Betrayed by Blood: My Second Life as a Queen novel Chapter 7

Julian caught her arm just in time, steadying her.

She looked up at him through teary eyes, her voice quivering. "Julian, what do I do? I'm so scared..."

Julian took a deep breath, a glint of absolute ice in his eyes. "Go out there. I'll drag her back here before the reception ends! The moment she shows her face, everything will be resolved."

Relieved, Tessa nodded and followed the event coordinator out.

Inside, she was fuming. Willow used to be so easy to manipulate. Why was she suddenly rebelling?

Whatever. Julian would bring her back no matter what.

The thought brought a smug smile back to her lips.

Gathering her skirts, she gracefully walked down the grand aisle.

Elias stood waiting at the altar. Seeing her in the stunning white gown, a flash of genuine awe crossed his face, and he smiled.

Tessa returned it with a picture-perfect, shy beam.

Murmurs rippled through the pews. "Wasn't Willow supposed to be the bride? Why is the adopted daughter walking down the aisle?"

Tessa's smile stiffened. She frantically reassured herself that it was fine. Willow would be back soon, and every ounce of judgment in this room would be brutally redirected at her!

Sitting in the front row, Xavier overheard the whispering. Even though the guests kept their voices low out of respect for the families, every questioning remark grated on his nerves.

Why did a sweet, fragile girl like Tessa have to endure such humiliation?

Was Willow purposely trying to ruin her?

The thought fueled a bitter resentment in his chest.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Willow again. Still off.

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