After 10 Broken Promises, I Married The Billionaire

Chapter 2

"Mrs. Jackson, I returned every cent you spent on my education the year I graduated from college."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself not to lose control.

"And that's not all. For the past 10 years, I've built the company alongside Dorian. I landed clients, negotiated deals, and worked until I nearly broke myself. I ended up hospitalized with stomach bleeding three times. Whatever debt I owed the Jackson family, I cleared it long ago."

Mary's expression froze. "Cleared it? Do you really think everything between people can be settled with money? Dorian has given you so much, and this is how you repay him?"

Dorian's childhood friend immediately stepped forward to defend him.

"Claire, you've always been most sensible. Rose's situation is different. Dorian is only trying to help her. Think of it as doing something kind. Besides, you're still the woman Dorian is going to marry in the end. It's only a ceremony. Is it really necessary to make everyone uncomfortable?"

I looked at them and felt my stomach churn. "If this were your wedding, and your wife asked you to give up the groom's place for another man, would you agree?"

His face changed instantly. "That's completely different. Rose has depression. It's serious. She could lose her life. You're perfectly fine, so why are you acting like you're the one being wronged?"

The wedding officiant stood to the side, looking uncomfortable as he handed me the revised schedule. "Ms. Laurent, please take a look. This is what Mr. Jackson confirmed earlier."

I lowered my head and scanned the page. The vows, the exchange of rings, the tea ceremony, the moment when the bride and groom addressed their families, the speech thanking the guests. Every single part meant for the bride had Rose's name on it.

I looked up at him. "What about me?"

The officiant nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Mr. Jackson said you could sit among the guests and watch. When it's time for the toast, you can change into another outfit and join them."

I laughed, unable to believe what I was hearing. "You want me to sit below the stage and watch my fiancé marry another woman? Then trail behind them like a maid while they go around greeting guests?"

I snatched the schedule from his hand and tore it into pieces.

"This wedding is over."

Mary's expression turned cold. "Claire, don't push your luck. Do you really think you're some spoiled heiress who can throw a fit whenever you want? I'm telling you now, if you refuse to attend this wedding today, don't even think about marrying into the Jackson family."

Standing there, I suddenly realized how absurd these 10 years had been. I had spent so long wanting a real family. I wanted their approval. I lowered myself again and again, trying to win their acceptance while swallowing every criticism and every bit of disrespect.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from the caregiver at the hospital.

Caregiver: Lily is in a good mood today. She keeps saying she wants to see your wedding photos.

My eyes instantly grew wet when I read the message. The orphanage director, Lily, was suffering from late-stage stomach cancer. The doctors said she didn't have much time left. Her biggest wish was to see me find someone who would truly cherish me.

Dorian knew everything. He knew how much this wedding meant to me. He promised he would send me off into marriage with dignity and happiness. Yet at the moment when I needed him the most, he shattered the one hope I had been holding onto.

"Claire, stop crying. Your makeup is going to be ruined."

I didn't even notice when Dorian came back. He held a tissue and reached out, trying to wipe away my tears.

"Are you still angry? Please don't make things difficult for Rosie in front of our family and friends. Please. Everyone knows I'm marrying you in the end. It's only a ceremony. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?"

My eyes were swollen red, and my voice came out rough. "Dorian, Lily is still waiting to see our wedding photos. What am I supposed to show her? A photo of you putting a ring on Rose's finger?"

Dorian froze. His gaze flickered away.

"We can hold another small ceremony and take photos for her in a few days. There's nothing we can do today. Rose is ready."

The moment his words fell, footsteps sounded from outside the door.

"Dorian, how do I look?"