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Chapter 17
“Ugh… wha… what are you even sayi—?”
“Pardon?”
“I said… ugh… wha… what are you sayi—ng?”
“Sorry, but I can’t understand a single word you’re saying.”
Kaiden smiled faintly at Chloe, who was speaking through clenched teeth.
‘I can tell exactly what you’re saying.’
He was deliberately pretending not to understand, and it was infuriating. But she couldn’t afford to call him out right now.
“Y-you two are really… dating…!”
There were too many eyes on them.
This “performance” had been Kaiden’s idea.
[“I’ll help Chloe maintain her dignity. And I’ll make sure your sister and ex-husband won’t be able to say a word.”]
The easiest way, apparently, was to show affection in public. Thanks to that, Chloe was now awkwardly acting like a nauseatingly sweet couple—something completely out of character for her.
‘Well… it’s not entirely out of character.’
After all, she had been acting ridiculous with Kaiden this whole time. At this point, it wouldn’t be wrong to say she had met him just to perform this nauseating couple act.
“Are you two really… truly dating?”
“Oh my, has the rumor already spread?”
A woman casually approached them. Chloe had clearly been waiting for this question, because she immediately clung to Kaiden’s arm.
“Looking at it like this, I guess we really do look good together, don’t we?”
“Indeed, Chloe. We are clearly destined for each other.”
As if her earlier gloom had been a lie, Chloe giggled in sync with Kaiden. But her laughter soon faded.
“I’ve met someone wonderful and I’m so happy now… but thinking about my younger sister alone makes me feel a bit… uneasy.”
“Are you talking about your sister’s wedding?”
“S-sister…”
The unexpected form of address caused murmurs among the crowd, but Kaiden didn’t care at all. His eyes were fixed solely on Chloe.
“Chloe, this isn’t your fault. What could you have done when the venue had problems?”
“But I’m still her sister. Thinking about how disappointed she must be so close to the wedding… it hurts.”
“Ah… you’re an angel, Chloe.”
Kaiden let out a sigh and pulled her into an embrace. The surrounding people frowned or coughed awkwardly at the overly affectionate display.
But at the same time, they couldn’t help agreeing with his words.
What kind of older sister would care so deeply for the younger sister who stole her husband?
‘Is she kind… or just foolish?’
The image of a “ruthless older sister who tried to ruin her half-sister’s wedding” had already vanished from their minds. In its place stood only a gentle woman, kind enough to forgive her sister and ex-husband and even wish them happiness.
“If I could, I’d do anything for Melvin.”
Once everyone’s thoughts had shifted, Chloe spoke again with an even more sorrowful expression.
“If I could, I’d build her a wedding venue myself. Is there any way?”
Naturally, everyone shook their heads.
But then—
“If that’s Chloe’s wish.”
Kaiden kissed the back of her hand, then called over a man who appeared to be his secretary.
“Do we have any private estates suitable as a wedding venue? Somewhere in the capital.”
The secretary flipped through his notebook.
“It’s not a private estate, but there is a church regularly sponsored by the family. The grounds are spacious, and the ceilings are high enough—perfect for a wedding.”
“Can it be vacated this Saturday?”
“Well… if it’s a request from Lord Kaiden, it can be arranged immediately.”
He murmured the funding figures under his breath as he checked the records.
The guests’ eyes widened.
Not only did the ducal family own dozens of estates in the capital, but they also funded them without hesitation.
They were now fully realizing the power and wealth of House Verder.
“Kaiden… is this really alright?”
“Of course. It’s what my Chloe wants, isn’t it? I’m prepared to grant anything you wish.”
And the one who could move Kaiden Verder was only Chloe.
In high society, a new conclusion was forming:
‘If you want a connection to House Verder, you must secure Chloe Garrett.’
* * *
“Sob… hic… sniff…”
“Miss, please stop crying.”
Mary, Chloe’s personal maid, panicked as her mistress continued crying uncontrollably.
The wedding was only an hour away. If this continued, her carefully done makeup would be ruined, and her face would swell terribly.
“My wedding… it’s all ruined…”
Ever since the venue change, Melvin had been like this.
A simple, modest church—something she found utterly disgraceful—was now the wedding location. There was no alternative venue, the weather had turned stormy, and guests were openly complaining. She had no choice but to accept Kaiden’s arrangement.
“At least the weather is the only problem. Everything else is perfect, isn’t it?”
Thanks to Kaiden’s efforts, the church had been transformed into something resembling a proper wedding hall. Although fresh flowers couldn’t be obtained due to the rain, lilies and ranunculus decorated the space beautifully. It looked unbelievable for something prepared in a single day.
“I hate that the most!”
Melvin threw her handkerchief to the floor and screamed.
“Why Chloe?! Why her?!”
Not only had her wedding been ruined, but she also had to rely on Chloe’s help. Of all people, she did not want Chloe’s help.
Melvin wanted Chloe to suffer. She wanted her to see the happy bride and groom and the congratulating guests, and realize her own miserable position.
But everything had been ruined by Kaiden Verder’s intervention. People were now praising Chloe as a kind angel who saved Melvin’s wedding.
That was not the image Melvin wanted. Not at all.
“Everyone ignores me. I’m the bride!”
The guests were no longer focused on Melvin and Duer. Their attention had shifted entirely to Chloe and Kaiden—when would they marry, and would they even invite them?
“I’m supposed to be the main character!”
“Miss…”
Mary glanced anxiously toward the door.
‘Where is young Lord Dunkan?’
The only man who could calm the crying bride was nowhere to be seen. The groom, Duer, was busy attending to guests.
“Thank you all for coming despite your busy schedules.”
“You say that, yet you changed the venue at the last minute.”
“I sincerely apologize… circumstances forced us…”
He was busy apologizing to irritated guests and sending people to notify those who hadn’t received the updated venue information.
“Sir, we’re running short on wedding favors.”
“Contact the workshop immediately. Have them produce more before the ceremony ends.”
The budget was tightening as they tried to compensate for the disorganized wedding with gifts.
Still, his eyes kept drifting toward Chloe.
When would she arrive? Would she come with Kaiden Verder? Were they truly in love?
Thoughts unrelated to the wedding filled his mind.
“Ah, Chloe!”
Someone called out to her from afar.
Duer turned toward the sound.
Chloe, wearing a red-toned dress, entered the church with Kaiden holding her arm. Kaiden also wore a matching red-accented cravat, clearly coordinated.
‘…They really came.’
