chapter 6
708 Words
The wedding day.
Ryan Blake had everything prepared, awaiting only his bride's arrival.
From the very first day he met Chloe Moore, he had imagined this day arriving.
Love is a great ship; during its voyage, a few bumps or veering off course are perfectly normal.
But he believed his destination remained unchanged.
Today, this voyage was finally reaching its destination.
"Where on earth are Chloe Moore and her mother? Don't they realise what time it is?"
Ryan Blake's mother rolled her eyes.
She'd never approved of Chloe Moore, finding her rather petty and small-minded.
Now, even for something as momentous as a wedding, she was dawdling about – utterly unpresentable.
"Auntie, do try not to fret. Today is a blessed day; one mustn't get angry."
Ella Grace offered gentle reassurance to Ryan Blake's mother.
"Chloe Moore mentioned yesterday that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and she wishes to make a fresh entrance. We simply need to be patient and wait."
Hearing this, Ryan Blake's mother beamed as she took Ella Grace's hand and said:
"Oh dear, Ella Grace always knows just what to say. If you and Ryan Blake weren't already taken, I'd truly love to have you as our daughter-in-law."
Ryan Blake and Ella Grace exchanged a glance before quickly averting their eyes.
"Mum, do stop. Chloe Moore will be here any moment."
Yet the minutes ticked by.
The wedding banquet hall was nearly filled to capacity, yet the bride remained conspicuously absent.
"What on earth is going on? Has the bride run off? She still hasn't arrived."
"Not only is the bride absent, but none of her invited relatives or friends have arrived either."
Whispers began to spread throughout the banquet hall.
Ryan Blake frowned deeply. His calls to Chloe Moore and his mother-in-law went straight to voicemail. He feared something might have happened.
Just as Ryan Blake was about to call the police, Chloe Moore's mother, Lin Yu, appeared.
"Mum, you've finally arrived. Where's Chloe Moore?"
Yet Lin Yu bypassed him, striding directly towards the centre of the wedding stage.
"Good evening, everyone. I am the mother of the bride, Chloe Moore."
"I'm sure you're all wondering why the bride hasn't appeared yet."
"This is a special element my daughter designed specifically for today's wedding. She wishes to present each of you with a unique gift to express her gratitude for attending."
She then handed a USB drive to the host beside her, instructing him to play the contents.
All present waited in silence, expecting a romantic video of the bride and groom's courtship.
Yet unexpectedly, the opening scene depicted the groom passionately kissing the bridesmaid.
Though the footage was somewhat blurred, their features remained unmistakable.
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Ella Grace's face drained of colour, while Ryan Blake rushed to the computer to yank out the USB drive.
Lin Yu made no move to stop him. She smiled and continued:
"Never mind. Everyone, please check your email now."
"You should all have received it by now. It's a gift my daughter has carefully prepared for you all."
Everyone pulled out their phones, followed by waves of gasps:
"Bloody hell... the content's absolutely explosive!"
"I heard the bridesmaid was the bride's best friend. How awful for the bride—betrayed by both her husband and her best friend."
"That scumbag and his mistress are utterly revolting—they deserve their comeuppance."
...
Chaos erupted at the wedding venue.
Lin Yu surveyed the results before her with satisfaction, filming a video to send to her daughter.
Having fulfilled her daughter's mission, she was about to leave.
No sooner had she stepped outside the hotel entrance than Ryan Blake intercepted her. Having rushed over breathlessly, his voice still carried traces of panting:
"Mum, where is Chloe Moore now?"
"You must believe me, it's not what you think..."
Lin Yu impatiently cut Ryan Blake off:
"Ryan Blake, the facts and evidence are right before your eyes. What more is there to deny?"
"If you have any conscience left, you'll cease all contact with Chloe Moore. Haven't you and Ella Grace caused her enough harm already?"
With that, Lin Yu turned and walked away.
She couldn't be bothered to waste another word on such rubbish
- Writer
