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00:00Roman was my father's partner. They built the business together from the ground up, and I'd called him Uncle Roman
00:05my whole life.
00:06The day we planned to go public, my father sent him to a war zone for trade talks.
00:10If I make it back alive, I'll throw you a huge wedding. The whole city will celebrate.
00:15I turned down every proposal and waited three years.
00:18He did come back, limping, and he got down on his knees in front of my father, begging him to
00:22let another woman have his name.
00:24Every eye turned to me, waiting for me to blow up, but I just smiled calmly.
00:29That night, I pulled a marriage agreement from the stack at random and signed my name.
00:33On my wedding day, just after the priest had us exchange vows, Roman stormed into the church with a gun
00:38and aimed it at my groom's head.
00:43My father had seven close friends who fought their way through the business world with him.
00:46I grew up in the Ashworth family, calling all seven of them my uncles.
00:50Roman Voss was the seventh of them. He was the best looking, the most decisive, and the smartest.
00:54And I fell for him. Later, my father said that if he'd known about us, he never would have sent
00:58Roman to handle those negotiations.
01:00Only Roman could pull it off. If he failed, the entire deal would collapse.
01:03I waited year after year. Three years passed. Then one morning, the butler rushed in.
01:07He trailed off, and I knew something was wrong.
01:09Miss! Mr. Voss is back! Miss!
01:11Got it.
01:12I grabbed an umbrella and hurried outside so fast that rainwater splashed onto my hem. The foyer was packed.
01:17Out on the porch, the other six uncles stood in a line. Their faces were a mix of rage and
01:21joy, and I couldn't tell where the rage came from.
01:23Everyone looked at me. My father's face was dark with fury, softening only when he saw me.
01:28What happened? Why is he on his knees?
01:30Roman just glanced at me like I was nobody. In that second, it hit me.
01:35Edward, she and the baby are innocent. I won't put them through this. Please, give us your blessing.
01:43A girl walked cautiously through the front door, looking about my age. Her pregnant belly showed beneath her white dress.
01:49She dropped to her knees before my father, crying and begging for his blessing.
01:53My father just sat there, turning the ring on his finger. Not a word. Roman never expected my father to
01:57be this angry.
01:58After all, our relationship was never public.
02:00No one knew, but he forgot that over those three years, countless suitors came knocking.
02:04My father turned every one of them away.
02:06He kept only one match on the table, with the wedding set for the fifth of next month.
02:14Everyone was waiting for me to snap. Heads low, nobody dared look at me.
02:18I looked sweet, but they knew I had a temper.
02:20Uncle Marcus stepped up behind me, reaching to pat my shoulder.
02:23I held up a hand to stop him. My eyes glued to Roman.
02:25Three years had aged him, a deep scar cut through his brow.
02:28He walked with a limp, and one of his fingers had been cut off.
02:31He'd clearly had a rough three years.
02:32So I spoke up, my voice steady.
02:34Roman has given everything to this family. We can't leave him on his knees.
02:38Roman got to his feet, then immediately helped Isabella up.
02:40I smiled.
02:41Give them the date you set for me next month.
02:43Plan the wedding for Roman and Isabella.
02:45My stern father choked up for a second.
02:46The uncles hung their heads, and dead silence filled the room.
02:49Only Roman and that woman held each other, crying tears of joy.
02:53Because the fifth of next month was the day my dad had picked for me and Roman.
02:56My dad had picked three dates in total. This was the third guard.
02:59If Roman completed the assignment in return, we would use it.
03:01Well, Roman was back, and he did propose, just not to me.
03:04Rain poured outside. Nobody said a word.
03:06I looked around at the quiet room, then broke the silence myself.
03:09Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Voss.
03:11I opened my umbrella and walked away.
03:12Curious eyes burned into my back.
03:14Uncle Marcus hurried after me.
03:15Kid, you shouldn't have had to carry any of this.
03:20I pushed open my bedroom door.
03:22Marriage proposals from the past three years were piled in every corner.
03:25Marcus, out of all these, who brings the most to the table?
03:28The Ashford family doesn't need an alliance anymore.
03:31Anyone from these families would be honored to marry into ours.
03:33Then who looks the best?
03:34I pulled out a folder at random.
03:36The Sheridan family was one of the few that could rival the Ashworth Empire.
03:39Cole Sheridan.
03:41Pick someone else.
03:43Why?
03:44Because he has a terrible reputation.
03:46All he does is hang out in bars.
03:47He's hopeless at business and politics.
03:49Everyone knows he's a spoiled playboy.
03:52You look way better in person.
03:54Marcus clearly didn't agree.
03:56You bastard.
03:57How dare you climb over our wall?
03:58Do you want me to break your legs?
04:01Marcus, make it him.
04:04End things with Roman Voss.
04:06Seven days from now, I'll send someone to pick you up.
04:09He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
04:11Then jumped down from the high wall and disappeared.
04:15Uncle Marcus took a deep breath.
04:17His face red with rage.
04:18What a useless piece of trash.
04:20Not totally useless.
04:22He knows about me and Roman.
04:25What happened between me and Roman wasn't easy to find out.
04:27At dusk, I headed outside.
04:28Roman was already waiting in the Gezezebo.
04:30With a single glance, he sent everyone away.
04:32He stayed silent.
04:34Is the baby she's carrying yours?
04:37Peeling a few grapes and placing them on a small plate for me.
04:39But he gave me no answer.
04:41I got the background check I asked for earlier.
04:44Sorry to bother you, miss.
04:45I didn't know Mr. Roman was here.
04:46Here are the files you wanted.
04:47I laid the folder openly on the table.
04:49The top photo was the girl Roman brought back today.
04:51I leaned back against the chair and lit a cigarette.
04:55Roman couldn't sit still.
04:57I'm sorry.
04:58Meeting her made me want a quiet life.
05:00I owe her and that baby.
05:01I want to give them a real name so the kid doesn't grow up a bastard.
05:04If you wanted a quiet life, you shouldn't have messed with me in the first place.
05:07Roman pulled a chain from his inside suit pocket.
05:09An antique gold chain strung with ancient coins.
05:11The piece you loved three years ago?
05:13I went all over the place, hunted down every coin, and finally put the full set together.
05:16You think a necklace will make me drop this?
05:18Is this your first day knowing me?
05:20You really think this fixes anything?
05:23I'm sorry.
05:24My life is yours.
05:25Just please leave her out of this.
05:31Roman fell quiet, helplessly opening his empty hands, his eyes dim.
05:35Then die right now.
05:38Is that the kind of sweet talk you used to fool that girl?
05:41Without lifting a finger to do anything real?
05:44Roman stared at me.
05:46Roman, if sweet talk solved everything, the Ashberths wouldn't be running this business empire.
05:55Miss, your things.
05:59It's worth some money.
06:00You can take it.
06:01Thank you, miss.
06:05Stella, come sit.
06:07Good evening, uncles.
06:11Stella, I heard you and Roman are really close.
06:14After we're married, visit just like before.
06:16She smiled sweetly, but there was something unsettled behind her eyes.
06:20Let's swap numbers.
06:21She pulled out a phone with a picture of her and Roman on the lock screen.
06:24Oh, right.
06:25I'm using Roman's old phone.
06:27Stella, he didn't save any contact names.
06:29Which one is you?
06:30The uncles across the table already sensed something off.
06:33I glanced down.
06:34It really was Roman's old phone.
06:36How could there be no names?
06:37Since she wanted to know so badly, I didn't mind telling her.
06:41That's me.
06:42I looked right at her.
06:45Sweetheart, that's me.
06:48Isabel didn't expect me to be so blunt.
06:51You two really are close.
06:52Is it this one?
06:53She held up the phone like she was showing me, but the whole room could see it.
06:56The screen was filled with messages from me, one after another.
06:59My phone broke, so I borrowed Mr. Voss.
07:02Stella, he might have missed these messages.
07:04Should I forward them to him?
07:07I shot a look at my assistant.
07:08Show that to Mr. Voss.
07:09Yes, miss.
07:10The assistant snatched the phone from Isabel and handed it straight to Roman as he walked up.
07:14Roman saw the chat history, completely unfazed.
07:16But when he saw the gold chain wrapped around the assistant's wrist, he froze.
07:21Where did that come from?
07:22The lady gave it to me.
07:23I'm asking about the chain.
07:24Where did you get it?
07:25A gift from the lady.
07:27I couldn't read the look in Roman's eyes.
07:29He pulled out a chair and sat right next to me.
07:32Sitting here with me, how are you going to explain that to your fiancé?
07:34And if I weren't, how would I explain myself to you?
07:37Near the end of dinner, he blurted out of nowhere.
07:39If you liked it, why give it away?
07:41I cut into my steak, asking flatly.
07:42Are you talking about the chain or a person?
07:47Isabel's face tightened, but I didn't care if she was happy or not.
07:50Three years and you're still this wild.
07:51Someone really needs to rein you in.
07:53I wiped my mouth, grabbed my bag.
07:55I'm done.
07:56Enjoy your dinner.
07:57And walked away.
07:58He thought I was mad.
07:59Honestly, it wasn't worth it.
08:00Once I signed that contract, Roman and I had nothing to do with each other anymore.
08:04Chances were I'd get married before he did.
08:06Just as I reached the door, the butler hurried over.
08:09Miss, gentlemen, the boss requests everyone move to the foyer after dinner.
08:14I turned toward the foyer.
08:15The massive room was packed full.
08:16Fifty or sixty chests, all wrapped in white satin ribbons and gold roses,
08:20portry deeds, jewelry, trust funds, and all kinds of luxury goods.
08:24My father sat at the head of the room, going through a list one by one.
08:28Is all of this for me?
08:30For the wedding?
08:31Isabel gasped, covering her mouth.
08:32This much?
08:33Roman leaned down and gently ran his hand over her hair.
08:35The uncles gathered around them, asking about wedding plans.
08:38Did you pick a dress?
08:40We're choosing one tomorrow.
08:41Great.
08:42Head to my vineyard later for the wine.
08:44Edward said pick whatever you like.
08:45Sure, thank you.
08:46I almost started to believe all this was really for them,
08:48until the butler came running in with a grin.
08:50Mr. Edward, miss, these are the assets.
08:53Cole Sheridan has prepared for the engagement.
08:58Roman turned around, staring at the newcomer in confusion.
09:01What's he doing here?
09:03The Ashworths and Sheridans barely crossed that.
09:05Isabel leaned against the wall, dry heaving.
09:07Roman, I don't feel well.
09:10I'll take you to the restroom.
09:12Marcus, if Edward asks, tell him Isabelian wasn't feeling well and I stepped out with her.
09:15Got it.
09:16Go ahead.
09:17Cole walked in wearing a wine-red suit, his crew behind him, and threw me a wink.
09:21Come, sit.
09:21What's Sheridan doing here?
09:22Why is the boss smiling so much?
09:24Elias, you know anything?
09:25Declan, what's going on?
09:26Except for Uncle Marcus, the other uncles scratched their heads, forcing awkward smiles.
09:30Stella chose Cole Shandard herself.
09:32They're here to ask for her hand.
09:33Stella picked him?
09:34Isn't she?
09:37They looked suspicious for a second, then quickly turned to congratulate the Sheridans.
09:42Want to step outside?
09:43Sure.
09:44Cole led me out to the garden.
09:45It was his first time at our estate, looking around with pure curiosity.
09:49Roman, what did I do wrong?
09:51She's the spoiled princess with the whole Ashford family behind her.
09:53What about me?
09:54What about our three years?
09:56She did this on purpose.
09:57I can't just take this lying down.
09:59If she really meant to do this, you'd never get to marry me.
10:02Never bring this up again.
10:04Cole stopped dead in his tracks.
10:05He looked back at me with a wicked grin.
10:07Tired?
10:07Let's take a seat.
10:08He sat down on a stone bench.
10:09He wasn't tired at all.
10:10He just wanted to enjoy the show.
10:12Roman, why did you change the second you got back?
10:14Ever since you walked in and saw Stella, you've been acting completely different.
10:17Are you doing this out of respect for Edward, or can you just can't get over her?
10:21Roman went dead silent.
10:22I looked down at the wedding dress catalog.
10:24I don't love her.
10:25She's just the boss's daughter.
10:26Don't think I don't know what you were doing with Stella's photo.
10:28I slammed my palm down onto the stone table.
10:31The two of them turned around in sheer terror.
10:33The man sitting across from me burst out laughing.
10:38What exactly did Mr. Roman do with Miss Stella's photo?
10:41I cut my eyes at Cole, and he immediately clamped his mouth shut.
10:44Roman, you can't keep your woman in line?
10:46Fine.
10:46But if either of you lets anything split that damages this family's name, my father will
10:49handle it himself.
10:50Roman didn't answer.
10:51He shifted his glare to Cole.
10:52If Stella can stand talking to someone like you, she's really fallen far these past three
10:55years.
10:56Who knows?
10:57Maybe Stella just likes guys like me.
10:58She's been proud her whole life.
11:00She only goes for the best.
11:01You're a waste of space.
11:02She'd never look at you twice.
11:03Cole didn't get mad.
11:04He smirked.
11:05Don't speak too soon.
11:06I pulled Cole back toward the house.
11:07I showed him the dress on my screen.
11:09This one.
11:11You decided?
11:12Yeah.
11:13All right.
11:14I'll have him tailor it to your size and bring it over.
11:15I said yes, then showed him around the grounds for a bit.
11:18A car from the Sheridan family arrived to pick him up.
11:20String lights were already hanging outside the gate.
11:22When I got back, they were laying a white carpet in the courtyard.
11:25The room next to mine belonged to Roman.
11:27An argument came right through the wall.
11:29Change out of that.
11:30Why?
11:30Didn't you say you love seeing me in white?
11:32I love bright colors, but you said you liked white, so I wore it for three whole years!
11:35I froze my legs with a hand.
11:37The person who loved white was me.
11:38Back in my room, I stared blankly at my closet.
11:40Every single outfit in there was white.
11:42I didn't know what game Roman was playing.
11:44The walls in the mansion weren't soundproof.
11:46I fell asleep to the sound of them arguing all night.
11:51Cole's wedding dress arrived the day before the wedding.
11:54Roman also showed up the day before the wedding.
11:57Can I come in?
11:59It's late, you probably shouldn't.
12:00Roman had been drinking.
12:02He paused for a second, then walked right in.
12:04He sat at my bar and reached for red wine out of habit.
12:06What he grabbed was whiskey.
12:08Roman frowned slightly.
12:09Since when did your taste change?
12:11Three years.
12:12People do change.
12:13I sat on the other side of the counter, holding a freshly mixed drink.
12:16Roman drank straight from the bottle, his movements getting sloppy.
12:19But in the low light, his eyes were still sharp, still clear.
12:22He took my hand and slowly lifted it.
12:24His arm was trembling.
12:25He pressed my fingertips against the scar over his eyebrow.
12:28Three years.
12:29You never once asked how I was doing.
12:32I gently traced the scar.
12:34You had Isabella, I'm sure you were just fine.
12:37You fought so hard, just to marry her?
12:39They told me, the fifth of next month was supposed to be our wedding day.
12:42Is that really true?
12:46I let out a cold laugh.
12:48You already knew the answer.
12:49Why ask me?
12:50After a second, I added,
12:51It's your date now, you should go.
12:53I don't want you here.
12:55Roman finished the last of it and stumbled slightly on his way out.
12:59My wedding is on hold.
13:01I will never use that date.
13:02I shut the door.
13:03The stench of alcohol filled the room.
13:05Whatever he had to say tonight, it was already too late.
13:07Once morning came, the Sheridan convoy would be here to pick me up.
13:10He was so wasted, he probably wouldn't even make it to my wedding tomorrow.
13:13Right after he left, the hair and makeup crew arrived.
13:15Once everything was ready, time was up.
13:17Cole had come to pick me up.
13:18I stepped into the courtyard and Isabel watched me with a smirk.
13:22Oh, so you're the one getting married today.
13:24Then I really should congratulate you.
13:26Roman drank way too much last night.
13:28I doubt he can see you off.
13:30Her smile annoyed me to no end.
13:31I walked right up to her.
13:33She arched an eyebrow looking at me with smug confidence.
13:35Stella, tell me, can a girl who goes after her own uncle ever find real love?
13:40Can she ever get a happy ending?
13:46She gave a soft, innocent smile.
13:48I raised my hand and smacked her across the face.
13:50Every driver, bodyguard, and the two uncles quietly turned their backs.
13:54She never expected me to hit her in front of so many people.
13:56You!
13:57How dare you!
13:58I'm an Ashton.
13:59I can afford this temper.
14:00It'd be pretty hard for my life to go wrong.
14:03But yours won't end well.
14:04You're insane!
14:05Everyone is watching!
14:06I'm your elder!
14:07Beating an elder in public really isn't great.
14:09But you forgot one thing.
14:11Without me, you wouldn't set foot in this house, and you wouldn't marry Roman.
14:14You haven't even had the wedding, so what kind of aunt are you?
14:16After all, she was my aunt on paper.
14:18You think that baby with no name makes you better than me?
14:21That child carries the bus name, not Ashtailed.
14:24Stella Ashford, you hit me!
14:26Roman won't let you get away with this!
14:28I raised my hand again and struck her hard across her right cheek.
14:32I'd love to see how he won't let me get away with it.
14:34I snapped my fingers.
14:36Let's go.
14:42Uncle Nathan turned around.
14:44It's your wedding day.
14:45Smile.
14:46Cheap words aren't worth the anger.
14:47Once I get back, I'll take care of her myself.
14:49Uncle Nathan, you're the one who's always got my back.
14:52Outside, I saw Cole pacing and frucking anxiously in front of the car.
14:55The second he saw me, he completely forgot his manners.
14:59He yanked the door open in a rush and pulled me inside.
15:02I thought you ran off.
15:04Hey, we didn't finish the whole pickup.
15:06Cole squeezed in beside me.
15:08Sorry, no ceremony today.
15:10I need to move.
15:11It'll be a mess if someone shows up to crash the wedding.
15:14Cole told the driver to floor it.
15:17He was drinking last night.
15:18Even if he's sober, he won't.
15:19Don't be so sure.
15:20Skipping the traditions was a relief anyway, so I didn't care.
15:23A moment later, my phone rang.
15:25An unknown number.
15:26Hello?
15:27Stella, do you have a minute?
15:28No.
15:29I was just woken up.
15:30People are actually claiming you're getting married.
15:32The Ashworth staff needs a tight leash if they're spreading nonsense like this.
15:36I cut him off.
15:37They're not wrong.
15:38I am getting married today.
15:40Dead silence fell over the line.
15:41I waited three years for you.
15:43I turned down a lot of proposals because of it.
15:45I'm not waiting anymore.
15:47Of course, if you'd like, you're welcome to come to the wedding.
15:50No answer came from the other end.
15:51I looked at the screen, figuring the signal must have cut out.
15:54A second later, he hung up.
15:55As the car climbed the mountain road, Uncle Marcus called.
15:58Stella, Roman is coming after you.
15:59We couldn't stop him, but he shouldn't catch up.
16:02Okay, got it.
16:03Five minutes later, Uncle Warren called.
16:05Stella, Roman's driving too fast.
16:07I couldn't cut him off.
16:08He just passed Twin Pines Ridge.
16:10Three minutes later, Elias called.
16:12Stella, Roman reached Graymoor Pass.
16:15A minute later, Lucian called.
16:16Stella, Roman blew through the checkpoint.
16:18At this rate, he's about to-
16:19Mid-sentence, a beat-up SUV tore down the mountain road ahead.
16:22I spoke calmly into the phone.
16:24Uncle Lucian, I see him.
16:27Dust blew into the air.
16:29Yellow dirt covered the sky.
16:30Dust kicked up from his tires and spread like fog.
16:32I could barely see the road in front of us.
16:34As the dust settled, a familiar figure stood before the bridal car.
16:37I reached back and held Cole's hand.
16:39I promised to marry you, and I will go through with it.
16:42Cole sighed.
16:43I know, it's just a pain in the ass.
16:45Cole opened the door and we both stepped out.
16:46Roman's eyes looked calm, but underneath, something was churning.
16:49It really is you.
16:50He let out a bitter laugh.
16:52You're marrying him?
16:53Is there a problem?
16:54Roman came over and yanked my arm.
16:56How old are you even?
16:57Rushing into a marriage?
16:58How could Edward let you run wild and marry a guy like this?
17:01Come back with me.
17:03I shook off his grip.
17:04I hated his touch.
17:05I'm the same age as Isabelle.
17:07She's carrying a baby, and you think I'm too young?
17:10Cole isn't bad at all.
17:11I don't care where those rumors came from.
17:14But if you ask me, you're more disgusting than he is.
17:17After three years apart, Roman was even harder to read.
17:19The way his eyes locked onto me sent a chill down my spine.
17:24You wanted to know about Isabelle, right?
17:26Back then, shrapnel hit me.
17:28I was bleeding out in the rubble, thinking I was a dead man.
17:31She saved me.
17:32That day, she wore a white dress.
17:34I mistook her for you, and that was the only reason I held onto life.
17:37My eyes were injured.
17:38By the time I could see clearly, she was already pregnant.
17:40I had no choice.
17:41I thought I could build a life with her.
17:43But seeing you again made me realize how much I underestimated my love for you.
17:47He told the whole thing with feeling every word dramatic, yet hearing it only made me feel sick to my
17:51stomach.
17:51Ashworth Family Rule, number 12.
17:53We don't care how, we care what.
17:55Just come back with me first, okay?
17:57I'm begging you.
17:58Roman shot Cole a vicious look.
17:59I will never let you marry this piece of trash.
18:01Never!
18:02He drew his gun and aimed it straight at Cole's head.
18:04Either come back with me, or I kill him and drag you home.
18:09Cole actually surprised me.
18:11His calm looked real.
18:12Most people don't look that unbothered with a gun to their head.
18:14He kept his hands in his pocket, squinting with a soft grin.
18:17Next to him, Roman and I looked like complete lunatics.
18:20I took a step forward, shielding Cole.
18:22Roman caught his breath, staring at me in utter defeat.
18:24Stella, you're driving me crazy.
18:26The next second, Cole pulled me behind him and stepped in front, pointed right at his own forehead.
18:29Are you shooting Mr. Roman?
18:31If not, I've got somewhere to be.
18:33Roman started to move more than once, yet every single time he lacked the nerve.
18:36He stared at me, eyes dimmed, like something in him had broken.
18:39Roman's men poured out from two SUVs behind him.
18:41Roman pointed at me, cold as ice.
18:43Tie her up and bring her back.
18:44Yes sir.
18:45Cole raised his hand, his eyes scanning every man in front of him.
18:47You're all Ashworth men.
18:49Or at least, you eat off the Ashworth table.
18:53Stella, is the Ashworth family's only heiress.
18:55If you lay a finger on an Ashworth, Mr. Roman walks away alive.
18:59But you, think it through.
19:01You know Mr. Edward's temper better than anyone.
19:06Seeing the guards hesitate, Cole looked back at Roman.
19:09And you Mr. Voss, you know it.
19:11Stella gave you a chance, didn't she?
19:12The day you walked through the gates, the entire Ashfield family was waiting for your proposal.
19:17Instead, you insisted on marrying some little girl.
19:20With your brains, you should have figured it out.
19:22Leave her there, cut ties clean.
19:24Come back to the Ashworths.
19:26And with your track record, plus this marriage, your path would have been smoother than anyone's.
19:30First, I could let you take her right now.
19:33Then what?
19:34Back to the Ashworth mansion?
19:37Mr. Voss, you can't pull off a wedding crash.
19:40Not against us.
19:41Second, she doesn't want to go with you.
19:44Nobody takes her if she says no.
19:45Cole's driver stepped out to remind him.
19:47Sir, the ceremony's about to start.
19:49Cole opened the car door for me.
19:51No more playing around with you, Stella.
19:53We really have to go.
19:54I got into the car.
19:55Cole shut the door.
19:56I'll keep quiet about today for your sake, Mr. Roman.
19:59If you'd like to attend our wedding, my door is always open.
20:03Cole walked around to get in on the other side.
20:06Before stepping in, he checked his phone, arching an eyebrow.
20:12What's wrong?
20:12He shook his head and gestured to the driver.
20:14Drive.
20:15He turned around and looked at me.
20:16Mr. Roman won't make it.
20:17He paused.
20:18His fiancée found something out.
20:20She got worked up and showed signs of a threatened miscarriage.
20:23She's on her way to the hospital right now.
20:24I looked in the rearview mirror.
20:25Roman answered a call on his phone, then scrambled into his car in a panic.
20:28Looking at the direction, he was heading back to the Ashworth estate.
20:31Your intel really is fast.
20:33Not bad, right?
20:34Cole's reach went way deeper than I thought.
20:36It looked like the whole information network ran through him.
20:38I smiled and didn't push any further.
20:40Stepping out of the car, white doves circled the sky above the city.
20:43Fireworks painted the air for an entire hour.
20:45With fireworks filling the sky, I took Cole's arm and walked up to the platform.
20:49How did a guy like Cole get so lucky?
20:51Locking down the only daughter of the Ashfield family.
20:54Look at this deadbeat.
20:56Showing up late to his own wedding, what else can he even do?
20:58He.
20:59Before they could finish, Ashworth bodyguards clamped their hands over their mouths and dragged them off.
21:06Glanced at Cole, that bad reputation of his probably came from moments like this.
21:10The wedding went off without a hitch.
21:11Full worked the crowd of businessmen.
21:13Through changing, I went over to join him in greeting guests.
21:15Take a break.
21:16We're not going together?
21:17I've got this.
21:19Won't people talk?
21:21Your dad is Edward Ashmouth, who would dare.
21:24Won't they talk about you?
21:26With my reputation, I couldn't care less.
21:29Go rest.
21:29I'll come find you in a bit.
21:30He nodded and sat down next to my parents.
21:32My mom took my hand.
21:33Oh, why are you back so soon?
21:37Cole told me it's been a long day and wanted me to rest.
21:41Oh, my son-in-law really knows how to take care of you.
21:45And he shouldn't be drinking all night either.
21:47My mom waved and Cole jogged right over.
21:50Cole!
21:51Over here!
21:53Cole!
21:53Come sit with us.
21:55Edward?
21:56Introduce him to some people later.
21:58My dad nodded.
22:00Uncles, let me raise a glass to all of you.
22:02Please bear with me from here on out.
22:05Except for Roman who didn't show, Cole toasted every single one of them.
22:11My dad was clearly very pleased with his new son-in-law.
22:14He took Cole around, introducing him to all the right people.
22:16I stayed at the table eating, listening to the uncles joke around.
22:19My mom nudged me from the side, lowering her voice.
22:22Roman talked to your dad last night about cancelling the wedding.
22:26Said he won't use the fifth of next month.
22:28Just now, word came that his fiancé showed signs of a miscarriage.
22:32They barely saved the baby.
22:35Your dad plans to set them up in a place outside town, so they never come back to bother you.
22:40Okay.
22:40I looked up to find Cole.
22:42He raised an eyebrow at me, trying to make me laugh.
22:44I looked down with a soft smile.
22:45Toward the end of the wedding, guests slowly began to leave.
22:48Cole walked out the last batch of guests with my dad, loosening his tie as he retorted.
22:52Tired?
22:52I asked.
22:53Not bad.
22:53He sat beside me and grabbed a glass of water.
22:56Your dad's liquor hits harder than they say.
22:58Had too much?
22:58No way.
22:59I never get drunk when I need to stay sharp.
23:00Those words instantly brought back memories of Roman, wasted in my room last night.
23:04Both had drinks, but one faked being drunk, while the other faked being sober.
23:08Cole seemed to read my mind, changing the subject.
23:12Our new place is ready tonight.
23:14Do you want to head back to the Ashvins or come with me?
23:15I looked at him.
23:16The Sheridans and Ashworths never crossed paths.
23:18To me, this marriage was just a tactical move.
23:21Yet over the past few days, Cole turned out to be far more complex than I imagined.
23:25By tradition, I should go with you.
23:27Traditions aren't set in stone.
23:28He stood up, reaching a hand out toward me.
23:30I'm asking what you want.
23:32I stared at that hand, and a moment later, I placed mine in his.
23:35Let's go.
23:36He gripped my fingers, his palm warm against mine.
23:38As we stepped outside, my mom rushed out and shoved a velvet box into my hands.
23:41Silly girl.
23:42Take care of yourself from now on.
23:44Cole broke the car door open for me.
23:46The Sheridan estate was much quieter than I expected.
23:48Inside the living room, Cole's parents were already waiting.
23:50His father was stern, not a smile in sight.
23:53His eyes were sharp.
23:54The way he looked me over was the same way he'd review a contract.
23:56His mother carried herself with elegance.
23:58She looked me over, but she was a lot gentler than I expected.
24:01So this is Edward's girl.
24:03Hello, Mr. and Sister Sheridan.
24:05Cole's mother took my hands, studying me carefully before letting out a seat.
24:08Finally, he's willing to settle down.
24:10Her words caught me off guard.
24:11Only then did I realize the Sheridan family might have been even more eager for this marriage
24:15than I was.
24:18By the time I finished meeting his parents, the sky had turned pitch black.
24:22Cole's mother held my hands and talked for a long time, every sentence taking a shot at
24:25her son.
24:26We spoiled this boy rotten growing up.
24:28Never stays home, out fooling around who know where.
24:31Bear with him from now on.
24:32If he ever dares mistreat you, come straight to me.
24:36Mom, as if I dare.
24:37His father gave a cold grunt.
24:39There aren't many things you wouldn't dare to do.
24:41Watching the three of them, I suddenly found it quite entertaining.
24:44Everyone said Cole Sheridan was a notorious playboy.
24:47Bars, scandals, nothing to show for himself.
24:49Yet the man in front of me came as a kitten before his parents.
24:52Didn't match the rumors at all.
24:53Once we stepped into our bedroom, I said, your parents take this marriage very seriously.
24:58Understatement of the year.
24:59Cole looked out the window.
25:00At my age without a family, my mom was stressing herself gray.
25:03She pulled every trick in the book just to get me married.
25:06Then why did you put it off for so long?
25:07He fell silent for a few seconds.
25:09Never found the right one.
25:10He tilted his head to look at me, the corner of his lips curling up.
25:13Now I have.
25:13I looked away, staying quiet.
25:15It takes guts to make a choice.
25:16Sometimes fate won't give you what you want, so you go get it yourself.
25:19Obsession is like fire with no way out.
25:21I never let myself sink in someone else's mess.
25:23Whatever I choose, good or bad, I own it all.
25:27I never let myself sink in someone else's mess.
25:27I never let myself sink in someone else's mess.
25:27I never let myself sink in someone else's mess.