Chapter 844
No.1
Alex? She called him Alex?!
Alexander jolted slightly, caught off guard by the strange sensation that nickname evoked.
This drove Victoria insane. He was still her man. Hers! Isabella was blatantly showing off in front of her. No matter how much it hurt, Victoria couldn't show it. She had to suppress her emotions.
Fortunately, Eleanor changed the subject. "Isabella, Victoria went to the countryside because of you. She didn't want to come back. She only returned when I told her about your wedding tomorrow. Please tell her you forgive her. Ask her never to go back to such a place again."
Eleanor's heart ached terribly whenever she thought of poor Victoria in that run-down area.
Isabella gave Victoria a thorough once-over. Victoria had actually gotten prettier in just a month. Her skin was fair and flawless like porcelain. Did she look like she had endured any hardship at all? Only someone as gullible as Eleanor would believe her!
Isabella chose to keep that observation to herself. Instead, she replied, "I let it go a long time ago. Actually, I'm even grateful you returned Alex to me. To show my gratitude, I'd like to ask you to be my bridesmaid."
Bridesmaid? Was Isabella seriously asking Victoria to be her bridesmaid?
Tomorrow's ceremony would be filled with important figures. Rumor had it even the Blackwood men might show up, along with hundreds of paparazzi! If she could be the bridesmaid, she would gain immense attention and popularity!
Why would Isabella be so nice to her?
No.2
Victoria looked at her suspiciously. "Isabella, are you sure? You're not angry with me anymore? You truly want me as your bridesmaid?"
"Of course! I even have a gown prepared for you as the bridesmaid!" Isabella chirped, making a gesture.
Her assistant, Evelyn—arranged by Nathaniel—entered carrying a box. She presented it to Victoria.
Victoria accepted the box. A slight frown appeared on her face as she peered inside.
Inside the box lay a bridesmaid dress, custom-tailored just for her.
It was a strapless silk gown, the fabric so delicate it seemed to float on air. Yet it was crafted in a pale coffee-brown shade—Victoria’s least favorite color.
This particular tone of brown had a way of casting a sallow, sickly pallor over the skin. Anyone wearing it would look washed out and utterly common.
Victoria understood now why Isabella had been unusually kind. She intended to dress her bridesmaid in something hideous. Still, how could Victoria pass up a chance to land on the front page?
She put on a show of gratitude, eyes glistening. “Thank you, Isabella! You’re so thoughtful. I’ll be your bridesmaid tomorrow and give you my full blessing.”
“Hmph. If that’s all, I’ll see you at The Ritz-Carlton. Nine sharp,” Isabella replied.
No.3
Eleanor had asked Isabella to come to the Montgomery manor so she could tell Victoria she was forgiven. That way, Victoria would never return to those dark places. Hearing Isabella’s agreement pleased Eleanor greatly.
“You sisters should always support each other like this,” Eleanor said warmly. “It keeps the gossip at bay.”
“Oh, and Isabella—since so many entertainment industry elites will be at your wedding, remember to introduce them to your sister.”
Victoria’s career had been struggling lately. Without Gabriella to secure roles, many opportunities were snatched by others. Even though her Instagram following was growing, she was far from her former glory.
Isabella’s lips curved slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to help Victoria tomorrow.”
Her words carried a double meaning no one caught. Though Victoria sensed something odd, she brushed it off. She would stay alert during the ceremony. Isabella wouldn’t dare try anything obvious.
Besides, even if Isabella didn’t help her, she could seize opportunities on her own. The Blackwood men were drawn to Isabella—perhaps they could be drawn to her instead…
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.
No.4
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?”
No.5
“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.
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.
No.6
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.]
[She gave him five years of her life, and when the real one returned, she was just cast aside. How tragic.]
No.7
[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.