The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 531

The moment Joseph opened his mouth, the room fell silent, followed by a wave of hushed whispers rippling through the guests.

Over a hundred attendees stood there, murmuring among themselves. The groom had shown up late and drunk; it was obvious he wasn't thrilled about this wedding.

Feiman's chest tightened with rage. Who announces they're a bastard in the middle of their own wedding? It was a blatant slap in Feiman's face.

For years, Joseph had never pleased Feiman, always causing trouble.

Devin, equally grim, sipped his wine and said, “Old Man Farrow, you've raised quite the son.”

Feiman's face burned with shame.

The wedding had come this far; there was no choice but to see it through.

Feiman signaled to some men nearby, “Get up there and prop Joseph up; we have to finish this wedding.”

Devin, knowing they had to grin and bear it, sent word for Julie to make her entrance.

As the wedding march played, a wobbly Joseph was propped up on stage by two bodyguards. Julie, her gown held by her bridesmaid, made her way down the aisle, stopping about eight meters from the main stage. The scene was bizarre, to say the least.

Julie looked desperate, her eyes pleading with Devin for help. But Devin ignored her gaze.

With a six-month belly, Julie's appearance set the socialites and high society ladies whispering among themselves.

"No wonder we haven't seen Julie at any gatherings for so long."

"Getting married with such a bump, I'd die of embarrassment."

"The groom's sloshed. I heard Joseph's a regular at the clubs, partying every night."

"Shotgun wedding. It's clear Joseph's not into it."

"Julie used to be so snooty, claiming she'd become the lady of the Salstrom house. Ends up marrying a bastard."

"Well, that bastard's still a Farrow, isn't he? If you can't have the brother, settle for the next best thing, I guess."

Julie could barely make out the whispers, her grip tightening on her wedding dress, wishing the earth would swallow her up.

Joseph's disdain left her unable to lift her head, her pride trampled.

Devin approached Julie, and the bridesmaid stepped back, ready to intercept if Julie tried to flee.

For the Browns, this wasn't a wedding. It was public shaming.

Joseph was dragged before Julie, and the MC, maintaining a brave front, continued.

A drunk Joseph wasn't about to kneel and propose. That part was skipped altogether. With the bodyguards still supporting him, and Julie holding her bouquet, they moved together, sans the groom's guiding hand or friends' blessings. Julie, her thoughts echoing Devin's words, transformed her fear and anger into a cold resolve.

She would make the Salstroms pay for today's disgrace.

The MC ventured, “Do you, groom, take this beautiful bride by your side to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish her for all days?”

The microphone was passed to Joseph, whose snores boomed through the speakers, creating an awkward atmosphere.

“It seems our groom is too overjoyed to speak. So let me ask the bride—do you take…”

The MC was put in a tough spot, and Feiman was sweating bullets.

Before the MC could finish, the doors to the banquet hall burst open. Herman, dressed to the nines, led a group into the room, his presence commanding attention.

Herman's arrival caused a stir among the guests.