Skipped At The Altar, Taken By His Uncle novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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On the day of the wedding, Carter was dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair perfectly styled. He looked aloof, yet a closer look revealed the faint excitement he was trying to hide.

Getting married was supposed to be a joyful thing for anyone.

The only thing that nagged at him was the fact that they were skipping all the pre–ceremony formalities

Emily was dressed in a flowy white gown, her makeup fresh and innocent. Her gaze lingered on Carter’s reflection in the mirror, a little dazed.

“Carter, you are pretty today,” she said softly.

Carter turned around, raising an eyebrow. “Hey, silly, ‘pretty‘ isn’t how you describe a man.”

Her cheeks tinged with shyness as she stepped closer. “Carter, I’m in white, and you’re in black. We look pretty good together, right?”

Her soft voice made Carter’s usually sharp features melt into something gentle.

‘Of course. And don’t get any silly ideas. Even after I get married, you’ll always be the one I care about most. Carter sand softly.

Sweet talk had a softness that masked how corrosive it could be.

Emily had heard Carter whisper so many sweet nothings to her, but today, he was about to marry another woman

When they’re alone, would he say the same things to Whitney with those irresistible lips?‘ Emily thought to herscit

Laura’s already sick, and Whitney can still show up for this wedding?‘ Emily thought, her jealousy flaring up

She thought she’d planned for everything, but she never expected Whitney to be this cold–hearted.

She really did whatever it took just to get into the Harris family,’ Emily scoffed to herself.

Whitney talked about calling off the wedding before. And I really thought she was cool, she thought

Emily just thought, ‘But now, guess she’s just ordinary after all!

Emily swallowed her jealousy and asked softly, “Carter, what time are we leaving‘ Can I go with you

Carter’s car was the one meant for the bride and groom.

Emily’s eyes were soft and watery as she looked at him

Carter caved instantly, his voice low and gentle as he agreed “Alright let’s go together in my win a flopat

George saw Carter and Emily getting into the same car and looked liks he wanted in cay marthage

His wife, Sabrina stopped him “It’s okay Fronly his sister. It’s no big deal it die rites alerg

George just shrugged it off

Lena insisted on sharing a car with Janies today

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Chapter 40

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She’d promised Whitney she’d stick by his side the whole time.

She was clutching some heart pills in her hand. If James looked even a little unwell, she’d be ready to give him a couple right

away.

Lena had asked Whitney yesterday what her plan was. She’d always known Whitney was determined to call off the wedding.

But Whitney kept everything under wraps, not even letting her bestie in on it.

Lena was fuming, thinking, Just wait till today’s over, Whitney. I’m definitely going to give you a piece of my mind for keeping me out of the loop.’

At the chapel, Tina immediately spotted her best friend Emily, who stood out from the crowd.

‘Emily, you look absolutely gorgeous today,” Tina said, her eyes lighting up.

Emily flashed a smile. “You look amazing too, Tina.”

She glanced over at the Moore family. “Don’t tell me Whitney’s running late for her own wedding?”

Emily’s words carried over to George and Sabrina.

Sabrina’s eyes flashed with mild annoyance as she glanced at Laura. “Laura, where’s Whitney? Don’t tell me she’s still not here?”

Laura gave an awkward smile. “Uh, she’s running late. She should be here soon, I guess?”

They honestly had no clue if that was true.

Whitney’s phone had been unreachable since this morning.

Everyone was busy entertaining their own guests, but all eyes were on the door, waiting for Whitney to show up.

As the clock ticked closer to eleven, George and Samuel started urging everyone to take their seats.

George leaned in and asked Carter in a low voice, “Carter, what’s going on? Where’s your bride?” Samuel was just as anxious. “Tina, call Whitney again. Find her, now!”

Out of nowhere, Carter felt a wave of irritation. ‘What’s Whitney trying to pull he thought

She promised she’d be here. She can’t just ditch me after all that, can she?‘ Carter wondered

His expression instantly frosted over at the thought.

Emily was the only one sitting there totally unfazed, a subtle smirk tugging at her lips

Looks like Whitney still cares about her grandma, huh? Emily thought, a hint of sarcasm in het mund

Emily had already called the hospital this morning and learned Whitney had stopped by

‘Her soft spot’s always been easy to spot, Emily mused to herself

Chapter 40

Outside the chapel, Klein Harris sat in his car, his eyes cold and distant.

Lena: (Uncle Klein, aren’t you coming today?]

He kept his gaze lowered, those eyes radiating a chill as he stared at his phone screen

‘Should I go in? Should I really show up at their wedding?‘ he asked himself.

Klein leaned back in the seat, eyes closed, just sitting there unmoving for ages.

Sachers

Marco finally couldn’t help but speak up. “Sir, want me to move the car under that tree? It’s getting hot out here

Klein lifted his gaze, his eyes as piercing as ever.

“Take it to the parking lot. I’ll call when I need you,” he said, his voice deep and commanding.

With that, Klein pushed open the car door and strode straight toward the chapel, his long legs eating up the distance

*****

With just twenty minutes to go before noon, if the ceremony didn’t kick off soon, the guests were definitely going to start talking.

Honestly, people were already starting to gossip.

‘What’s up with today? The bride hasn’t even shown her face yet,” someone muttered.

‘Who knows? I heard Whitney has always had a thing for Carter. She wouldn’t bail on her own wedding, would he person chimed in.

Whitney running away from her own wedding? Not a chance.

‘She’s here! Look, is that Whitney Moore in that dark green velvet dress?” someone shouted.

Everyone’s gaze snapped to the ladder as it slowly lowered from the main stage.

Whitney Moore made her entrance in a dark green velvet gown, her long hair elegantly pinned up single gracing her collarbone, and a stark white bandage wrapped around her shoulder

“What kind of look is that? I’ve never seen a bride show up like this before, someone whispered

nother

“Come on, I know she lost her mom when she was three, but that’s no excuse for showing up looking sho another person scoffed.

ول

“Guess we’re in for some real drama today” someone else snickered

Carter’s face turned stormy the moment he saw Whitney, whod been missing all morning, and her outre the stonest just made it worse

He rushed up to the stage and hissed under his breath Being late is one thing but seriously what’s with har getup Duple who know you might think you’re here to get married, but anyone else would swear your crashing a funeral

Whitney just curled her lips into a smuk Tll make sure to look even better at your hati al Naushof

“You!” Carter’s eyes flashed with anger, but he knew every big shot from Raver ports chic curvies was watching

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Chapter 40

He couldn’t let the Harris family lose face today.

“Alright, enough. Be good. The ceremony’s about to start. We’ll talk about this later,” he said, trying to sound calm

As he reached out to take her hand, Whitney subtly shifted aside, dodging his touch.

Whitney, what the hell are you trying to pull?” Carter snapped, his voice low and sharp.

Whitney’s lips curled into a frosty smirk. “Isn’t it your precious Emily you care about?”

Look at her down there. She’s about to bite her lip off,” Whitney said, her voice dripping with sarcasm

I’m open–minded, you know. Since we’ve had our little romance, I’m gonna be the bigger person and give you a show- topping proposal you’ll never forget,” Whitney’s words rang out, full of mocking edge.

Carter’s heart skipped a beat.

What the hell are you trying to pull?” Carter snapped, his voice low and sharp.

Before he could finish, the lights in the banquet hall went out, and the screen behind the main stage suddenly lit up.

My princess, my Emily, today’s your sixteenth birthday. Happy birthday, sweetheart. I’ll always be here for you.” Carter ‘oice echoed through the hall.

On the big screen, the camera focused on Emily’s young, innocent face.

She looked shy as she faced the candles, eyes tightly shut, silently making a wish.

t took her a full minute before she finally blew out the candles.

Carter’s voice came through again, gentle and teasing. “Emily, sweetheart, tell me. What did you wish for?”

If I say it out loud, it won’t come true,” Emily replied, her voice soft and a little shy.

Come on, silly girl. If you don’t tell me, how can I help make it come true?” Carter coaxed.

I wished I could be your wife. I don’t want anyone else to marry you. When I’m all grown up, can I be your wite lurted out, her voice full of innocent longing.

The whole place erupted in an uproar.

Wait, what’s going on? Isn’t this supposed to be the Harris and Moore family’s wedding?”

Isn’t Emily the Harris family’s adopted daughter? Did they seriously raise their adopted daughter just to mass

Carter?”

George looked like he was about to explode. He snapped at the staff around him. “Why are you just standing theis Than

that damn video off, now!”

Embarrassingly enough, the big screen kept playing, and Carter finally showed up on camera—not just blowing any trARES actually in the shot himself

He leaned down and pressed a soft, affectionate kiss to Emily’s torchicad. When you’re all grown up I marry you

The next scene flashed up, and it showed Carter’s hidden photo album on his tablet, filled with 3,344 pictures of hun and Emily that were now exposed for everyone to see

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Carter’s eyes burned red with fury Enough‘ Whitney, you actually snooped through my photo album?

Whitney just smiled. her tone cool and mocking “We’re just getting started

The lights snapped back on, and a bold, flashing message appeared on the big screen

[My princess Emily, will you marry me?]

Emily could feel all eyes on her, judging from every direction

Her nails dug into her palm, leaving deep crescent marks.

Is Whitney out to destroy me? Emily thought, her heart pounding with panic.

K

Whitney grabbed the mic, her voice dripping with provocation as she stared straight at Emily in the crowd. Emily are you really going to accept Carter’s proposal?”

Someone started clapping, and suddenly, everyone joined in.

‘Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!” the crowd chanted, their voices echoing through the hall.

Every cheer stabbed right into Carter and Emily’s hearts.

Neither of them wanted their secrets laid bare like this, especially not in front of a crowd like this.

Whitney watched the two of them with cool, collected satisfaction, a flash of vindictive pleasure glinting in her eyes.

Emily still wants to play the perfect innocent? Well, I’m going to tear down every last shred of her facade. Whitney thought a cold smirk tugging at her lips.

The doors to the banquet hall swung open.

Klein Harris stepped inside, a half–smirk tugging at his lips, his piercing eyes glued to Whitney’s radiant face on stage looking away for a second.

He walked closer, every step brimming with barely contained excitement.

It didn’t take long before people started whispering about Klein making an entrance at the wedding his presences A shifting the atmosphere.

Oh crap, this is a disaster! With Whitney causing such a scene, Klein’s gonna go ballistic for sure clear in their voice.

Orbex C

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Seriously, everyone knows Klein’s a stickler for the Harris family’s honor He’s all about keeping up appear cons knows how this whole wedding fiasco is gonna end another guest sighed, shaking their head

But up on stage, Klein was unexpectedly warm and gracious.

His intense gaze swept across the crowd, and picking up a glass from somewhere, he raised it high

4

Let’s raise a glass to Carter and Emily Here’s to a long, happy life together Klein aronounced his voice ringing our with

ceremony

Whitney stared at Klem in surprise, her eyes catching the subtle, indifferent curve of his lips

A long, happy life? Please Whitney thought her mind soaked in sarcasm.

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A long life in hell would be more like it!

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