Chapter 10

Ethan's expression changed. "I don't care about what happened back then." Evelyn felt awkward for a moment but continued to speak, "When you saw Chloe and other men entering the hotel initially, it was not... well, it wasn't what you thought. She wasn't wrong in this matter; It's my fault." She spoke vaguely, lacking any convincing power. After hearing this, Ethan sneered, "Your fault? I should blame it was her who entered the hotel, not you, right?" Then Ethan hung up the phone. At that moment, Evelyn felt a sense of relief. Five years ago, jealousy clouded her judgment, and she teamed up with Skylar. At that time, Skylar intentionally caught Chloe and other men entering the hotel with Ethan. And Evelyn presented Ethan's intimate photos with other women to Chloe. She thought that after these incidents, Chloe would immediately break up with Ethan, giving her an opportunity. But unexpectedly, Chloe didn't. The call just now was Evelyn recalling Chloe's kindness to her over the years, filled with deep remorse. In fact, the moment the call connected, she regretted it. —— Returning from the lighthouse to the hospital room, Chloe contacted a friend who had expressed interest in buying her car. It was a birthday gift from her dad. Back when the Hollis family faced bankruptcy and things got tough, she never imagined selling the car. But now, she found herself with no other option... Early the next morning, Chloe handed all the money in her account and the cash to her dad before heading back to Middleton. She took the car to the 4S dealership for a thorough cleaning. As she looked at the gleaming, almost-new car, she felt a sense of reluctance. The next day, at Avalon Park. Chloe never expected that the person wanting to buy her car would be Aiden! "Chloe, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong," Aiden looked at Chloe with a sincere and earnest tone. He grabbed her hand, his face full of seriousness. "This time, I've truly convinced my mom. I've already arranged everything at the venue. I will definitely give you a grand wedding!" Chloe remained silent. —— After selling the car, Chloe recalculated. To cure her mother's illness, she was still short of tens of thousands. Staring at the drafts of the mural she had prepared for the bar's background on the study room wall, a thought flashed through her mind. Early the next morning, Chloe loaded up with tools and drove to the bar. She had thought it through. She had already signed a contract with Elijah earlier. As long as she completed the mural for the background wall quickly, there was no way Ethan could continue to delay the payment of those fifty thousand dollars! She endured several sleepless nights in a row, hoping to finish the mural as quickly as possible. Just as she was about to wrap up the final touches, Ethan unexpectedly appeared at the bar. Seeing the bruises under Chloe's eyes, he impatiently remarked, "Are you that desperate for money?" Ignoring Ethan, Chloe completed the last bit of coloring. She set down her tools and coldly asked, "My work is done. When will you transfer the money?" Ethan was displeased with Chloe's attitude. "The wedding between me and Skylar is missing a bridesmaid." Chloe's eyes turned cold, "What do you mean?" "It's simple; you become the bridesmaid, and I'll give you the money," Ethan replied. Chloe was stunned, a sharp pain hitting her chest like a heavy blow. She clenched her fists tightly, suppressing any visible emotion. "Fine, I hope you'll keep your word this time." Ethan's gaze turned cold; he hadn't expected Chloe to actually agree! Watching Chloe gather her tools and leave the bar, Ethan felt an overwhelming sense of irritation. He kicked a nearby stool with force, creating a loud sound. With pent-up frustration, he took out his phone and sent a message to Chloe, "Tomorrow at 9 in the morning, meet at the bridal shop to try on the bridesmaid dress." The next day, at the bridal shop. Chloe wore a floor-length white gown, making her look radiant. Standing beside her in a black suit was Ethan, his tall and well-proportioned figure exuding elegance. As Chloe looked at the two of them in the full-length mirror, she had a surreal feeling, as if she and Ethan were the ones getting married... Ethan glanced at Chloe and joked, "Have you not forgotten about what happened back then?" Thinking about Ethan's promise of getting married right after graduation, Chloe's face carried a self-deprecating smile. "I used to believe that you loved me..." Ethan chuckled, "I've loved so many women; you're just one of them. But you are not good enough to be my wife." Chloe squeezed her palm, choosing not to say anything. —— On the wedding day, Ethan had been staring at the entrance of the wedding banquet hall since he entered, but he never saw Chloe's figure. He sent dozens of messages to Chloe, but there was no reply. Just ten minutes before the ceremony, Evelyn appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall. "Where's Chloe?" Ethan asked. "Chloe asked me to tell you that she's not coming," Evelyn replied. "What did you say?" "Did you forget? Today is Chloe's wedding day too." Ethan's face changed instantly, his voice raising a few notches, "Where is she?" "She's at Greenwood Hotel!" Upon hearing the words, Ethan immediately rushed outside. Skylar came over upon hearing the commotion, grabbing his hand, "Ethan, we're about to get married. Where are you going?" Ethan frowned, shaking off her hand and walked away, "We'll talk later." His mother caught up, yelling at Ethan, "Ethan, stop right there!" But Ethan seemed oblivious, ripping the groom's boutonniere off and throwing it on the ground! Ethan gazed at the banquet hall of Greenwood Hotel, where a signboard displayed the wedding photo of Aiden and Chloe. With a powerful kick, he sent it flying. Inside the hall, the priest asked, "Chloe, do you take Aiden Tinsley to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" Then, with a loud 'bang," the door suddenly swung open! Two voices rang out simultaneously. "I do." "I don't agree!"