The soft, familiar strains of the violin filled the air, captivating every listener in the room. It was a melody many knew well—the first violin piece Chen Lin had ever performed on a variety show, showcasing her raw talent.
And now, on her wedding day, it played once more, setting the tone for the momentous occasion.
As the music continued to play, all eyes turned to the back of the Chapel, anticipation palpable in the air.
The grand doors slowly creaked open, and the groom's family entered first—Shao Fenfang, Wu Zhou, and the elderly Wu Family patriarch, followed by the groom himself.
Wu Changming stepped forward, looking nothing short of dashing in his sharp suit.
His smile radiated warmth, casting him in an aura of gentleness, making him appear every bit the refined young man.
Behind him, the other key figures of the ceremony followed suit.
Shi Yuan, Chen Lin's Maid of Honor, walked gracefully down the aisle, her presence commanding attention.
Then came Chen Jie, a figure who had been a distant presence in Chen Lin's life, yet now stood beside her on this pivotal day, walking proudly down the aisle.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Chen Lin, escorted by her grandfather, entered the Chapel.
Her veil cascaded from her hair, brushing against her skin in a delicate wave.
Her gown shimmered in the light as though it were woven from crystal, the fabric flowing elegantly behind her, its lace embellishments catching the eye.
The dress hugged her figure, accentuating every curve with a grace that stole the breath of every onlooker.
The entire audience, awestruck, watched her every step as she made her way toward the altar.
The Chapel, awash in vibrant flowers, seemed to pale in comparison to the radiance of the bride herself.
Chen Lin's face was lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Every person who had shaped her journey stood before her now, and at the end of the aisle stood the one who meant the most.
Wu Changming extended his hand to her, and without hesitation, she took it.
"Take care of her… or else," her grandfather's voice rumbled with mock seriousness, his smile betraying the playfulness in his words.
"Yes, Grandpa." Wu Changming nodded solemnly, though his eyes were filled with warmth.
Their hands, warm with shared affection, joined as they walked together toward the altar, the atmosphere rich with love and joy.
But just as they reached the altar, a sudden commotion from the back of the room shattered the peace.
The Chapel doors, once closed, swung open again, and a familiar figure emerged, causing confusion and concern among the guests.
Shi Yuan was the first to react. "Liu Yanmei, what are you doing?"
The girl, resolute and unbothered, continued walking forward, her expression determined.
Chen Lin's eyes narrowed as she spotted Liu Yanmei, noticing Wu Changming's anxious glance. His hand, once firmly holding hers, had slipped away.
Shi Yuan rushed to intercept Liu Yanmei, but the girl's voice rang out, loud and defiant. "This wedding can't happen."
"Meimei!" Wu Changming's voice was strained, filled with an urgency that sent a wave of tension through the room.
In an instant, the joyous atmosphere turned to one of shock and unease, as the guests stared, utterly confused by the words that hung in the air.
Wu Changming's unusual tone when addressing Liu Yanmei only deepened the sense of unease.
Chen Lin's mind raced.
Wu Changming, always so formal, had never once spoken to her with such intimacy. The revelation hit like a thunderclap, and her chest tightened.
"Liu Yanmei! What in the world are you doing?!" Shi Yuan's voice trembled as she tried to hold her friend back, but Liu Yanmei shook off her grip, undeterred.
Chen Lin's voice was sharp as she confronted the girl.
"What do you mean by doing this?" Her eyes were narrow, a storm brewing in her gaze.
Liu Yanmei turned to her, her words dripping with significance. "Chen Lin, I'm pregnant with Brother Ming's child. This wedding can't happen."
The ground seemed to fall out from under Chen Lin as the words hit her like a slap.
Her eyes widened in disbelief, her pulse quickening as the shocking reality began to set in.
Her best friend… pregnant with her fiancé's child?
The betrayal stung, and for a moment, she couldn't hear anything else.
Her ears rang, and the world around her seemed to blur.
The guests, stunned and horrified, whispered amongst themselves. The entire Chapel felt heavy with disbelief and shock as Liu Yanmei's words echoed.
Shi Yuan stood frozen, unable to speak, her shock mirrored in the faces of the guests. "You—" was all she could manage, barely a whisper.
"You… how dare you!" Shao Fenfang's enraged voice broke through, and the tension in the room thickened as she stood up, ready to lash out.
But Wu Changming's voice was calm but firm. "Mom, stop! Meimei is pregnant. Don't hurt her."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone.
If there had been any doubt lingering after Liu Yanmei's earlier declaration, it was now shattered by Changming's words.
The truth was undeniable now.
Liu Yanmei was indeed carrying Wu Changming's child, and the shock of it left everyone reeling.
Chen Lin's heart clenched.
She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but the tears that threatened to spill were held back by sheer willpower. Her grandfather's angry voice rang in her ears.
"You bastard! How could you do this to my granddaughter?!"