Chapter 84:

"Is she here to contest for the groom?" one guest murmured. "I heard she and Shaun used to be an item."

"Maybe you're right," another whispered. "Will the wedding still happen today? Might the bride be switched?" speculated a third.

Tracy overheard and felt a wave of embarrassment. She bit her lip and glanced at her distressed parents offstage. Shaun's parents were clearly upset. Shaun's mother yelled, "Dolores, get out of here! Don't create a scene!" She gestured for help, but Dolores's entourage formed a protective wall, clearing a path for her.

Ignoring everyone, Dolores walked toward Shaun, extending her hand. "Shaun," she pleaded, "I admit I was too headstrong and caused you pain. But abroad, I never stopped thinking about you. I hoped we could reconcile. Please don't marry her. Let's make amends."

Her plea shocked Tracy, who teetered on the edge of a breakdown. Elyse quickly put down her violin and supported Tracy.

Shaun remained silent, his attention fixed on Dolores, seemingly oblivious to Tracy's distress. Elyse, embracing Tracy, demanded, "What's going on, Shaun? You're about to marry Tracy. Didn't you end things with your past love years ago?"

Dolores glared fiercely. "This is between us. You have no right to interfere."

"Shut up! How dare you ruin my friend's wedding!" Elyse retorted, then turned to Shaun. "What are you going to do? Are you thinking of calling off the wedding?"

Shaun remained silent. Dolores, feeling vindicated, said, "Shaun, your indecision shows you haven't forgotten me. Why won't you admit it?"

Shaun clenched his fists. Elyse, frustrated, was about to seek Jayden's help, but Tracy stopped her with a shake of her head. "Elyse, this is between me and Shaun. Please stay out of it."

Tracy turned back to Shaun, silently waiting. Shaun stood, caught in the middle. All eyes were on him.

After what felt like an eternity, Shaun spoke in a hoarse voice. "Dolores, it's been over for a long time. Today is my wedding day. If you're here to congratulate me, you're welcome. But if not, please leave."

Dolores didn't move. She smiled slightly. "So you're marrying her because you don't want to get back with me? I thought our relationship was beyond interference. It seems I really did break your heart."

Shaun remained silent.

Dolores sneered at Tracy. "Are you happy to be with someone I've discarded?"

Lowell stepped onto the stage, took Dolores's hand, and led her away. He smiled defiantly at Elyse. "You won. Your friend's wedding can go on without a hitch."

"That's enough," Elyse fumed. She understood Lowell's sabotage.

As Dolores exited, Shaun addressed Tracy calmly. "The disruption is over. Let's continue."

Tracy, disappointed, said, "Continue? The wedding? Are you sure you still want to marry me?"

"Didn't I agree to marry you? What are you doing?" Shaun snapped.

Tracy slapped him. He closed his eyes, more from humiliation than pain. Tears rolled down Tracy's cheeks. "You've agreed to marry me, yet you seem unsure. You've never even told me you love me."

Elyse rushed to support her. "Elyse, please. I need to get away," Tracy begged.

"Think about this. You've loved Shaun for four years, and it took so much effort to get to this point," Elyse said.

"I don't care anymore. I need to leave," Tracy insisted, crying.

She was devastated by Shaun's ambivalence. His reluctance to dismiss Dolores indicated lingering feelings. She wouldn't accept being a second choice.

Shaun's family pressed Tracy to reconsider. "Tracy, there are so many guests. Please don't cause a scene. Shaun has chosen you. What more are you looking for? Would you really embarrass my family by fleeing your own wedding?"

Shaun, angry, said, "Tracy Bernard, do you think I'm playing games? I said we could continue with the wedding." He reached for her, but Elyse blocked him.

Elyse glared at Shaun, then at Dolores and Lowell. "Who here is treating the wedding like a game? Your families have crossed a line. Do you really think my friend has no choice but to marry Shaun?"

Shaun's expression turned icy. "Tracy is my bride. If you try to take her away, you'll be making an enemy of my family."

Tracy's parents called out, "If you don't want to marry him, then don't. You have our support."

Tracy cried. "I won't marry you! You can marry Dolores. She suits you better."

"I'll take you away," Elyse declared, taking Tracy's hand and leading her away.