Love Rewind

Chapter 4

I stared at the threads of the wedding dress tangled in my hand, my heart sinking. I wiped away my tears, mourning the waste of my effort.

But in a twisted way, using a wedding dress to finally reveal someone's true colors could almost be considered fortunate.

Tonight was the formal family dinner to meet Benjamin. I wanted to make a good impression for our first encounter.

After touching up my makeup and gathering myself, I made my way to the underground parking garage.

From a distance, I saw a car rocking, the movement unmistakable.

As I got closer, my stomach twisted when I realized it was Charles's Maserati.

Through the slightly open driver's window, I saw Charles with Stella on his lap, her eyes half-lidded as she bounced up and down.

Though I already knew Charles didn't love me, seeing this with my own eyes still made my heart tighten, despite everything.

Charles glanced up and locked eyes with me. For a split second, I saw panic flash in his expression.

Then, almost deliberately, he pushed Stella's hair aside and kissed her deeply, as if trying to provoke me.

He deepened the kiss, and Stella's soft whimpers echoed through the garage.

I lowered my gaze and turned away, getting into my own car to head to the Simmons mansion.

On the way, I picked up the tie I had bought for Benjamin as a gift.

When I arrived at the Simmons house, Charles was already there.

As he opened his car door, I noticed used condoms scattered on the front passenger seat.

When he saw the gift in my hand, his previously embarrassed expression shifted to one of smug satisfaction.

"You bought me a gift? Let me see."

I quickly hid it behind my back, not wanting him to take it. "It's not for you."

Charles chuckled, clearly too uninterested to argue with me.

He blew out a smoke ring, leaning back casually. "You saw what happened in the garage earlier, didn't you?"

"I know you still like me. You can't live without me."

"But I've already made myself clear. You'll get the wedding ceremony, but I'll be legally married to Stella. If anyone's getting the short end of the stick, it's her."

"She'll be my legal wife. It's normal for us to do those things. She'll probably stay at our marital home too. You'll have to get used to it."

"I'm doing this for your own good."

Despite everything, his blatant arrogance stung. I'd long stopped hoping for his affection, but hearing him speak like this made my stomach churn.

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm, adding in a low voice:

"My uncle is coming tonight too. He's the one who holds everything together in the family, so this dinner's important. Don't make a scene."

"I've already done enough for you. If anyone asks about the marriage certificate, just say we've already gotten it."

"And about that incident with the girl this afternoon, don't forget to apologize after dinner."

"Otherwise, I can still call off the wedding before it even happens."

With that, Charles headed into the dining room, taking his seat.

I let out a heavy sigh. It didn't matter. Soon enough, he'd realize who I was really marrying.

I entered the dining room, where the other elders were already seated. Benjamin hadn't arrived yet.

I deliberately chose a seat far from Charles, leaving the one beside me open for Benjamin.

When Charles saw where I was sitting, he frowned, then stood up, moving toward me.

"You're really getting difficult now. I saved you a seat, and yet you're still acting like this."

I frowned, wanting him to leave, but was about to explain that the seat was meant for his uncle.

Just then, the door opened, and a tall figure stepped into the room. Benjamin walked in, dressed in an exquisite custom suit, radiating an air of understated elegance.

Everyone rose to their feet.