Chapter 170 - The Wedding Day Betrayal

*Chloe's POV*

The reception hall feels like a war zone disguised as a celebration. Crystal chandeliers cast sparkling light over hushed conversations and sideways glances. Everyone's pretending nothing happened, but their phones keep buzzing with notifications.

I sit at the head table like a queen on a throne made of lies.

Gabriel's hand rests on mine for the cameras. His palm is sweating.

"Smile," he whispers through gritted teeth. "We need to look united."

United. What a joke.

The photos of him with Kira are spreading faster than champagne spills on white tablecloths. #GabrielDonovanScandal is trending on Twitter. The comments are brutal.

"Poor bride."

"She must be dying inside."

"I'd have canceled the wedding."

But I couldn't cancel. Not after everything I sacrificed to get here.

My cousin Liam appears beside our table, practically vibrating with excitement.