The Billionaires Ruined Bride

Aria’s POV I could hear their laughter in the hallway, it was soft at the beginning… then louder. Then it became unbearable. I stood at the center of the grand ballroom, my fingers held my gown tightly, I tried to calm myself down it was really obvious , very obvious that I was different ,you could tell from their designer wears or how it shone in sameness but mine was just simple I shouldn’t have come. I knew that the moment I stepped into the Harrington estate, with its shinning chandeliers and marble floors that reflected my every step. This wasn’t my world. It never was. “Relax, Aria,” I whispered to myself, forcing a smile as I reached for a glass of juice from a passing waiter. “It’s just one party. Smile, stay quiet, and leave.” Simple. But then I was hearing voices and murmurs that I couldn’t get my head around at all , “what's happening??" I said to myself as I wondered what was going on my eyes scanned the surroundings as it fell on Chloe and her circle and their eyes were on me , I quickly looked away ….. I was about going to the restroom, perhaps I’ll be able to calm myself there l. Or at least… that’s what I thought. “Look who decided to show up” her voice said as he stopped me right on track The voice cut through me, this is not what I want right now at all… I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.the voice was already familiar, very familiar… Chloe Harrington. Slowly, I faced her, my chest burning as I already felt uneasy with her being around me. She looked stunning…of course she did. Red silk dress, diamond earrings, confidence oozing all over her with every step she took toward me, and her little crew they were following from behind, like a Luna emerging her wolves.. Ethan Caldwell. Vanessa Whitmore. And… My breath caught. Adrian Wolfe. He stood slightly apart from them, cloth in a black suit, his face was unreadable, his dark eyes were on me in a way that made me feel like I wasn’t breathing anymore , I always wondered why he is in that circle, at least he has been the nicest that I’ve known. For a second… just a second… I thought he might walk toward me or maybe just say hi.. But he didn’t. Instead, he put his hands into his pockets, watching silently. Like I meant nothing, or as if he didn’t know me perhaps it cause he was here. “Didn’t think you’d have the courage to come tonight,” Chloe continued, tilting her head. “Or did you think wearing something… that cheap would make you invisible?” She said as she scrutinized my dress from head to toe. A few people nearby laughed. My cheeks turned red, but I forced myself to stay calm. “I was invited,” I said quietly. Ethan chuckled. “Invited? Or did you sneak in like you sneak into everything else?" I frowned. “What does that mean?” Vanessa pulled out her phone, already recording. “Oh, this is going to be good. And what do you mean by what doesn’t mean , look around you don’t belong here..” I could feel a strange feeling in my chest. This didn’t feel right at all…. It smelt like trouble Chloe took a step closer to me I could see the venom in her eyes , and her voice lower than ever. “Tell me, Aria… how does it feel?” “How does what feel?” “To be here just to steal from people who helped you.” My stomach dropped. “I didn’t steal anything.” “Really?” Chloe raised a brow. “Then maybe you can explain why my missing money ended up in your bag.” The room went silent. My ears rang. “What?” I whispered. “What money????” I said to her then.. But before I could explain myself properly, Ethan moved fast..too fast…snatching my handbag from my shoulder before I could react. “Hey…give that back!” But before the words were out of my mouth he had already opened it. For a moment, everything slowed. My heart. My breath. The entire world. Then… Ethan pulled out a thick bundle of cash. Gasps echoed around the room. “No…” I shook my head, stepping back. “No, that’s not mine. I didn’t…”I said with my eyes wide open with disbelief and shock “Wow,” Vanessa said dramatically, zooming in with her phone. “Caught red-handed.” “I didn’t do this!” My voice broke as panic flooded me. “Someone put that there!” Chloe crossed her arms. “Of course. The classic excuse.” I turned, my eyes searching desperately for one person. One person who would believe me. “Adrian…” His name left my lips like a prayer. He was already looking at me. For a moment, the noise disappeared. It was just us. Just like before. Our eyes locked into each other as memories flooded into my head, the study sessions , our little icecream date and how he look at me like I’m the only one that mattered in the world. “Tell them,” I said, my voice trembling. “You know me. You know I wouldn’t do this.” Silence. Adrian’s jaw tightened slightly. Then he spoke. Cold. No emotions “I don’t know you that well.” The words hit very hard, the only one I thought would defend me. “What…?” I whispered. His gaze didn’t shake, then he added “And the evidence is clear.” Something inside me shattered. “No… Adrian, please….” “You should leave,” he interrupted. “Before this gets worse.” Laughter burst through the air again. But I couldn’t hear it anymore. All I could hear was my own heartbeat… breaking apart. Security arrived quickly. Too quickly. As if they had been waiting. “I didn’t steal anything!” I cried as they grabbed my arms. “You have to believe me!” No one moved. No one spoke. Not even him. As they dragged me toward the exit, my eyes stayed locked on Adrian. He didn’t stop them. He didn’t even try.