Chapter 10
Reed, sitting in the wedding car, felt oddly empty.
For a moment, he was certain he’d seen a familiar face.
Those clear eyes had shown no emotion whatsoever, as if looking at a complete stranger.
No, he must have been seeing things. How could Avery possibly be there?
“Reed, what are you thinking about?” Victoria asked sweetly. “It’s our wedding day.”
Reed forced a smile. “Nothing, just thinking about what comes after the wedding.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just about us, of course.” Reed’s words were evasive, but inwardly he was thinking that as soon as the wedding ended, he would immediately “regain his memory” and find Avery to explain everything.
But why did he have this terrifying feeling that something was slipping away?
The wedding venue was decorated with extravagant luxury.
Reed stood on the stage, staring at the sea of faces below, unable to concentrate.
His palms were sweating, his heart racing unusually fast. Something felt wrong.
“Reed, what’s wrong?” Victoria whispered, her smile becoming strained. “You look really uncomfortable.”
“I’m fine.”
Reed answered distractedly, not even looking at her.
Victoria’s expression instantly soured. She tugged at Reed’s sleeve, deliberately acting weak.
“Reed, I’m so nervous. My head feels dizzy…”
Usually, such gestures would immediately trigger Reed’s concern, but today he merely nodded.
“Hold on, it’ll be over soon.”
Victoria clenched her jaw, her internal rage building: it must be that bitch Avery! Even when she’s not here, she still ruins my wedding!
“Now, would the groom please recite his vows,” the officiant announced.
The voice continued: “Mr. Reed Bennett, do you take Miss Victoria Hayes to be your wife, for better or worse…”
Reed didn’t hear a word after that.
Everything around him faded away, leaving only the memory of his first wedding ceremony vivid and clear.
His Avery in her wedding dress, walking toward him, her eyes sparkling brighter than all the stars in the sky.
He remembered crying like a fool, holding her tight, solemnly vowing in her ear:
“Avery, from birth to death, loving you is the one thing I’ll never forget.”
That was the most sincere thing he’d ever said in his life.
In a daze, Victoria in front of him gradually transformed into Avery’s image.
Reed’s eyes filled with tender affection.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he answered, his voice hoarse with emotion:
“Avery, I do.”
The venue instantly fell silent.
Then, the audience erupted in whispers:
“Who did he just call? Avery? Isn’t that his ex-wife’s name?”
“Holy shit, he’s calling his ex’s name at his wedding! Has he lost it?”
“I knew Mr. Bennett couldn’t have forgotten Miss Walsh. She was the love of his life for years.”
“Look at Victoria’s face-it’s turned green! This is gonna be good!”
“Can this wedding even continue? Bet he’ll divorce Victoria real quick and get back with Avery.”
Victoria’s face cycled between ashen and livid. She clutched her bouquet tightly, venomous hatred exploding in her eyes as her nails dug into her
palms.
Avery Walsh, I’ll make you PAY!
The officiant laughed awkwardly, quickly explaining: “Mr. Bennett means he wishes to be with Miss Hayes from dawn to dusk-how romantic!”
Everyone knew perfectly well Reed had called Avery’s name.
The whispers washed over Reed like a tide, snapping him back to reality as he realized his mistake-he’d momentarily mistaken Victoria for Avery.
Seeing Victoria’s twisted expression, he quietly said, “Sorry.”
Victoria forced a smile. “It’s okay, Reed. I understand.”
But inside, she was seething with hatred.
The rest of the ceremony proceeded hastily in an awkward atmosphere.
Back in the dressing room, Victoria could no longer contain herself. Tears burst forth.
“Reed, today’s wedding was nothing like I imagined.” She sobbed. “I know you still have feelings for Avery, but today is our special day. How could
you…”
Reed irritably loosened his tie. “I said I was sorry.”
“You know I’m dying, my time is running out.” Victoria cried harder. “Reed, my wish is just one step away from completion. Can we go get our marriage certificate? Once we’ve done that, fulfilling my father’s wish and mine, I’ll divorce you voluntarily and never appear in your life again. Please…”
Reed stopped what he was doing and looked at her coldly. “Victoria Hayes, know your limits. I’ve done everything I promised. Enough with your delusions.”
Victoria froze. She had never seen Reed use this tone with her.
“1”
“Enough.” Reed cut her off. “I’m leaving.”
With that, he walked out without looking back.
Reed drove home frantically, his mind filled with Avery’s image. He just wanted to see her immediately, to hold her tight.
She would be so happy to know he’d “regained his memory.”
“Avery!” He pushed open the door, calling her name, his voice carrying an unnoticed tremor.
“Avery, I’m back! I remember everything!”
But only empty rooms answered him.
“Avery?” He ran upstairs, pushing open the bedroom door. “I remember everything! These past months have been hard on you-it’s all my fault! I’ve
severed all ties with Victoria…”
Still no response.
Gradually, Reed’s heart sank.
