Chapter 596
No.1
Each of them was lost in their own schemes.
The wedding day arrived amid great anticipation. The Ritz-Carlton was packed with guests even early in the morning. Security teams maintained order while reporters weaved through the crowd, filming and live-streaming.
The hotel lobby was transformed into an enchanted forest dreamscape. Flower arches lined the path. Lush greenery and white jasmine blooms created an ethereal, breathtaking scene.
It wasn’t Isabella’s preferred style—it was Victoria’s favorite.
Victoria had imagined her own wedding to Alexander countless times. It always included jasmine flowers, a towering champagne fountain, an exquisite wedding cake…
She never dreamed she’d see it come to life at Isabella and Alexander’s wedding. When she arrived with Eleanor and the others at the hotel entrance, she was stunned. A red carpet ran beneath nine jasmine arches stretching all the way to the doors. The setting was opulent and gorgeous.
Envy clawed at her, threatening to drive her mad. Paparazzi swarmed around them, hurling questions.
“Mr. Montgomery, is this sudden wedding between Isabella and Alexander a business arrangement?”
“Ms. Victoria Kensington, you were with Alexander for five years. How do you feel today?”
Though such questions were asked, the reporters Victoria had pre-arranged quickly shifted the focus.
“Ms. Victoria, is it true you traveled to the Cotswolds Countryside to aid the villagers?”
“Based on your posts, are you atoning for what Gabriella did?”
“Did you expect to gain seventy million followers in just a month?”
“Your fans have nicknamed you the ‘Country Angel.’ What are your thoughts?”
All attention was on Victoria, as if she were the star of the show.
Flashing cameras surrounded Victoria. She basked in the attention she had always craved.
No.2
With practiced grace, she addressed the eager reporters. “Everything in those videos is completely authentic. If you require further proof, please observe these marks on my hands.”
She extended her palms toward the lenses, displaying the fresh blisters. “We’ve all made mistakes we regret. My manager, myself… everyone. I chose to live in the countryside to reconnect with a simpler existence. I sought spiritual purification. My goal is to atone and eventually assist others in need.”
“The number of followers on my new account is irrelevant to me. My only desire is for my sister’s forgiveness. I hope my supporters can find it in their hearts to forgive me as well. Moving forward, I am committed to working diligently. I strive to become someone worthy of admiration.”
Her delivery was poised and polished. Several paparazzi were broadcasting live. Viewers flooded the streams with comments praising her vulnerability.
No one could deny Victoria’s deceptively innocent appearance. Her eyes shone with a clear, spring-water purity, completely devoid of guile. That kind of facade effortlessly manipulated public perception. It made people forget every terrible thing she had ever done.
Eleanor watched, immensely pleased with her daughter’s performance. She took Victoria’s arm, guiding her toward the hotel entrance.
A reporter suddenly broke through the crowd. “Ms. Kensington! A moment, please! I’m with Stellar News. The public is desperate to know… how do you truly feel about this wedding? After a five-year relationship with Alexander, you’re attending as a bridesmaid. Can you share your feelings? Ten million fans are waiting for your answer!” His tone was pleading, making a refusal seem cruel.
Eleanor tightened her grip, attempting to pull Victoria away, concerned the question was too painful.
Victoria stopped. She turned back with a gracious smile. “Thank you for your concern. The truth is, my sister, Isabella, and Alexander were promised to each other since childhood. They were only separated because she left for treatment. My role these past five years was simply to look after him in her stead. They are destined for each other. My blessings for them are genuine and heartfelt.”
She offered a polite nod before quickly moving inside. The crowd was left in awe of her apparent selflessness. Attending an ex-lover’s wedding and offering sincere blessings was portrayed as a monumental act of grace.
Online, whether through calculated PR or genuine public reaction, trending topics exploded.
#StandInSupermodel
#VictoriasFiveYearSacrifice
#SmilingThroughThePain
Countless articles painted her as a selfless, innocent girl who devoted five years to a man, knowing she was just a placeholder. On his wedding day, she could only watch and smile through her heartbreak. The narrative was expertly crafted to manipulate young, impressionable audiences.
[This shatters my heart. My angel went to the countryside to heal her soul and her broken heart.]
No.3
[She gave him five years of her life, and when the real one returned, she was just cast aside. How tragic.]
[If my ex got married, I’d be a mess. Attending with a smile? That’s strength I don’t have.]
Inside the bridal suite, Evelyn handed a phone to Isabella. Her voice was flat. “These trending topics are clearly bought by Victoria’s team. Should we have them removed?”
Isabella glanced at the screen. A cold smirk touched her lips. “No.”
This was precisely what she wanted. Let Victoria climb higher. The greater the height, the more devastating the fall. She would ensure Victoria experienced the crushing plunge from heaven to hell once more. This time, she would make certain Victoria never got back up.
Evelyn was the assistant Nathaniel had personally selected for Isabella.
She was efficient, discreet, and exceptionally capable.
Yet even someone as composed as Evelyn couldn’t comprehend Nathaniel’s fascination with Isabella.
When Isabella declined further assistance, Evelyn didn’t press.
She simply nodded and withdrew to attend to other preparations.
Victoria entered the dressing room just as the hairstylists were putting the final touches on Isabella’s updo.
Isabella sat gracefully before the vanity, her gown flowing around her like liquid moonlight.
The dress featured delicate lantern sleeves and an elaborate train that shimmered under the lights.
She resembled Snow White brought to life—ethereal and utterly captivating.
This particular gown was from the coveted “Sun-Snow Anniversary Collection” by a legendary designer.
It was Victoria’s dream wedding dress.
No.4
She had once told Alexander she would wear nothing else on their wedding day.
Yet here was Isabella, draped in that very creation.
And the wedding itself?
Rumor had it Alexander spent over a billion to make it perfect.
For her.
How could he be so blind to Victoria’s feelings?
Isabella noticed Victoria’s arrival and dismissed the stylists with a wave.
“That will be all,” she said smoothly.
Once they were alone, Isabella turned, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
“Well? Do you think Alexander will approve?”
Victoria’s fists clenched.
Of course he would.
Isabella was radiant.
Her skin glowed.
Her presence commanded attention.
Most women would feel a pang of envy just looking at her.
No.5
That kind of beauty didn’t just captivate men—it enslaved them.
In stark contrast, Victoria’s bridesmaid dress was bland and forgettable.
It made her feel invisible.
She bit her tongue, struggling to keep her composure.
Isabelle rose and glided toward her, each step deliberate.
“You’re jealous. As you should be. I told you I would reclaim everything that was mine. The shares. My parents’ affection. Even Alexander.”
She stopped just inches from Victoria.
“You and Alexander still think you can take what’s mine, don’t you? Did you really believe he would destroy me and then marry you?”
A soft, icy laugh escaped her.
“How naïve.”
“If Alexander abandons you,” Isabella continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, “he becomes the husband of the Diamond Boss. He gains power, prestige, luxury beyond imagination. But if he chooses you? He’d have to kill me to get my fortune. Do you honestly think he would risk that for you? A mere adopted daughter with only a ten percent stake?”
Victoria paled.
Isabella’s words struck like a physical blow.
She had always been so sure of Alexander’s loyalty when Isabella was plain and powerless.
But this new Isabella—wealthy, stunning, formidable—changed everything.
Lately, Alexander had been distant, less passionate.
No.6
He was a pragmatic man.
Would he really gamble everything for her?
Isabella placed a hand on Victoria’s shoulder, her touch cold and condescending.
“Watch closely, Victoria. Watch how he looks at me. How he desires me. I will make him mine—heart, mind, and soul.”
With that, Isabella swept past her and pulled open the heavy oak door.
As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly collided with Alexander himself.
He had been coming to check on the preparations.
The sight of her stopped him dead.
His usually stern eyes widened in awe.
She looked like royalty—elegant, majestic, utterly breathtaking.
His heart hammered against his ribs.
He had never seen anyone so devastatingly beautiful.
It took him a moment to find his voice.
“Is everything ready? The ceremony begins in an hour.”
His tone was softer than he intended, almost tender.
Isabella offered a faint smile, then frowned delicately.
No.7
“The shoes are a bit loose. I nearly tripped earlier.”
She lifted the hem of her gown to reveal a pair of exquisite lace heels.
Despite her height, her feet were surprisingly small—elegant and delicate.
The lace was definitely coming undone. It might slip off entirely if she took another step. When Alexander noticed the loose lace, he instinctively dropped to one knee to secure it. Isabella glanced sideways at Victoria, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. It was a deliberate provocation.
Victoria recoiled as if struck. A wave of raw jealousy and pain washed over her, impossible to suppress. She had seen the way Alexander looked at Isabella. She had witnessed the gentleness in his touch. And now… he was kneeling to tie her shoe!
This was not the Alexander she remembered. Not the man who had once loved her and only her. He hadn't even glanced at her in her bridesmaid dress today.
Alexander remained oblivious. After tightening the lace, he stood. "Your gown is too long. It's a tripping hazard. Be careful today. There are many important guests. We can't afford any mistakes."
"Don't worry about me," Isabella said, gathering the train of her dress. She descended the stairs with an elegant grace. Even her silhouette was mesmerizingly beautiful and utterly stunning.
Alexander's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Was this incredible woman really his wife? She wasn't the disgusting creature he remembered. Against his will, he found himself accepting her presence.
What if they could become a real husband and wife…?
A cold smirk touched Isabella's lips as she felt his gaze follow her.
"Alexander, Victoria… just wait. Your reputations will be utterly destroyed today."
Down in the grand hotel ballroom, the elite guests mingled. Champagne flutes glittered in their hands. The air was thick with the scent of luxury and whispered conversations.
"The Blackwoods are here!" a voice suddenly cut through the murmur.
"What? The Blackwoods? You mean Sebastian Blackwood?"
Sebastian was known to be more sociable. He occasionally attended high-profile functions.