Chapter 27

Viola made a grand entrance, stepping from the car in a breathtaking wedding gown. The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Wow! The bride is absolutely stunning! Shouldn’t the groom carry her in?” someone called out. “Haha, where’s Ken? Someone go get the lucky man!”

Viola basked in the admiration, her confidence soaring. Her radiant smile and graceful demeanor captivated everyone.

Amid the lively chatter, Ken emerged from the house, walking slowly. Viola turned to him, playful charm lacing her voice. “Ken, they say it’s tradition for the groom to carry the bride in. Would you give me a piggyback ride?”

She was certain he wouldn’t dare create a scene before so many influential guests.

But Ken, dressed casually in stark contrast to the formality of the event, appeared utterly detached. His expressionless face met her outstretched hand.

The crowd murmured uneasily. “Something feels off. Isn’t this supposed to be a joyful occasion?” “Why doesn’t the groom look happy?”

Sensing the tension, Viola tried to maintain composure. “Ken, today is our wedding day…”

Ken cut her short. His voice was cold and flat. “Who said I’m marrying you?”

The words struck like a thunderclap. Viola’s smile vanished, her confidence crumbling. “Ken, what are you talking about?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Visibly alarmed, Uncle Johnson hurried to intervene, but Ken continued. He produced a document and held it aloft. “This is the annulled prenuptial agreement. It’s been revoked. I’m not marrying Viola.”

The crowd gasped, whispers spreading rapidly. “Did he just call off the wedding?” “What’s going on here?”

Viola’s face contorted with fury. “Ken, I don’t believe I heard you correctly. Repeat that.”

Ken handed her the document. “I told you before, Viola—I’m not marrying you. I don’t care if the entire world knows. I’m done playing along.”

The guests stared, stunned into silence. Uncle Johnson stormed over, his face flushed with anger. “Ken! Do you realize what you’re doing? Today is an important day for our family!” He slapped Ken twice. “This isn’t a joke! Pull yourself together and apologize!”

But Ken remained resolute. “I’m not joking, Dad. Viola and I are not married, and we never will be. This charade ends here.”

The tension thickened. Ms. Brown, Viola’s mother, spoke, her voice dripping with contempt. “Ken Johnson, do you think you can simply walk away from this? What about the Brown family’s reputation? You’ve humiliated my daughter and tarnished our name!”

Ken’s eyes darkened. “Watch your mouth, Ms. Brown. I dare you to repeat that.” He raised his voice. “I had someone investigate Viola months ago. Before she was involved with me, she was with someone else. And they didn’t just date—they slept together.”

A collective gasp filled the air. All eyes turned to Viola, who stood frozen, her face pale.

“Viola,” Ken continued, his tone venomous, “why are you so desperate to marry me? Could it be because you’re carrying someone else’s child?”

Shocked murmurs erupted as Ken produced a medical certificate. Viola’s voice cracked. “I didn’t! You’re lying!”

Ken waved the document, silencing her.