Chapter 429
Rachel’s POV
I could hear every whisper from the crowd as Jonathan led me onto the stage. Instead of embarrassment, I felt only pride.
William spent his whole life fighting to be where I am right now. Even Blake, born rich, had to go through hell – blindness, a coma – before becoming CEO. But me? Despite my little setback four years ago, I stepped right into a position others chase their whole lives.
Sure, marrying a dead man looks pathetic on paper. But this isn’t a wedding it’s my coronation! Everyone watching will see me become Mrs. Parker and take control of the empire.
I spotted Audrey in the audience and couldn’t help smirking. Funny how things change. I only befriended her because I was bored and wanted someone to feel superior to. Some country girl I could impress with my worldliness. Didn’t expect to actually like her. I’d even planned to throw her some cash after I married Blake.
Too bad she’s missing my big moment.
“Miss Hayes, shall we begin the vows?” the officiator asked.
“Yes,” I replied, not bothering to hide my excitement.
Audrey’s POV
I watched Rachel on stage, my emotions a mess.
A few years ago, she told me I’d be sitting in the audience cheering her success someday. Here I am, but definitely not cheering.
The officiator announced, “The vows will now begin.”
Rachel stood in her over-the-top wedding dress, practically glowing as she recited, “I promise to be Blake Parker’s wife, for better or worse, in poverty and hardship…
Her voice got stronger. “I promise to be Blake Parker’s wife, to stand with him and the Parker family behind him, through thick and thin, never betraying them.”
She emphasized “Parker family” like she was making a point.
The officiator nodded. “Very well! Now – *
“Wait. A familiar voice cut in. “The groom hasn’t given his vows yet.”
The room went dead silent.
Rachel turned toward the voice, her face going pale.
Blake stood at the entrance in a black suit with gold trim. Jett helped him walk forward on his crutch.
He stopped right in front of Rachel.
“What’s wrong?” Blake asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Disappointed I’m not dead?”
‘You cried so convincingly yesterday, I almost bought it.”
Rachel’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.
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Chapter 429
Blake turned to the shocked crowd. “Thanks for coming to this ridiculous wedding.”
The room exploded with whispers.
“Holy shit that’s really Blake Parker? He’s alive?”
“Why did they announce he was dead yesterday?”
‘Did they think he was dead, or was this some weird surprise?”
“Look at her face! She definitely thought he was dead…”
“Why would he fake his death?”
“Must be some crazy rich people power play…”
Rachel bit her lip, trying to hide her panic. “Blake… you’re… alive… That’s… wonderful! I’m so happy.”
“You’re not dead. That’s wonderful, really wonderful…”
Her fake smile crumbled under Blake’s cold stare. Finally, she looked down. “Blake, I was wrong. I…”
Blake motioned for Jett to let go. I watched nervously, worried sick about him. He’d been wheelchair-bound for months.
Then Blake shocked everyone by tossing his crutch aside.
The crowd gasped.
My heart nearly stopped. If he fell now, in front of New York’s elite, his pride would never recover. Between yesterday’s injuries and his weak legs, this was insanely risky.
I clenched my fists, silently willing him to stay standing.
“Everyone, Blake announced, “I’m officially ending my engagement to Miss Hayes.”
The crowd went wild. With all the media present, this bombshell was already spreading everywhere.
Rachel looked like a ghost, clutching her dress so tight her knuckles turned white. She couldn’t say a word.
Blake’s POV
The officiator looked lost, “Mr. Parker, what – ”
I cut him off. “Most of you know Miss Hayes and I already got our marriage license. She wanted a guarantee from me.”
I paused. “I only agreed to marry her for my grandfather. To prove I was serious, we filed the paperwork early, making us legally married.”
I looked straight at Rachel, “After today, I’m officially filing for divorce from Miss Hayes.”
The room erupted again.
Before I could continue, my mother stormed onto the stage, positioning herself between Rachel and me.
*Blake, this is ridiculous!” she snapped. “You faked your death over a fight with Rachel?”
She didn’t let me speak. “You made us all cry yesterday and forced Rachel to handle this wedding alone…”
Chapter 429
Her voice got louder. “And now you announce you’re divorcing her? Are you serious?”
She pointed at Rachel. ‘Apologize right now and take that back. You are not divorcing her!”
I stared at the woman I’d respected my whole life.
Dad always taught me to protect Mom and Thalia. After he died, I became their only support. Later, I learned how she trapped my father Leo never loved her. I felt sorry for her, living with a man who didn’t care.
To make her feel better, I gave her everything she wanted. I even hurt the person I cared about most because of her.
But after my death,” I saw her tears were fake. The minute she thought I was gone, she backed Rachel taking over Parker Group.
I’m not even sure I’m her biological son anymore.
Michael sent my DNA samples for testing. The results are on their way here now.
I took a deep breath. “Mom, you really think faking my death was just me being childish?”
Rebecca flinched under my stare, stepping back. I could see her getting nervous as she twisted her hands.
She tried to look stern. “What else would you call it? You and Rachel planned this engagement together. You got the license. You approved everything for this wedding.”
She jabbed a finger at me. “You got cold feet because of your failed marriage, so you played dead, making Rachel face everyone alone!”
She gestured dramatically. “Rachel loves you so much she went through with this wedding even thinking you were dead.”
“She stood up here alone, saying her vows alone!”
“And you? After running away, you humiliate her by ending things in front of everyone!”
She stepped closer. “Are you even a man anymore?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Is Audrey still haunting you that badly?”
‘I get it – she cheated, wasted your money, embarrassed you, then died… it scared you off marriage.”
“But Rachel is your fresh start!”
She practically growled, “I’m ordering you to stop this nonsense. Say your vows, exchange rings, and finish this ceremony!”
