The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 184

Aileen

This should've been a celebration of my big day and I should be into it just as much as everyone else while they listen to the wonderful speeches but I just can't forget about Kate. Liam sits right next to me and I have to keep a smile on my face despite the way I feel inside.

Since I didn't even speak to him on our way here, he keeps sending me text messages to grab my attention even while we're next to each other but not once do I reply despite reading them all. He's yet to explain himself to me, but now isn't the time. Still, why did Kate say she was there? The questions on my mind only bring me nothing but heartache and I try my hardest not to think about it.

Just as I finish reading his latest text message, another pop up message catches my attention. It's from Abigail.

"You know what my dream phone is. Get me the latest release tomorrow."

I look away from my phone with a soft chuckle of disbelief and Liam sighs in defeat. He obviously thinks this is because of him.

How could my family only think of themselves even at this moment? It seems that no matter what I say, the entitlement just won't stop.

Not even my mother-in-law’s beautiful speech can fully grab my attention as I find myself zoning out, wondering how I should deal with my family.

It's only when Liam towers over me while holding out his hand that I pay attention now.

While I'm still mad at him and demand answers, I can't ignore him anymore as everyone's watching.

I force myself to smile, placing my hand in his and he leads me to the dance floor.

The beautiful piano music played by one of the most talented pianists in the world, makes everyone go silent as they watch the two of us.

"I know you're mad at me," he says.

"Thanks for stating the obvious."

"Look, I really left on a business trip and afterwards, I thought it was just going to be a small celebration with my friends. I had no idea it was going to be a bachelor party. It was completely Josh's idea."

"But you still had fun?" I narrow my eyes, still forcing myself to smile brightly.

"I didn't fuck anyone, if that's what you're asking. I've only been waiting for you."

The sincerity in his eyes makes me smile but it quickly fades.

"What about Kate?"

"She's someone I had a fling with and the last time was two weeks before I met you. She didn't take it well when I told her about you. That was the last time I spoke to her before she showed up at the bachelor party. I didn't even know she'd be there last night as one of the dancers."

"Dancers? Looks like she's not over you."

"You're the only one who matters to me." He places his forehead against mine.

"I almost threw out the surprise I have for you," I say to him, my smile now genuine.

"What surprise?" He raises his eyebrows in curiosity.

"You'll see it when we get to our honeymoon destination."

"Then let's go right now."

"Hey!" I giggle, holding his hand even tighter.

Our dance comes to an end and when it's time to switch partners, I find myself dancing with my father.

When I invited my family to my wedding, it was mainly to show them that I've moved on without them. I didn't think as far as dancing with him.

He stole the spotlight earlier when his name was mentioned. He made it look like he's always been the light in my life and I tried so hard not to roll my eyes at that.

No matter how I feel about this moment, it's also the perfect opportunity for me to talk to him one on one, something I haven't yet done with him.

"Ungrateful child, listen to me," he says quietly, still smiling.

"Even with everyone watching, that's the first thing you say to me?"

"How else should I describe you when you're so ungrateful? How dare you leave us like that everything we did for you? We raised you and-"

"And look how I turned out. Are you proud of yourself? I admit that when you first adopted me, everything was great, but that was only until I turned six. Mom gave birth to Abigail and everything changed. You two made a clear distinction between me and your biological daughter."

He scoffs. "Stop being so dramatic. I still gave you everything you needed - food, shelter, clothes-"

"Oh, please, I always received clothes that Abigail no longer wanted, even if they were small for me. Don't even get me started on the food."

"This is exactly why you're an ungrateful child. We could have easily taken you back to the orphanage, but we didn't."

"How I wish you had taken me back. Maybe my life would've been so much better and I wouldn't have suffered the way I did. But hey, thanks for still raising me in your own way."

"It's not like I starved you to death, because here you are now, the daughter-in-law of the most powerful family in the world. So, when do I get a brand new car and house of my choice?"

"You're so shameless."

"There's nothing wrong with pointing out what should be given to me. I was there for you when your own parents weren't there for you and they still aren't. You have failed terribly at finding them."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"How could I not? You walked out on the only father you ever had, yet you came back to me just for this wedding. That's why I'm getting what I deserve. We all are."