My Fiance Rigged the Game for His Bestie? I Changed the Groom Chapter 03
Ethan replied almost immediately.
[I’m ready. I’ll be waiting.]
A photograph came with the message.
One glance was enough for me to recognize the gown.
It was the signature piece from the same couture collection as the one Alexander had bought.
Only this dress was more intricate, more exquisitely made, and far more expensive.
Its price was well over two million dollars.
I had loved it from the moment I saw it, but it was so extravagant that I had never even mentioned it.
“You can all leave now,” Madison announced. “I need to change into my gown.”
Her voice pulled me back to the room.
I locked my phone, stood, and gave her my seat.
“Wait. Aren’t you going to take off the makeup?”
She studied my face with exaggerated concern.
“That look is a little much for whatever you’ll be wearing now.
“Maybe put on the blush bridesmaid dress. Once I’m in
white, at least everyone will know which one of us is
supposed to stand beside the bride instead of being her.”
She said it as if the idea had only just occurred to her.
Then she turned to Alexander. “If she lost the gown,
shouldn’t she give up the bridal look too?”
That was when I noticed her makeup matched mine almost exactly.
Another piece of proof.
This had all been planned in advance.
Everything Ethan told me the night before was true.
Alexander had allowed it because he believed I had
manipulated Madison into leaving five years ago.
“Take it off her.”
His voice was cold and final.
The question left me before I could stop it. “And if I refuse?”
“Then don’t attend the ceremony.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and stared at him.
The tears I had fought all morning finally spilled over.
I pointed at Madison, my voice shaking.
“Why don’t you have her attend it instead? I’ll step
aside and let the two of you have the whole thing. Is want?”
that what you
Madison went still, but delight flashed across her face before she could hide it.
Alexander crossed the room in two strides, clamped
his hands around my shoulders, and lowered his voice.
“Claire, stop making a scene.
“You used your talent to humiliate Madison five years
ago. You should’ve known there would be consequences.
“She suffered overseas for five years. Let her have this one moment.
“I’m still marrying you. You’re just not wearing the gown.”
I tried to explain one more time.
“She challenged me five years ago. I never went after her.
“There was no wager. I didn’t even know she planned to leave the country.”
Alexander stared at me.
His expression had just begun to soften when Madison spoke.
“Forget it. There’s no point arguing anymore.
“I don’t want the gown that badly. Claire, you’re even
more calculating than I thought.
“You saw that Alex and I had grown up together, so you
found a way to push me out of his life.
“I was young enough to fall for it. I just never imagined anyone could be this shameless.”
She turned as if to leave.
When she pushed up her sleeve, a jagged scar showed. along her wrist.
Alexander’s pupils contracted.
The next second, he snatched up a bottle of makeup remover and poured it over my head.
I couldn’t get away in time. I could only close my eyes and hold my breath.
His palm scrubbed across my face.
A moment later, every shade of foundation, blush,
shadow, and lipstick had smeared together.
I looked like a painting someone had ruined on purpose.
The humiliation was so complete I could hardly breathe through it.
Alexander pulled me into his arms and softened his voice beside my ear.
“I’m sorry. I’ll explain after the wedding.
“Have them redo your makeup. Something less bridal
will suit what you’re wearing.”