Chapter 4

The trending topics stayed active for several days.

The number one topic was Liam and Vivian's wedding of the century.

The second was my fake confession.

A small group of netizens attacked Liam, accusing him of cheating.

He responded directly with a video on Instagram.

"Yes, I admit I made a mistake, but please do not attack Vivian."

"She is innocent, kind, and fragile. She can't handle this. I will take all the responsibility."

"I only hope that when we get married, everyone can give her their most sincere blessings."

As soon as the video was released, the doubts vanished, and people started praising him for being "responsible."

Then, they turned around and launched an even more vicious attack on me, calling me a shameless husband-stealer.

I locked my phone, finding the whole thing incredibly ironic.

That night, Liam came back.

He sat across from me and cleared his throat.

"The date for my wedding with Vivian is set. It’s the day after tomorrow. Remember to show up."

The day after tomorrow...

Was the anniversary of my mother's death.

I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping harshly against the floor.

"I don't have time. I'm going to visit my mother's grave."

"And when are you going to sign the divorce papers?"

He completely ignored the divorce and sneered, "Your mother has been dead for years. What is there to visit? Vivian’s parents are coming too. You can just pay respects to her mother."

I thought I was completely numb, but my heart still took a sharp hit.

Seeing my reluctance, he pulled out my mother's necklace.

"This is Helen’s necklace, right? If you don't go and you make Vivian unhappy, this necklace might..."

I clenched my teeth so hard they ached. Just as my anger was about to boil over, a vibration from my phone pulled me back.

I pinched myself hard, forcing myself to calm down. After glancing at the message, I said flatly:

"Liam, do you really want me to congratulate Vivian in front of all those reporters?"

He laughed. "Of course."

Before leaving, he looked back at me. "It seems dead people's things are still useful."

"And about the day after tomorrow, you know what to say and what not to say."

On the day of the wedding, Liam indeed invited a crowd of reporters.

In the dressing room, Vivian was standing in front of me in a custom haute couture wedding gown.

Her corsage read "Bride." Liam's read "Groom."

And mine, which Liam tried to pin on my chest, read "The Homewrecker."

Vivian shed a few tears, and Liam immediately tried to force the corsage onto me.

I blocked his hand, but he didn't care.

The sharp pin scratched my hand, drawing blood, but he successfully pinned it to my dress anyway.

I clenched my fists. "Are you sure you want to do this to me?"

He frowned. "Vivian just asked you to wear a flower. What's the big deal?"

Seeing me wearing it, Vivian said triumphantly:

"Later, you will read every single word of the apology slides I prepared."

"Then, you will get down on your knees, beg for my forgiveness, and say 'I am a homewrecker, I shouldn't have ruined your family, please forgive me.'"

"You have to stay on your knees until I tell you to get up. Do you understand?"

I didn't say a word, just stared at her.

Seeing Vivian get annoyed, Liam grabbed my jaw tightly. "Don't be ungrateful."

I slapped his hand away and glared at him.

Before I could speak, the door opened.

Reporters with cameras and guests flooded in.

They surrounded Vivian and Liam, praising her dress and saying they were a match made in heaven.

But when they saw the "Homewrecker" corsage on my chest, their expressions turned into pure disgust.

"I really don't understand how some women can be so cheap, always trying to steal other women's husbands."

"Exactly. Showing up on such a happy day... Vivian is too kind. If it were me, I would have slapped her already."

Their stares felt like knives cutting into my skin.

I ripped the corsage off. "I am not the mistress! Vivian is!"

Nobody believed me.

Their looks grew even more contemptuous.

"I’ve never seen someone so shameless. Acting like she’s innocent when she’s a home wrecker. Where does she get the nerve?"

Liam stood aside, not saying a single word to defend me. He only asked Vivian if she was tired or hungry.

Seeing this, the onlookers grew even more envious of Vivian and aggressive toward me.

Just as I was about to defend myself, Liam grabbed my arm tightly where no one could see, pinching me hard to shut me up.

Cold sweat poured down my forehead from the pain, but he ignored it.

Vivian played the victim perfectly. "Please don't talk about Maya like that. She just loved Liam too much. He is so amazing, I can understand her."

"Maya is here to apologize today. I hope everyone can forgive her later."

Shortly after, the ceremony began. They went up to the stage under the cheers of the crowd, exchanging emotional vows.

Finally, after they exchanged rings, I was called up to the stage.

But the moment the giant screen behind us lit up, Liam’s face turned deathly pale