I Object
747 Words
Charlotte barely recognized the woman staring back at her.
The simple seamstress who had arrived carrying a sewing kit was gone.
In her place stood a bride dressed in layers of ivory silk, delicate lace, and a cathedral-length veil that flowed behind her like a river.
The makeup artist smiled.
“You look stunning.”
Charlotte forced a smile, but her stomach was in knots.
She wasn’t supposed to be here.
She wasn’t supposed to be wearing this dress.
And she certainly wasn’t supposed to be marrying one of Britain’s most powerful billionaires.
A soft knock came at the door.
“The ceremony is ready,” a coordinator announced.
Lady Margaret stepped inside and dismissed everyone with a glance.
When the room was empty, she turned to Charlotte.
“Listen carefully.”
Charlotte looked up.
“My grandson has built walls around his heart. Don’t mistake his coldness for cruelty.”
“I understand.”
“No,” Lady Margaret said quietly. “You don’t.”
Her voice softened.
“Alexander has been betrayed by people he trusted most.”
Charlotte wanted to ask what she meant, but Lady Margaret had already reached out and adjusted the veil over her face.
“Walk with your head high.”
“For the next hour, you are an Ashford.”
The grand ballroom had been transformed into a breathtaking wedding venue.
Hundreds of guests filled the rows of white chairs.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.
A string quartet played a slow, elegant melody.
Business tycoons, politicians, celebrities, and members of the British aristocracy whispered among themselves.
None of them knew the bride had disappeared.
None of them knew another woman had taken her place.
At the end of the aisle stood Alexander.
His expression remained unreadable.
His eyes met Charlotte’s for only a second before looking away.
The music changed.
The doors slowly opened.
Every head turned.
Charlotte took her first step.
Her knees felt weak.
One step.
Then another.
She kept reminding herself why she was doing this.
Oliver.
Everything was for Oliver.
She reached the altar.
Alexander offered his arm without looking at her.
She hesitated for only a moment before placing her trembling hand on it.
His grip was firm.
Steady.
Unexpectedly warm.
The officiant smiled.
“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Alexander James Ashford and—”
The ballroom doors burst open.
“Stop the wedding!”
Gasps echoed across the room.
A woman in a white wedding gown stood at the entrance.
Her makeup was smudged from tears, and her hair had come loose, but there was no mistaking who she was.
The real bride.
Charlotte slowly released Alexander’s arm.
The guests erupted into whispers.
“She came back!”
“What happened?”
“Who is the other woman?”
The bride walked down the aisle, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
She stopped just a few feet away.
Her eyes locked onto Alexander.
“I’m here,” she said breathlessly.
“I’m ready.”
Silence filled the room.
Charlotte felt her heart sink.
Of course.
This was how it was supposed to end.
She began to step away.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
But before she could leave, Alexander’s voice stopped her.
“Stay.”
Charlotte froze.
The entire room stared at him.
The bride looked stunned.
“Alexander…”
He turned to face the woman who had interrupted the ceremony.
“You disappeared.”
“I panicked.”
“You turned off your phone.”
“I needed time.”
“You left me waiting at the altar.”
Tears rolled down the woman’s cheeks.
“I came back.”
Alexander’s face remained expressionless.
“No.”
His voice was calm.
“You came back because you realized what you were about to lose.”
The woman shook her head desperately.
“That’s not true.”
Alexander looked at Charlotte.
Then back at the guests.
Finally, he spoke the words no one expected.
“The wedding will continue.”
Charlotte’s breath caught.
The real bride’s face turned pale.
“What?”
Alexander’s eyes were ice cold.
“I don’t marry people who run.”
The woman burst into tears.
“You can’t be serious!”
Alexander didn’t answer her.
Instead, he turned toward the stunned officiant.
“Continue.”
The officiant hesitated.
“Mr. Ashford… are you certain?”
Alexander reached for Charlotte’s hand.
His fingers intertwined with hers.
This time…
He didn’t let go.
- Writer
