Chapter 10
Chapter 10
The next day, a bored Mikayla sat on the couch watching TV. The Lindstrom family was having a press conference. Hugo held the mic, with Jaxon by his side, though Hugo did most of the talking. He announced that Jaxon was set to marry Winona tomorrow, not Mikayla. He tossed out an apology to Mikayla and quickly pivoted to singing Winona’s praises as the family’s future daughter– in–law, steering the narrative away from Mikayla and dodging any negative press. He wrapped up with an invite to all the reporters for the wedding and asked for the public’s well–wishes for the happy couple.
Mikayla clicked the TV off and stared out the window. She had to admit, the Lindstrom family’s diplomacy was impressive. They always managed to turn things to their advantage.
Suddenly, her phone rang. Mikayla saw the familiar number on the screen, swiped on the screen to answer it, only to bet greeted by silence that lasted for a minute. She almost hung up when finally Jaxon’s voice filtered through. “Mikayla”
“What’s up?” she asked.
Hearing her detached tone, Jaxon felt something he couldn’t quite explain. “Mikayla, about what happened that day…”
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“Chill. If I wanted to cause a scene, I would’ve done it already. Just don’t let there be a next time, okay? No way playing the forgiving saint with someone who’d double–crossed her.
“Is it really over for us?” Jaxon pressed.
“Jaxon, your bride is Winona. Mikayla hung up without hesitation and prepared to return to her room when her phone. pinged with a text that read: [Mika, I miss you.–Carlos]
Mikayla’s lips curved into a smile. She didn’t expect the aloof Carlos to say such sweet nothings. She texted back in a flash: [Waiting for you to come back.] Hitting send, she felt a warmth bloom in her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying to cool down that unexpected blush.
Sylvia smiled knowingly when she noticed her daughter’s bashfulness.
Meanwhile, Carlos, sitting in the car, smiled faintly when he saw the message on his phone. “Take me to Druobridge Hotel,” he instructed.
The next day arrived in a blur, and Jaxon and Winona’s grand wedding had the whole town buzzing. The wedding was held at the five–star Prairie Hotel downtown, the most luxurious hotel in Xosa, Known for combining entertainment and hospitality, the Prairie Hotel was the venue for high– end weddings, birthday parties, and important social gatherings. Its convenient location and opulent amenities symbolized starus and prestige. White and purple elegance was splashed all over the venue, with roses and silk draping every corner.
As part of Winona’s family, Mikayla and her parents naturally had to attend. As the almost–bride herself, Mikayla couldn’t avoid the spotlight. Reporters at the scene wouldn’t miss such an opportunity Jaxon and Mikayla had announced their marriage in front of all of Xosa, only for the bride to change right before the wedding. The presence of the ex–fiancée at the ceremony, appearing so composed, was headline–worthy news the reporters couldn’t ignore. However, Jorge stepped in front of Mikayla, shielding her from the cameras. As the chairman of Salvatore Group, he adeptly handled their questions, maintaining his composure and authority.
At such shindigs, the city’s elite mingled, and Sylvia was soon of laughing with her gal pals. Mikayla took the moment to scope out the scene. A bittersweet memory flickered–Jaxon had once
promised to plan their wedding to every last detail. Now, the fairy tale was for someone else. It was ironic.
Mikayla retracted her gaze but unexpectedly caught sight of the harmonious interaction between Winona’s and Jaxon’s families. At that moment, Jaxon also noticed her and looked her way. She quickly avoided his gaze, only to meet Winona’s resentful eyes. A sneer appeared in Mikayla’s beautiful eyes.
Winona clenched her teeth with resentment as she saw how impeccably dressed Mikayla was. She never thought Mikayla would have the nerve to come to her wedding with Jaxon. Winona had believed that being with Jaxon would ruin Mikayla, but things didn’t turn out that way. She glanced at Jaxon and noticed he was staring at Mikayla, which made her clench her
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fists. But her attention smapped back when she spied a camera lens slewing her way. She forced a smile and said to Jaxon. “Honey, my legs hurt from standing so long”
Mikayla looked back and spotted Juliet. The Klein family, as Xosa’s aristocrats, would naturally attend the wedding.
“That old man drives me crazy with his slow driving!” Juliet complained, smoothing down her bright red dress. Mikayla was amused by Juliet’s fiery temper, thinking she was probably the only person who’d call her dad an old man in public.
Juliet glanced around the room and couldn’t help grumbling. “I always said, watch out for that snake Winona around Jaxon. Acts like she’s in heat every time she sees him. How shameless”
“Shh!” Mikayla gestured for Juliet to stop talking. The guests there were either rich or influential. There was no telling what might happen if someone heard her.
Juliet blew out a huff but squeezed Mikayla’s hand, inspecting her. “How do you always look this stunning! You’re like a million times prettier than her. Jaxon must be kicking himself.
Mikayla had played it smart–no white on this day. She was a vision in her sky–blue dress and matching jacket, her hair flowing, her makeup understated but perfect. Despite rocking a low–key look, she was like the epitome of class.
“Where’s that guy?” Juliet asked, scanning the room. Mikayla knew she was referring to Carlos and replied, “He’s at the military base, should be back in a couple of days.
Thinking of what Carlos said to her before leaving, Mikayla fel a warm sensation in her heart. She then guided Juliet to a quieter’spot to sit down.
“What? He left you behind?” Juliet griped, her eyes darting around the room.
Mikayla noticed Juliet’s gaze and pointed in a certain direction. Over there.”