Winning the Heir Who Bullied Me
Chapter 187
APRIL’S POV
พร
The weather on Nathan’s wedding day is perfect.
Fuck Mother Nature, I think as I look up at the drones humming in the clear blue sky like a swarm of hungry flies, cameras snapping from every direction.
The least she could do is send a thunderstorm to ruin the whole setup.
The Ashford Estate has been transformed into something between a royal gala and a fashion week finale–velvet carpets, gilded arches, and floral arrangements taller than most men.
I count six different live stream crews on my way from the main gate, each with blinking red lights and perfectly powdered hosts murmuring into mics.
I pass three different checkpoints before I’m allowed into the mansion, and one more before I enter the ballroom.
I’ve never seen so much white.
White roses, white lace, white marble arches draped in gauzy silk. Even the light seems whiter, soft–filtered by towering crystal chandeliers different from the usual ones.
They changed the fucking chandeliers.
A few select press members and cameramen are allowed in the ballroom, lenses blinking like hungry eyes, already documenting the pre- ceremony rituals.
Because this isn’t a wedding, it’s a global spectacle.
The whole world is tuned in for what has been dubbed the wedding of the century–and boy, are they in for a show.
One last time for the road, the bridal party changes in our former rooms, waited on by our former stylist teams.
I try not to let the memories of the room overwhelm me as they work, but it’s hard.
So many nights spent being held in Nathan’s arms, holding him in mine, soothing him through night terrors, whispering over and over again how much I love him.
And then those memories overlap with last night–Nathan’s hand knotting in my hair as he kissed me like I was the first drop of rain after a drought. Me forcing myself to walk away when everything in me screamed at me to run back into his arms.
At least I can pretend like the brimming tears are a result of the eyeliner brush poking at my waterline.
When I’m all primped and ready, the stylists leave, and I wait for my cue. I twirl in front of the mirror, taking in the rose gold satin gown with off–the–shoulder sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a flowing skirt with a subtle slit.
It should be white.
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18:48 Thu, Oct 16
Chapter 187
That thought tightens my chest, and it opens the door for more intrusive little mind monsters.
I should be in a bridal suite.
It should be my initials next to Nathan’s on the overarching banners.
It should be me.
Thankfully, two soft knocks on the door pull me out of the deep end of my mind before I smash my skull against the bottom.
I gasp as Lucy and Jessica timidly step in. “Hi!”
Despite my polished makeup and elegant dress, I pull them into a fierce hug, emotion clogging my throat.
“I missed you guys so much,” I whisper.
“Miss April,” Lucy whispers, gently clinging to my dress.
I pull back slightly, my gaze zeroing on her. Her hair is pinned in a firm bun at her neck, and I don’t know if it means Lucas has left her alone or he’s too occupied with his wedding day.
“How are you?” I ask gently.
She gives me a small, watery smile that tells me all I need to know.
I squeeze her hand, wishing I could reassure her, let her know that it’ll all be okay in a couple of hours.
I glance at my door as more knocks echo, and it opens immediately after.
My hand automatically slaps over my mouth when Lara and Eliza step in, both of them in their white gowns.
Tears gather in my eyes, momentarily blurring my vision. “Oh, you guys!”
Eliza looks like she’s wandered straight out of a fairy tale–layers of blush–tinted tulle trailing behind her like morning mist, her bodice dusted with tiny embroidered flowers that catch the light with every breath she takes.
Her veil drifts behind her like a whispered dream. Romantic. Ethereal. So perfectly Eliza.
Then there’s Lara–elegant, stunning, striking Lara.
Her dress is sharper–structured silk mikado molded to her frame like armor, the neckline square and clean, sleeves long and finished with cuffs that look almost like gauntlets.
Every seam speaks of intention. The train sweeps behind her in bold, geometric embroidery, shimmering silver patterns that glint like fractured glass under the chandeliers. Her veil is minimal, sheer, precise. She’s breathtaking–but not soft. Regal, not romantic.
And somehow, that makes her even more terrifying.
Because today, only Eliza is living a love story.
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18:48 Thu, Oct 16
Chapter 187
Lara is dressed for battle.
“Can you please give us the room?” Lara smiles kindly at Lucy and Jessica.
They simultaneously bow, Lucy’s eyes locking with mine before they leave the room.
“You two look breathtaking,” I gush.
Eliza reaches out and takes my hand. “You should be wearing white, too.”
1 snort. “Don’t even get me started.”
I turn to Lara. “Are you still up for this?”
She squares her shoulders, a fierce general ready for war. “Hell yes.”
I almost feel sorry for Lucas, who has no idea about the storm that’s about to hit him. Almost.
“What about you?” I squeeze Eliza’s hand. “You and Peter are today’s only true couple. This will be the memory you carry with you of your wedding day forever.”
She smiles. “All that matters is that I marry him. I don’t care what comes after.”
“Yeah?”
She nods. “Yeah. Plus“-she shrugs-“Peter’s cool with it, too.”
My eyes widen. “He is?”
She nods. “I didn’t realize how much he hates his family until he shrugged and said, ‘Lovely, please make sure it’s in HD and plays on a fucking loop.“”
I snort, shaking my head. “Of course he said that.”
Lara moves forward and takes my hand. “Whatever happens after today, you take a step back and let me handle it.”
I frown. “Lara-”
“I’ll handle it, April. You did your part. Let me do mine. You focus on preparing for Paris.”
I sigh. “Okay. But I’m staying by your side through it all.”
She smiles and squeezes my hand.
A hesitant knock sounds on the door, and Jessica pokes her head in. “So sorry to interrupt, Misses, but it’s time.”
The three of us inhale simultaneously. Eliza squeals. “Let’s go get me married!”
Lara chuckles and glances at me. “And let’s go get justice.”
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18:48 Thu, Oct 16
Chapter 187
I inhale deeply. This is so not how I imagined this day.
The three of us are supposed to be clad in white, marrying the love of our lives. Sister–wives.
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I smile at them. We may not be joined by marriage, but the two of them have carved permanent spaces for themselves in my heart, and I know
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
