Chapter 4

The next morning, I applied delicate makeup and dressed elegantly before proceeding to the wedding venue. Rhys had prepared a bridesmaid's outfit for me, but I declined. Why should I adhere to his arrangements? Furthermore, I wasn't supposed to be attending. Upon arriving at the hotel entrance, I saw Rhys welcoming guests with a cheerful demeanor. Noticing me, he approached briskly, nodded with apparent satisfaction, and said with relief, "Bridget, I knew you were a woman who understands the bigger picture." He extended his hand, but I stepped aside. "I've reconsidered," I stated, "and realized I'm unsuitable to be a bridesmaid. However, I still want to congratulate you and wish you a happy marriage."

Rhys paused, his smile faltering, a hint of guilt flickering in his eyes. "I gladly accept congratulations from anyone," he replied, "but those words… they feel like being pricked by a needle. It hurts."

"Is that so?" I responded, internally resolving never to believe another word he said.

At that moment, his friends approached, showering me with flattery. "Sister-in-law, you're the most generous woman I've ever met." "Indeed," another chimed in, "our sister-in-law is wise, understanding, and possesses a profound sense of righteousness." "Rhys," the third exclaimed, "finding such a perfect sister-in-law is a blessing from countless lifetimes!"

Generous? I thought. Do they understand true righteousness? They would soon learn I was a woman of strong convictions and unwavering principles. Rhys, despite his friends' praise, forced a smile, his eyes betraying a mixture of panic, unease, and guilt as he glanced at me.

Chapter 4

Since beginning my relationship with Rhys, his friends had respectfully called me "sister-in-law." Initially, I found it endearing, but now the term felt ironic and even repulsive.

The wedding venue buzzed with excitement. I found a secluded corner, blending in with the other guests, and waited quietly. The ceremony proceeded as planned. The officiant stood between Rhys and Kaitlin, delivering the prepared speech. Rhys appeared overjoyed, though his smile occasionally faltered, hinting at a performance fulfilling Kaitlin's desires. But to me, whether genuine or not, it no longer mattered.

Despite my pre-ceremony resolve to remain strong and composed, witnessing the man I loved marrying another woman filled my heart with a bitter, agonizing pain.

They completed their vows. Rhys produced a jade bracelet, gazing at Kaitlin with tender affection. The sight of that familiar bracelet rooted me to the spot, my limbs heavy as molten lead, my head swimming.

"Is that… isn't that your family heirloom?" I asked, watching Rhys kneel, hand in hand with Kaitlin, gently placing the bracelet on the table.

"Yes," he replied. "Didn't you say you liked it and wanted me to put it on you at the wedding?"

No, Rhys! You can't do this! Not this bracelet!

Kaitlin's eyes welled with happy tears. Rhys, holding the microphone, made a solemn vow. "Kaitlin, I've loved you for thirteen years. My greatest dream is to marry you, to cherish you. This family heirloom symbolizes you as my wife. I swear, in this life, I only love you, through riches and poverty, in sickness and in health."

Chapter 4

Watching Kaitlin weep, Rhys embraced her, concluding his vows into the microphone. "I will always be faithful to you, never changing," he declared, his words ringing hollow against the promises he'd broken. The couple embraced, the applause deafening.

I stared at the jade bracelet, my chest constricting, my breath catching in my throat. Rhys, this is enough! That was clearly my mother's heirloom. Before she died, she'd given it to Rhys, tearfully instructing him to give it to me at our wedding. It was meant to bless our union. He'd agreed. Instead, he'd given it to Kaitlin because she liked it. Had he been afraid she'd reject his possessions?

"Kiss me, kiss me!" the crowd chanted.

Rhys laughed, the picture of ecstatic happiness, embracing Kaitlin, his eyes brimming with love. He leaned in to kiss her.

"Wait!"

I stood, shouting. The festive atmosphere instantly chilled. All eyes turned to me, whispers filling the air. "Who is she?" "Rhys' ex-girlfriend, I think." "Why is she here? To crash the wedding?" "Shameless! He doesn't want her anymore, and she still shows up."

Their words stung, but I remained resolute, walking towards the stage, meeting Rhys's gaze. He gripped Kaitlin's hand, whispering urgently, "How did you get here? Leave!"

Chapter 4

Their hands were clasped tightly. My heart, however, was hardened, devoid of hesitation.

Addressing the crowd, I smiled. "Many of you know me. I am Bridget, Rhys' ex-girlfriend. I'm here to say a few words."