The escort cars arrived at the church.
Aria stepped out of the car, her expression dull, her eyes slightly puffy from holding back tears.
She saw her father standing at the church entrance, waiting to walk her down the aisle.
Richard was surprised to see her alone. He quickly walked up to her.
"Aria… where is Adrian?"
"I don't know, father. He suddenly left the car and didn't say if he was coming back," Aria replied.
Deep down, she still hoped he would return.
Otherwise…
She would become a laughingstock.
Maybe the first bride to stand alone at the altar, waiting for a groom who never showed up.
Today was truly the worst day of her life.
Richard was already panicking.
Few of his business partners were present to witness this wedding.
He couldn't afford to be embarrassed like this.
"Everything will be fine," he said, trying to reassure both her and himself. "Maybe something urgent came up. Let's not wait any longer. I'll walk you down the aisle."
Aria slowly placed her hand in his.
Together, they walked into the church.
As the doors opened, the guests turned, expecting to see the groom.
Instead...
Only the bride walked in.
Murmurs spread instantly across the hall.
Old Man Sterling's expression darkened with anger.
Why was Adrian not here?
Tiffany, on the other hand, felt a wave of satisfaction.
So he really didn't come.
A small smile tugged at her lips.
Aria would definitely become the center of mockery today.
And that thought pleased her.
Aria kept her head slightly lowered, trying to avoid the curious and judging gazes around her.
When she finally reached the altar and her father returned to his seat, she stood there alone. Waiting
Her eyes remained fixed on the church doors.
Please… come back.
Her fingers tightened around the bouquet as it trembled slightly in her hands.
She just wanted this to be over.
Meanwhile…
Adrian drove until he reached a quiet, remote area.
He parked the car and leaned back slightly.
Silence filled the space.
His thoughts drifted back to earlier.
That moment in the car, that feeling earlier
Adrian frowned.
Why did he feel that?
That brief… urge of pity.
It annoyed him.
He hated it.
That was the exact reason he had stepped out and left her behind.
He was supposed to hate her.
A gold digger forced into his life.
Someone he didn't choose.
But strangely…
He couldn't feel that hatred.
This morning, he had already planned to ditch the wedding completely.
Yet somehow, at the last moment he found himself hesitating.
Even now… something felt off.
Like his decision wasn't as firm as he wanted it to be.
Adrian clenched his jaw slightly.
This wasn't like him.
And he didn't like it.