Chapter 19
Nathan felt like he’d been struck by lightning. He stood frozen in place, as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head, leaving him shivering from the inside out.
His gaze was locked on the stage, where Annabelle stood beside another man in a pristine white wedding dress with a gentle smile.
Beside her, Daphne, dressed in a bridesmaid’s dress, beamed at Annabelle like she was witnessing the most beautiful moment of her life.
Everything was crystal clear now. This was Annabelle’s wedding.
Nathan’s mind went blank. His ears buzzed, and the world around him seemed to collapse.
It wasn’t until the officiant’s voice rang out again that he snapped back to reality.
“Ms. Annabelle Winslow, do you take Mr. Louie Webb as your husband, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
As Annabelle lifted her eyes to Louie, warmth and tenderness reflected in her gaze. Just as she parted her lips to speak, Nathan lunged forward like a madman.
His hoarse voice ripped through the silence. “She doesn’t! She doesn’t want this!”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, all eyes turning to him.
Daphne’s eyes widened in horror. She rushed forward, grabbing his arm and hissing, “Nathan Caldwell! What the hell are you doing? This is Anna’s wedding! I told you to sit quietly and enjoy the food, not cause a scene! Have you lost your mind?”
But Nathan didn’t seem to hear a thing. He shook off Daphne’s hand and rushed straight to Annabelle, grabbing her hand tightly.
His voice trembled so much it was barely coherent. “I’m sorry, Anna, I don’t love Evelyn. I’ve been in love with you all along! Please, don’t marry him. I won’t let you! You told me you belonged to me. You can’t do this to me!”
Annabelle hadn’t expected to see him here. Her expression turned icy.
She wrenched her hand from his grasp and said resolutely, “It’s too late. I loved you once, but I’ve moved on. We’re done, Nathan.”
But Nathan acted like he didn’t hear her refusal. He clung to her hand, pleading desperately. “Anna, please don’t do this. I’m really sorry. Yell at me, hit me–do whatever you want. Just don’t marry him. Are you trying to kill me? Please, I’m begging you. Come with me.”
Pain and regret dripped from his voice, and his eyes were filled with anguish. But Annabelle only looked at him with cold detachment, like he was a stranger.
Frowning, Louie grabbed Nathan’s wrist with a grip so strong it felt like he might crush his bones. His voice was low and cold, carrying an undeniable authority. “You’re trying to take my bride. Did you ask for my permission?”
Nathan snapped his head around, his eyes wild with madness. “She doesn’t love you! She never loved you!”
Louie chuckled. He turned to Annabelle and asked softly, “Who do you love, Anna?”
When Annabelle’s gaze fell on Louie, it was filled with warmth and unwavering certainty. Her voice was soft yet clear as she answered, “You.”
A snark played at Louie’s lips as he turned back to Nathan. “There’s your answer.”
Nathan’s face drained of color. His chest tightened as if something had clenched his heart in a merciless grip.
Shaking his head violently, he said with desperation, “No… No, that’s not possible. You told me you only love me! Anna, please, I’m begging you, Don’t do this. I’m sorry.”
His voice grew softer and softer, eventually choking into a sob.
As Daphne watched this scene unfold, her mind was in turmoil. She looked at the crazed Nathan, then at Annabelle, whose face showed nothing but cold indifference. Suddenly, realization hit by, and her face turned pale.
She strode forward and grabbed Nathan’s collar. Her voice shook with rage. “What the hell is wrong with you, Nathan?”
Nathan stambled back but kept his eyes on Annabelle, deaf to Daphne’s fury.
Daphine’s patience snapped. She raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. “Nathan Caldwell! Get out of here. Now!”
The slap sent Nathan’s head snapping to the side. His face burned, but he seemed completely numb tol
His gaze remained fixed on Annabelle. His voice was laced with a hint of despair as he begged, “Anna… please don’t do this. I’m sorry. Please don’t marry him.”
Lone stared coldly at Nathan and warned, “Please leave, Mr. Caldwell Or I’ll have security escort you out.”
Nathan didn’t seem to hear anything. He just kept staring at Annabelle. “Anna please don’t marry him. I’m sorry.”
Daphne was shaking with anger, she grabbed Nathan’s arm with so much force that it almost made him stumble. Her voice cracked with frustration. “Nathan Caldwell! Get out of here! Don’t Thake a foot of your sell!”
But Nathan didn’t seem to notice. His eyes were still fixed on Annabelle, filled with desperation Annabelle, however, didn’t even glance at him. She just held Louie’s hand tightly, as if he were her only lifelin
Finally, security rushed in and pulled Nathan away. His voice grew fainter as they dragged him out, but he still kept shouting Annabelle’s name.
Daphne stood frozen, watching him get hauled off. Her heart swirled with a mix of emotions she couldn’t name.
She turned to Annabelle, her voice soft with regret. “Anna, I’m so sorry. I had no idea he’d…”
She faced the stunned guests and apologized, “I’m really sorry, everyone. My brother’s been suffering from mental health issues. We’ve already asked him to leave. I apologize for the
stuption”
The of God that mated in disbelief. Ho une could fathom that such a hot guy could be dealing with something like that.
Daphne didn’t care at their starea Her eyes stayed on Annabelle, filled with apology. “I’m sorry, Anna I’ll deal with him later. Just be happy.”
Annatalie pave her a small stile Her gaze turned gentle as she looked at Loule. “I will,” she said softly.
The wedding went on, as if the whole fiesto had never happened
