Chapter 22

In the days following Lindsey’s rejection, something dark took root in him–twisting, growing, consuming. He could still hear her moan Parker’s name. Still see the vision of her glowing in white, her laughter echoing with a joy that wasn’t meant for him.

She was supposed to be his.

If he couldn’t have her… then no one would.

The morning of the wedding, Alex stood by the window of his penthouse, watching the gray clouds roll in. In his hand, a single card with the wedding’s time and venue–one he had bribed a boutique staff member to send him.

He pulled out his phone and called his butler.

“I need you to do something for me,” he said, voice low, trembling with rage. “Bring her to me. Don’t hurt her. But bring her. I don’t care what it takes–just stop the wedding.”

“Sir… are you sure–?”

“Do it.”

He ended the call and dropped into the chair, running a hand over his face. His mind was spiraling. Logic was long gone. Only the obsession remained.

He never noticed the shadow that passed through the hallway.

Mrs. Hale stepped into the room.

She had heard every word.

And she’d had enough.

Without a word, she walked in, holding a small vial of sleeping drops in a glass of orange juice.

“You need to calm down,” she said, her voice soft. “Drink.”

Alex took the glass, too clouded with rage to question it. Within minutes, he slumped in his chair, eyelids heavy, until the world faded into black.

When he woke up, he was bound in the backseat of a car.

‘Mom?!” he screamed, struggling against the restraints. “What the hell is this?!”

Mrs. Hale sat in the front, calm and composed. “You were about to destroy a woman’s life. Again. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“You’re helping her?! I’m your son!”

“I am your mother, yes,” she said coldly. “But I am also a woman who was once cheated on. Your father broke me, Alex. And I promised myself I’d never let another man do that to a woman–especially not one as good as Lindsey.”

“She was mine!”

“No,” she said, voice sharp. “She was never yours. You married her for convenience, used her, neglected her–and now you want to punish her for finding love? You disgust me.”

“You can’t do this!” he shouted. “You have no right!”

“Oh, but I do. You think you’re powerful, but I’m the one who built your life, your name. I funded everything. Without me, you’re just another man with a last name. So here’s what’s going to happen.”

She turned to him, her eyes fierce.

“You’re going to the wedding. But you’ll watch from a distance. You’ll see her choose someone who didn’t throw her away. And you will say nothing.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then you are no longer my son. You will be cut off, disowned, erased from the Hale legacy.” Alex slumped back, eyes glassy with disbelief. “You would really do that to me?”

“I already am.”

He didn’t scream again.

He just cried.

And begged.

But Mrs. Hale didn’t flinch.

Meanwhile, across town, Lindsey stood in front of the mirror.

Her hair was swept into soft waves, a delicate pearl pin tucked into the side. Her dress–designed with her own hands–fit like a dream, hugging her waist, cascading in a pool of white elegance behind her.

But beneath the beauty, a shadow lingered.

“What if he tries something?” she asked softly, adjusting her earring.

Parker stepped behind her, his reflection appearing in the mirror. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

“He won’t,” he said. “He can’t.”

“I don’t want anything to ruin this.”

“Nothing will,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “I won’t let it.”

She turned to him, searching his eyes. He held her gaze with a quiet strength that calmed every storm inside her.

“Are you ready to become Mrs. Wilson?” he asked with a grin.

She smiled. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

They held each other for a few moments longer before Parker left to give her time to prepare.

Lindsey exhaled deeply and turned back to the mirror.

This time, she smiled at her reflection.

Not with fear.

But with hope.

Everything she had ever endured had brought her here–to this moment.

To this choice.

To a love that didn’t break her.

And no one–not even Alex Hale–was going to take that away.

I never imagined I’d wear white again.