Marry My Ex's Rival at His Own Wedding

Chapter 4

It was Lucas.

"Are you okay? Don't worry about the dress. I'll have my lawyers handle it."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking as everything seemed to collapse around me.

I was absolutely humiliated and heartbroken.

"Abigail, it's just a wedding dress. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" Ryan's voice was dripping with annoyance.

"I'm out of the country, but I had someone send you a gift. Hope it helps cheer you up a bit," Lucas said, trying to comfort me over the phone.

When I got home, a well-dressed butler was waiting at the door, holding a box with great care.

He handed it to me with a respectful bow. "This is a Thornton family heirloom, passed down through generations to the mistress of the Thornton household. Please accept it, Miss Foster."

I opened the box slowly, and inside was a stunning set of emerald jewelry. My heart warmed. Lucas was treating me like his wife, and it made me feel hopeful about our future.

I was still processing the gift when a colleague called about some work details that needed to be discussed in person.

When I got back home, the emerald set was gone.

I searched the room frantically, but it was as if the jewelry had disappeared. There were no signs of forced entry. Everything was locked up tight. I was about to call the police when I stumbled upon Mia's social media post.

Her words made my stomach drop.

"Didn't get the engagement ring I wanted, but he gave me traditional jewelry instead. This must be what marrying for love feels like."

The photo clearly showed Mia wearing the exact emerald set Lucas had given me, the necklace, earrings, and jade bracelet.

I checked the security footage and saw Ryan and Mia had come over while I was gone.

"Ryan, is this surprise for me? It's so beautiful!" Mia gushed, holding up the very jewelry I had left on my bedside table.

Ryan hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly said, "Uh… glad you like it…"

My mind was reeling. Without thinking, I rushed over to the Sullivan house.

When I arrived, Mia was proudly showing off the emerald set to Ryan's family.

"This is a family heirloom Ryan gave me," she said, her smile smug. "He said it means I'm officially part of the Sullivan family now."

Ryan's relatives were all smiles. "Just look at the quality! It must be worth a fortune. Ryan really treats you well!"

My blood boiled, and I couldn't hold back. I stormed over, pointing at Mia.

"Thieves! Who gave you the right to steal my emerald jewelry? Give it back!"

Mia smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos.

"Abigail Foster, have you lost your mind? This jewelry is Ryan's family heirloom. When did it become yours?"

"You've already stolen my engagement ring and wedding dress, now you want to steal my family heirlooms, too?" she taunted.

I turned to Ryan, who stood there, looking guilty but too proud to admit anything.

"Are you sure this is a Sullivan family heirloom?" I asked, my voice sharp. "Should I call the police to verify?"

Ryan's face flushed with embarrassment. Angrily, he snapped, "Enough! Even if it's not a Sullivan heirloom, you've already stolen Mia's engagement ring and wedding dress. Isn't it only right that you give this to her as an apology?"

His words hit me like a slap.

"I'll let you wear it for a few days, once Mia gets tired of it," he sneered.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was done wasting time with them. I pulled out my phone and started calling the police.

Mia's eyes darted around nervously. Then, suddenly, she took off the jewelry and held it out to me.

"Abigail Foster, please don't make this any harder than it has to be. If you want it, just take it..." she said, trying to act like the victim.

"I just want you to leave us alone. Ryan doesn't love you, please stop chasing after him."

Mia offered the jewelry to me with a false show of kindness, then, without warning, let go. The emerald set fell to the ground with a sickening crack, shattering into pieces.

I froze. My world tilted.

Mia smiled, looking pleased with herself. "Oh, Sister Abigail, why didn't you catch it? What a shame those fine emeralds are ruined..."

Ryan glared down at me with contempt. "Abigail Foster, stop embarrassing yourself. Take your broken junk and get out of here!"

I stared at the pieces on the floor, my heart aching as the pain inside me grew.

"Ryan Sullivan, I will never forgive you for this," I spat.

He laughed cruelly. "So what if you don't forgive me? Don't come crawling back to me in a few days, begging me to take you back. You'd better stay away from the wedding in five days, or I'll have someone deal with you."

He smirked. "If you behave, maybe I'll come see you every now and then."

I turned and walked out, not giving him the satisfaction of a second glance. I listed the apartment for sale online right after.

Lucas called me soon after, trying to ease my guilt over the destroyed heirloom.

"It's just a material possession, Abigail. I gave it to you, it was yours to do with as you pleased."

He tried to lighten the mood. "Are you ready for the wedding? I don't want my bride showing up with puffy eyes."

The wedding day arrived faster than I could have imagined, and suddenly, I felt a wave of nerves.

I had just finished my makeup and was heading to the bathroom when I walked straight into Ryan, dressed in his suit.

"Abigail Foster, you really have some nerve showing up. I told you not to crash the wedding and cause trouble. Are you deaf?"

"Looks like I need to teach you a lesson since you never listen to me. Someone, take her away and lock her up!"

I fought back, struggling against him. "Ryan Sullivan, let go of me! I'm not here to ruin your wedding."

Ryan gave a cold laugh. "Abigail Foster, you can't even lie properly. If you're not here to ruin the wedding, why the hell are you dressed like that?"

"Let me go! I told you, my marriage has nothing to do with you. I'm not marrying you!"

He grabbed my chin roughly, his expression dripping with disdain. "Who else would want you, huh?"

"Abigail Foster, you've gone too far. This is getting annoying."

Just as he barked an order for someone to drag me away, a deep, authoritative voice cut through the tension.

"Mr. Sullivan, where are you taking my bride?"

I turned, my heart skipping a beat, to see Lucas standing behind me, his voice calm but firm, his presence radiating power.