Chapter 4 Take Off The Dress

Owen moved fast, steadying Anna before she could stumble any further. He looked down at her, his voice gentle as he asked, "You good?"

"I'm okay," Anna replied, though her hand was wrapped so tightly around his sleeve that her knuckles turned pale, as if letting go was the last thing she wanted.

Owen offered a reassuring pat on her back, silently telling her she was safe.

His attention then shifted, and the warmth in his gaze vanished as he focused on Ivy. His words came out cool and commanding. "Take off the dress."

Ivy's eyes widened in shock. "What are you saying, Mr. White?"

Roderick quickly stepped in to clarify. "Mr. White is particular about his gifts. That gown was meant for his bride. Now that someone else has worn it, she can't possibly put it on. If she won't wear it, then nobody else should either-not even for a moment."

Mortified, Ivy felt her whole body tremble with fury. No one had ever embarrassed her like this before. "My sister gave me this dress! How dare you treat me like this?"

Owen's gaze didn't soften in the slightest. "Would you prefer I call someone to help you out of it?"

As soon as he spoke, two female attendants entered the lounge.

With his eyes resting on Ivy, Owen addressed them. "Miss Russell seems reluctant to remove the gown. Please help her with it."

The attendants didn't hesitate, guiding Ivy away toward the inner chamber without a word.

"Keep your hands off me!" Ivy fought to break free, but the two attendants held her firm and led her straight into the adjoining room.

A sharp rip of fabric split the air, followed by Ivy's shrill protests echoing through the suite.

Owen showed no interest in the commotion. Instead, he looked down at Anna, who sat quietly on his lap. "You don't have to wear that dress. Let me get you something even nicer. Would you like a brand new dress?"

Anna clapped with innocent delight. "Yes! I want new clothes. Can I really get new clothes?"

Her smile was bright and childlike, but inside, her mind was already turning, weighing her options.

He had made it painfully clear he was not a man to be underestimated.

If she made a move too soon, she might not make it out unscathed.

While Anna wrestled with her thoughts, Ivy shuffled out of the inner room dressed in an outdated, unflattering frock.

Roderick gave a low, amused laugh. "That outfit actually suits you better."

"You'll all be sorry for this, just wait!" Ivy snapped, stamping her foot before storming away.

With Ivy gone, Owen turned his attention back to Anna. "Go change into your new dress. We'll need to be ready for the ceremony soon."

Anna tilted her head in agreement, hopped down from his lap, and followed the attendants into the inner chamber to get dressed.

When the door clicked shut behind Anna, Roderick stepped closer to Owen. "Mr. White, you've already known Cade tried to trick you by sending his brain-injured daughter. Why go through with the marriage?"

Owen kept his eyes fixed on the inner room, silent for a moment.

It had been years since they first crossed paths. She had changed a lot.

This wedding was more than a ceremony-it was his way of giving Anna a real escape from the Russell family.

The White family weren't exactly known for being gentle, but if he used the last half-year of his life to plan for Anna's safety, she would stand a far better chance than if she stayed with her own family.

"It's because she's Anna Russell," Owen answered quietly.

Anna soon stepped out, radiant in her wedding gown.

A sea of tiny diamonds sparkled along the hem, making her seem almost otherworldly, like a storybook princess come to life.

Owen couldn't help but pause at the sight, then smiled with rare tenderness. Reaching out, he offered his hand. "Let's go. It's time."

Anna came over, slipping her hand into his. "Just stay close to me. There's nothing for you to worry about," Owen said softly.

Anna nodded, her voice bright and simple. "I promise I'll be good."

Together, Anna and Owen left the lounge, moving side by side as he guided his wheelchair and she stole a curious glance at him.

Was he nice to her because he felt sorry for her?

The moment they entered the banquet hall, the whole venue buzzed with excitement, all eyes drawn to the couple at the center of it all.

Since he turned eighteen, Owen had vanished from Aresrora's public eye, with endless gossip swirling about his supposed disfigurement.

Yet the man wheeled onto the stage today was striking, every bit as elegant as any in the room.

Ivy couldn't tear her gaze from Anna, standing beneath the bright lights, irritation simmering in her chest.

How did Anna end up in a fresh, dazzling wedding dress after everything?

It was as if the crowd picked up on Ivy's disbelief, their hushed voices filling the hall.

"Did you see that? Mr. White must treasure his bride if he's willing to give her a dress like that. I heard it's the only one in existence, created by that world-famous designer!"

"Word is, the gown cost well over a hundred million."

A hundred million for a dress?

Ivy's scheme to ruin Anna's big day had backfired spectacularly. Not only was Anna not humiliated, but she now stood in a gown worth a fortune. How did she always land on her feet?

As Anna stood on stage, her expression sweet but vacant, Ivy let out a mocking laugh. "Anna, do you think the Whites would still pamper you if they found out you're a dimwit?" she muttered under her breath.