red-rimmed eyes,
18:14at the expensive gown on her body.
18:16The faint warmth the photo had put in his face drained away.
18:19Cassie in a wedding gown was,
18:20undeniably striking.
18:22There was something arresting about it.
18:23What he felt toward Cassie was closer to a man's possessiveness over someone who belonged in his orbit.
18:28Liked feeling needed,
18:29admired.
18:30But he liked more,
18:31the ease of holding two women in careful balance.
18:33He'd never imagined having to choose.
18:36Cassie's tears.
18:37Her question.
18:38They tore the paper screen open.
18:39He was still for a moment.
18:41Not now,
18:42his throat moved.
18:43He looked past her eyes.
18:45Cassie,
18:45not now.
18:46This isn't the moment.
18:47Change out of the dress.
18:48He turned and walked out toward Mia.
18:51I was on the terrace outside the ballroom,
18:53finishing a call.
18:54I turned to go inside.
18:58Mia!
18:58You're here!
19:04The groomsman and Cassie poured in behind him,
19:06filling the doorway.
19:07Sis-in-law,
19:08you're something else.
19:09Gave us a serious scare.
19:11Wandered over to the next venue?
19:14Right.
19:15Is this a location comparison?
19:17Didn't like the decor on our side?
19:19Cassie stepped to my side.
19:21You nearly gave Ethan a heart attack.
19:23She laughed and scanned my gown.
19:25That's pretty too.
19:27But the star of today isn't here for someone else's party.
19:30Come on.
19:31Everyone's waiting.
19:33By the way,
19:34you'd technically be the other woman right now.
19:37But,
19:38don't stress about it.
19:39We know the truth.
19:42Congratulations on the wedding, though.
19:43I looked at her.
19:45Her smile stalled.
19:46Ethan stepped in front of me.
19:48Done with your call?
19:49Let's go back.
19:50We've lost time,
19:51but we can still make it.
19:52If you actually like this room set up,
19:55I'll talk to the Yates.
19:56We might be able to switch.
19:58Whatever makes you happy.
20:00He said it so naturally.
20:01His groomsmen watched,
20:03certain waiting for me to do what I'd always done.
20:05He reached for me.
20:06Palm up.
20:07I looked at his face,
20:08the handsome face with its faint impatience,
20:10in front of everyone watching.
20:11I turned slightly and spoke quietly to the hotel attendant at my side.
20:15Could you please let the officiner know we're ready to begin?
20:18Of course, Mrs. Yates.
20:19Mr. Yates has been ready.
20:20Mrs. Yates,
20:21the certainty on Ethan's face split open.
20:24He was betting on the last six years,
20:26betting I'd soften,
20:27betting that none of this was real enough to hold.
20:29Somewhere the music had stopped.
20:31Every person in the room was watching me.
20:33I lifted my eyes.
20:34I looked at the man I had loved for six years,
20:37and waited on for six years.
20:38He looked in this moment very far away.
20:40I didn't look at Ethan.
20:41I just said it,
20:43one word at a time.
20:44Ethan,
20:45look carefully.
20:46I turned slightly.
20:48This dress,
20:49you didn't choose it.
20:51This ring,
20:52you didn't give it.
20:53I looked past his pale face.
20:55Today,
20:56standing here,
20:57marrying Nathan Yates.
20:58That's me,
20:59Mia Carter.
21:00I paused,
21:01one breath,
21:02then the last sentence,
21:03the one that severed everything.
21:04Your wedding,
21:05your bride,
21:06none of that was ever mine.
21:07I didn't look at his face go gray.
21:09I placed my hand steadily into the curve of Nathan's arm.
21:13Let's continue.
21:14Nathan looked at me for a moment,
21:15then nodded at the officiant.
21:17The next second,
21:18the wedding march filled the hall again,
21:19fuller than before.
21:20It swept over everything.
21:22Nathan walked me forward,
21:23step by steady step,
21:24toward the altar at the end of the aisle.
21:26On both sides,
21:26guests began to clap.
21:27My family's composed expressions had long since collapsed.
21:30None of them had seen this coming,
21:32that the man I was marrying today
21:33had nothing to do with the Harmons
21:35they'd spent years courting.
21:36That it was the Yates,
21:37who operated on an entirely different level,
21:39who wouldn't have thought twice about the Harmons.
21:41As for how I'd gotten Nathan Yates
21:43to put three million on the table,
21:44that was my business.
21:46It had nothing to do with their scheming,
21:47nothing to do with the hollow shell
21:49my family had become.
21:50The guests who had been invited by my family,
21:52who were supposed to be here
21:53for the wedding on the other side,
21:54every single one of them
21:55had drifted to this room instead.
21:57Not out of loyalty to the Carters,
21:59out of instinct for the more valuable alliance.
22:01Their applause built into something
22:03that filled the entire hall.
22:04Behind me, silence like a held breath.
22:06I didn't need to turn around
22:07to picture Ethan's face,
22:08but that was no longer mine to carry.
22:11The ceremony reached the moment
22:13that mattered most.
22:14The officiant's voice was warm and measured.
22:17Mia Carter,
22:18do you take Nathan Yates to be your husband,
22:21to have and to hold,
22:22in sickness and in health,
22:24for richer or poorer,
22:25for as long as you both shall live?
22:27The room held still, every eye on me.
22:29I do.
22:32No!
22:34Ethan's voice cracked across the room.
22:41His eyes were red, fixed on me.
22:47Mia, I won't allow it.
22:49You're mine!
22:50You are leaving with me right now!
22:52He lunged toward the altar.
22:54Two security guards caught him
22:55before he made it two steps,
22:56locking his arms.
22:57Get your hands off me!
22:58Do you know who I am?
23:00Mia, look at me!
23:02I'm the one you're supposed to marry!
23:04Nathan!
23:05Let go of her!
23:08The Yates family elders in the front row
23:10frowned faintly,
23:10but didn't seem alarmed.
23:12They had clearly planned for disruption.
23:15Then a figure in white burst
23:16from the side of the crowd.
23:18Cassie.
23:19She'd put the gown back on.
23:20She pushed to the front,
23:22held her phone high
23:22with the screen facing out
23:23and screamed.
23:26Everyone listen!
23:27This whole thing is a mistake!
23:30I'm the Harmon bride!
23:34Look at this!
23:36We already have a marriage license!
23:40Her hands were shaking
23:41as she angled the screen
23:42toward the guests,
23:43the officiant,
23:44the Yates family.
23:45On the screen,
23:46a marriage certificate
23:48opened to the interior page.
23:50Look at her!
23:51She's the one who went behind my back!
23:53She got caught,
23:53and now she's running to someone else!
23:55I don't care how powerful the Yates are!
23:57You can't change the fact
23:58that she's the other woman!
23:59She will always be a joke!
24:01The room erupted.
24:03Gasps, whispers,
24:04eyes moving rapidly
24:06between Cassie's phone screen
24:07and me.
24:08My family's faces
24:09had gone from blank to ash.
24:10Everyone was holding their breath,
24:11waiting for the Yates to react,
24:13waiting for me to fall apart.
24:15Cassie stood tall,
24:16certain she'd just played
24:17the card that turned the game.
24:19But the first person to crack
24:20was not the Yates family.
24:21It was not me.
24:22It was Ethan.
24:25Cassie, shut up!
24:26What are you saying?
24:27He wrenched his head toward her,
24:29still held by the guards,
24:30voice ripped raw.
24:31I'm not lying!
24:32You won't even admit
24:33that I'm your wife?
24:34Right here in front of everyone?
24:36It's not real!
24:37It was a bar stunt!
24:38It doesn't count!
24:40He couldn't admit it.
24:41Not here.
24:42Not in the Yates' house.
24:44Not in front of Mia.
24:46Nathan, who had been silent,
24:47spoke.
24:48If it doesn't count,
24:49we can just check
24:50the county records.
24:52He leaned slightly
24:53toward an assistant
24:53and said something low.
24:55The assistant nodded
24:56and left quickly.
24:57Ethan and Cassie
24:58were escorted from the room.
24:59The efficient lifted his voice.
25:02Let's ask everyone to settle.
25:04We'll continue
25:05with the ceremony.
25:07Toasts,
25:08the receiving line.
25:09Farewells,
25:10everything moved
25:11with a quiet,
25:11mutual warmth.
25:13The room felt like
25:14what it was supposed
25:14to feel like.
25:15Two families joining.
25:16Genuinely.
25:17By the time
25:18the last guests
25:18filtered out,
25:19I sat down
25:20in one of the private rooms
25:21the hotel had reserved
25:22and let out
25:23the first real breath
25:24I'd taken all day.
25:25Nathan handed me
25:26a glass of water.
25:27Tired?
25:27His voice was attentive.
25:29Not intrusive.
25:33Today.
25:35It was agreed to.
25:36The Yates keep their word.
25:38As for your family
25:39and the Harmons?
25:40Before he could finish,
25:41a knock.
25:42The hotel manager
25:42stepped in
25:43and addressed Nathan quietly.
25:44Sir,
25:45Mr. Harmon is still outside.
25:46He's insisting
25:47on a few minutes
25:47with Mrs. Yates.
25:50Do you want to see him?
25:52I looked at my reflection
25:53in the floor
25:54to ceiling window,
25:55still in the dress.
25:55I shook my head.
25:59Everything that needed
26:00to be said,
26:01I said it.
26:05Tell Mr. Harmon
26:06my wife needs to rest.
26:08She's not receiving
26:09visits.
26:09You know what to do.
26:11Yes, sir.
26:16I knew the Yates
26:17had the reach
26:17to make Ethan
26:18walk away tonight
26:19and keep him
26:20from getting close again.
26:21That was part of
26:21why I chose Nathan.
26:22Part of why I chose this.
26:23I needed somewhere safe.
26:25I needed something
26:26sharp enough
26:26to cut through
26:27every knot
26:27I'd tied myself into.
26:30I changed out of the gown,
26:32put on something comfortable,
26:33settled into the car.
26:34It pulled away
26:35from the hotel slowly.
26:36The city lights
26:36moved past the window.
26:37I leaned my head back
26:38and closed my eyes.
26:39Not the flood of relief
26:40I'd imagined,
26:41not grief either.
26:42A flat,
26:43open calm,
26:43and somewhere under it,
26:44something faint and new,
26:46like the first edge
26:46of wanting something again.
26:49I knew Ethan
26:49wouldn't let go easily,
26:50but this time,
26:52I was not standing still.
26:53I had married someone else.
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