hapter 191

Upon seeing Joyce, Thea could easily see through her carefully applied makeup to the exhaustion beneath.

Joyce, I already know that the person you're marrying is Max. You asked me to be your bridesmaid over the phone, yet the wedding is being thrown together so hastily. You're reluctant about this marriage, aren't you?" she asked.

Being exposed, Joyce felt as if she had a lump stuck in her throat, her usual strong demeanor faltering as her eyes reddened. She felt a swell of frustration but didn't know where to start.

She was unwilling to let Kelly dictate the course of her marriage. As long as Joyce could point to Thea at the wedding and claim she had brought Max's first love to disrupt the ceremony. Emmalie would help her break free from this arranged marriage.

But now, facing her bext friend, Joyce felt uneasy. Ultimately, she couldn't convince herself to drag Thea down just to escape her own predicament. The last line of defense in her heart crumbled.

With a choked-up voice, Joyce confessed everything. "Thea, I'm so sorry. You should leave while you still can."

Little did Joyce know, after what happened when they were eighteen, it was difficult for Thea to forge friendships. For Thea Joyce's sudden honesty was more of a relief than a burden.

I'm afraid it might be too late. From what I know about Emmalle, she's definitely not going to play fair," said Thea.

There was a knock at the makeup

cup room door. "It's time for the first look. The bride can step out whenever she's ready

Thea looked at Joyce, determination in her eyes. "Don't worry, Joyce. I won't let you walk into the Rowland family's nightmare..."

At the wedding venue, the Rowland and Maddox families were busy welcoming guests, hardly able to keep up with the commotion.

When Emmalie saw Thea entering the banquet hall with Joyce, she approached with a smile. "Thea, what are you doing here?"

"If I don't come, how will your

arm back, acting as if Thea were being overly

severed ties with Thea

for the wedding, right? She must be here

so malicious. She's willing to disrupt her

did they do in their past lives to raise such

and gossip swirled

talking about,

Joyce,

Thea's, shot her a cold look

had gone off. "Oh, 1 almost forgot. You still have that recording

1/3

5

amusement in Emmalie's eyes. "You and Thea must really be close friends. You'd give up your freedom for the rest of your life just to protect her reputation. Even I'm touched... "But what can your little recording do? I could easily explain that I didn't want my Max to become a pawn in a family marriage

evidence had been laid out before the Rowland family, and they had always defended her without question. Thea remained unfazed, responding calmly, "You really

to Emmalie like that? Today is Max's wedding! Since you're here, can't you behave yourself

the wedding. Why give her any consideration? "Even if she has Nicolas backing her, the union between the Rowland family and the Maddox f Ivy hesitated.

shouldn't spoil the

shot him a cold glare. "Excuse me, which of your eyes say attending today as a friend of the bride's family. Isn't this how the Rowland family treats

nearby overheard Thea's words and cast curious glances in their

accusatory linger at Then.

even care about this family or about me as your mother? Do you have to

before, Thea had long since given up any hope for the Rowland family, Ivy's words no longer stung.

Rowland, have you forgotten that the Rowland family publicly declared me disowned

in her throat. It was always Thea who refused

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255