Chapter 230: Mocking Martina

The next morning, Susan had planned to sleep until eleven. She believed this would allow ample time to arrive at the wedding venue by twelve for the ceremony. However, she was awakened at seven, bringing her to the brink of an emotional breakdown. She had lain awake all night, tossing and turning. Shortly after finally falling asleep, she was roused. Indeed, Susan would have remained in bed if Hannah hadn't come to the manor and insisted she get up.

Forced by Hannah, she sat at the dressing table as staff helped her into her wedding dress and applied her makeup.

"Hannah, they haven't come to pick me up. Why did you wake me so early?" Susan complained. Sleeping until eleven would have given her enough time to dress and apply makeup.

"If they were to collect you, you'd have needed to rise at five. How is sleeping until seven possible?" Hannah raised an eyebrow.

Susan remained unhappy.

"Don't complain. You'll only experience this once," Hannah comforted her.

"Who says? I'm going to marry twice," Susan retorted, unhappy with Hannah's words.

Hannah was speechless. The staff assisting with Susan's makeup chuckled at their exchange.

Fortunately, despite her complaints, Susan didn't resist. Three hours later, she wore delicate bridal makeup. In the mirror, she saw herself in a white gown with a long train and a beautiful heart-shaped cutout in the back. Her figure looked alluring in the dress. A resplendent diamond crown adorned her head, making her resemble a fairytale princess—elegant, graceful, and beautiful. Hannah's specially designed attire proved successful, though Susan's expression remained unhappy.

"Miss Phillips, are you not satisfied with your makeup?" a nervous staff member asked, noticing Susan's displeasure.

"No," Susan stated firmly. "It's too good. I can't accept it."

The staff were confused, unsure how to respond. Hannah remained silent.

"You're dressed. Let's go," Hannah said.

"Can I not go?" Susan felt like crying.

"Giving up halfway isn't your style," Hannah replied.

Though she hardly cared about grace, let alone style, Susan eventually got into the car and headed for the wedding venue—a golf course at a resort in the suburbs of Kensbury City.

Upon arrival, the venue was beautifully decorated: a temporary stage, white tables and chairs, a live symphony orchestra, pink and white balloons, and even a small castle with gauze curtains created a lovely, romantic atmosphere. Susan went straight to the back dressing room, having only glimpsed the venue from the car.

She had told Manuel a casual wedding would suffice, and was displeased by his elaborate preparations. Feeling blue, she retreated to the dressing room, Hannah remaining at her side. Hannah wished to accompany her throughout the wedding, but also feared Susan might act impulsively and without regard for consequences.

"Why did we come so early? I'm bored," Susan complained. "I want to play games." She reached for her phone, but Hannah immediately took it.

"Hannah," Susan's displeasure was evident.

"Who plays games at their wedding? Grow up," Hannah stated.

"I would have run away otherwise," Susan countered.

"Then show me how you'll run away," Hannah challenged.

"Hannah, are you my best friend or not?" Susan pleaded.

"Since you don't dare run away, just relax," Hannah said firmly.

A knock came at the door. Hannah opened it to reveal Martina, wearing a white gauzy ball gown with a plunging neckline and eye-catching jewelry; she seemed intent on stealing the spotlight.

Without permission, she entered. Hannah controlled her anger and followed.

"Didn't you say you don't like Manuel?" Martina questioned Susan directly, her tone contemptuous.

"Must I explain my feelings to you?" Susan retorted.

"If you don't like him, why marry him? Don't you love Henry? Did you go to Manuel because Henry had an affair and you were dumped?" Martina pressed.

"What do you eat?" Susan interrupted sharply.

Martina blinked.

"Do you eat shit? That's why you talk like this," Susan spat.

"Susan!" Martina fumed.

"You have an affair! Your whole family does! Henry is the nicest man. Speak ill of him again and you'll pay!" Susan lashed out.

Martina trembled with rage. "If Henry's so nice, why marry Manuel? Are you insane?" she seethed.

"I'm perfectly normal. Manuel's the insane one. If you can seduce him into marrying you, I'll leave immediately!" Susan challenged.

"Susan!" Martina's fury intensified; she felt an urge to strangle Susan. She couldn't comprehend their sudden marriage. She had always believed Manuel would be hers.

"If you can't, don't bother me. You're beneath my notice!" Susan sneered.

"Susan! If you don't like Manuel, why marry him?" Martina demanded.

"Revenge," Susan said slowly. "I hate two people most: you and Manuel. This lets me get even with both of you."

"Susan, do you think marriage is a game?"

"Yes. Even life is a game. What can you do?"

Martina raised her hand to strike Susan, but Hannah grabbed her wrist. "Touch Susan, and you'll regret it!" Martina, genuinely frightened by Hannah's intensity, recoiled.