Both families froze as they stared at Rose, completely stunned by the sight of her kissing a stranger right in front of them.
Meghan gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in shock.
"What is my sister doing?!"
"Has this girl gone mad?" Tiffany added sharply from beside her.
Mark Preston's face darkened with embarrassment as he noticed people around them beginning to stare at the unfolding scene. Ethan and his parents stood frozen as well, unable to process what had just happened.
Meanwhile, as Rose remained locked in the kiss, she suddenly realized something unexpected, the man had not pushed her away. Instead, he had taken control, deepening the kiss as if it were natural to him.
A wave of confusion hit her.
What is wrong with this man? she thought, finally managing to pull away.
Trying to avoid his gaze out of embarrassment, she turned toward both families, who were all staring at her with different expressions, shock, anger and hdisbelief.
Taking a steady breath, she quickly grabbed the man's hand.
"This is my long distance boyfriend," she announced, forcing confidence into her voice. "We've been dating for years, and we were supposed to get married today. That's why I didn't sign the wedding certificate. I was waiting for him to arrive. And now that he's here…"she paused, her eyes hardening slightly, "…you can go to hell Ethan. I don't need you in my life anymore. It's not like I ever loved you."
For a brief second, silence filled the air.
Then, to her surprise "Yes, she is my girlfriend" the man said calmly, pulling her gently to his side. "And my wife-to-be"
Rose stiffened slightly in shock. She hadn't expected him to play along, but relief quickly followed.
At least she wasn't in deeper trouble.
"How dare you?" Ethan snapped, his face twisting with anger. "So you've been cheating on me all this while?"
"Cheating?" Rose let out a small, cold laugh. "You were nothing more than a pastime. And besides…" her gaze shifted deliberately toward Meghan, "…it's not like you weren't cheating on me too"
Meghan visibly panicked, her expression faltering, and even Ethan stiffened at Rose's words.
"What is all this, Mr Preston?" Ethan's father suddenly spoke, his tone filled with anger as more people began to gather around them. "Look at the shame your family has brought upon mine!"
"No, Mr Norris, please…" Mark Preston said nervously, clearly flustered. "I don't understand what's going on either. I'll speak to Rose, maybe her medication is affecting her behavior"
Tiffany nodded behind him, playing along perfectly.
"Rose, dear"Mark continued, his voice softer now, "please stop this. What is going on?"
"I'm not joking" Rose replied, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "I never loved Ethan. And… I'm sorry if I've hurt you, Dad"
Her words fell heavily.
"Rose, you are a disgrace to me" Mark said, his voice trembling with anger and disappointment.
"I never wish to see you again in my life!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he clutched his chest, gasping as his body nearly gave out. Tiffany and Meghan quickly rushed to support him.
The sight pierced through Rose's heart. She knew he had a weak heart.
"I'm so disappointed in you, Rose" Tiffany added gently, her voice carefully painted with false concern.
Rose frowned slightly, knowing that anyone listening would think Tiffany was kind and innocent.
"You and your family will regret this" Mr. Norris said coldly. "You can forget about that contract deal"
With that, he turned and walked away with his wife, who threw one last hateful glance at Rose.
One by one, they all got into their cars. Ethan was the last to leave, pausing briefly to look at Rose before entering the vehicle. Soon, the cars drove off, leaving her behind.
For the first time, Rose let out a deep breath of relief.
She glanced around and noticed people still staring at her with judgment in their eyes, but she didn't care. That was the least of her concerns right now.
What mattered was the man beside her the one who had just helped her escape everything.
She turned slightly, unsure how to even begin thanking him.
Then...
"Let's get married."
His voice was calm,and deep yet firm.
Rose's eyes widened in shock as she slowly turned to look at him.