Chapter 4

Putting my phone away, I headed to the wedding venue by taxi.

The restaurant was already teeming with guests.

Every detail of the decor had been personally arranged by me.

But now everything seemed like blatant mockery.

Behind me, the makeup artist was still softly reminding me of things to keep in mind.

But I merely nodded slightly.

My gaze was fixed on the entrance to the banquet hall.

At last, the slightly hurried sound of footsteps accompanied by the guests' murmurs announced Tobias's arrival.

He was there.

He was dressed in a crisp groom's suit, but his tie was slightly askew, and his hair was a bit tousled.

There was even a lingering scent around him that he hadn't managed to dispel.

"I'm sorry, Effie. There was a minor accident on the way, and I kept you waiting." He apologized to me.

I sidestepped to avoid his attempt to hold my hand and lifted the hem of my dress. "Let's begin."

Tobias paused for a moment and then quickly resumed his affectionate demeanor.

The host handed over the ring box.

Tobias took out the diamond ring and got down on one knee. "Effie, this ring represents my eternal love for you."

Under the lights, the small diamond looked particularly shabby.

I extended my hand and watched as he slowly slid the cheap ring around my ring finger.

It was Tobias's turn to give a speech.

Holding the microphone, he spoke with emotion and tears. "I've known Effie for five years. We dated each other from university to work. We've endured hardships and worked hard together. She is the most important one in my life. She had done anything for me..."

The audience erupted in applause.

Several sentimental relatives were already dabbing their eyes.

Stacey stood next to me, her hand gently resting on her belly.

Her expression openly shifted between Tobias and me, occasionally applauding.

"In fact, I have prepared a special surprise for Tobias," I interrupted, and a smile was playing on my lips. "This surprise is more touching than any vow."

Tobias's eyes lit up.

He thought perhaps I would gift him a car or publicly announce the transfer of company shares.

Greed flashed in his eyes, and his face was full of expectant smiles.

He even urged the host. "Be quick. Let everyone see Effie's special surprise."

Stacey stepped forward half a step, and her fingertips gently touched the corner of Tobias's suit.

She encouraged him with a knowing look in her eyes.

She seemed to tell him that soon everything would be settled.

Holding back a storm of emotions, I turned to face the large screen at the center of the stage. "This video records the hard work Tobias has put in behind the scenes for our future."

At that moment, I pressed the remote control in my hand.

As the content on the big screen became clear, Tobias's smile froze instantly on his face.