Chapter 9
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Hailey was in disbelief as she stared at Matthew’s face. She quickly returned to her senses and composed herself before dropping her smile and grabbing his hand.
Fortunately, his back was to the guests, so no one other than those who sat in the front row could see his face. Hailey held Matthew still, preventing him from turning to face the guests.
She also thanked her lucky stars that Matthew and Terence were of similar builds. Few people noticed the groom was a different person.
Hailey looked at the guests and said apologetically, “I’m sorry about this, but I suddenly feel unwell. I need
some rest.”
The guests knew what she meant and stopped cheering, allowing her to leave. Only those few who knew something was up whispered among themselves.
The reception soon started. Logically speaking, the bride and groom had to come downstairs to join their guests in the celebration after changing their outfits. Harold and Nora waited for a long time, but neither Halley not “Terence” showed up.
Nora thought they were being lovey–dovey upstairs and decided to keep waiting, but they didn’t show up even until the reception was almost over.
She looked at a maid and said, “Head upstairs and tell them to come down.”
The maid
- ed. She headed upstairs and knocked on the lounge’s door. “ and Mrs. Rainer are asking you two to head downstairs once you’re ready, Ms. Rainer and Mr. Stone.”
Hailey’s voice rang out after a brief silence. “Got it. You can head downstairs now.”
She frowned at Matthew once the maid was gone. “Why are you here?”
His eyes were bloodshot. “Why can’t I be? Were you serious about having this wedding with Terence? If not for all the nonsense that happened in our past, I should’ve been the one married to you now. I’m just here to get back what is owed to me!”
Chapter 10
Hailey watched as Matthew ranted. For the first time ever, she didn’t have the patience to comfort him. Instead, she pinched her nose bridge and said, “This isn’t the time to talk about this, Matthew.
“This wedding isn’t a regular affair–it’s my first time announcing my marriage to the world, so it’s important that nothing goes wrong. My and Terence’s names have long since made headlines, and everyone knows he’s my groom.
“The consequences would be unimaginable if word were to get out about this last–minute groom switch. I’m saying these things for your good.
Matthew didn’t want to hear any of it. He just felt she didn’t love him if she refused to announce that he was her groom instead of Terence. “If you genuinely loved me, you would tell the world I’m your groom! Do it, or I’ll leave right now!”
He got up to leave, but Hailey stood before the door and stopped him. Matthew was secretly pleased by this–he knew she cared about him,
However, in the next second, her words proved him wrong. “You can’t leave just yet.
His expression darkened. “What do you mean by that?”
Hailey explained, “It wouldn’t do if you were to leave now and allow someone to see you. Stay here for now, okay? We can talk about this once everyone is gone.”
After that, she left the room, shutting the door behind her. Matthew was left alone in the room.
He clenched his fists. He’d always thought becoming Hailey’s husband would be as easy as ple for him. She lo im desperately, after all, and Terence had given him the perfect opportunity.
He’d already stood in for Terence during the wedding. Once Hailey acknowledged him as her husband in front of everyone, they would know he was her true love.
Yet reality had given him a slap to the face. Not only had Hailey immediately dropped her veil his face, but she’d even forced him upstairs before
