His Contractual Mistress

"Is that true, Jake? Or just a joke?" 

"Does Vincent know about that before he marries Eva?" 

Jake nodded, which caused those who gossiped to gasp from shock. "Vincent knew, and he didn't care as long as Eva would not meddle in his private affairs and would never demand of him." 

"Is that the reason Eva never appears in the picture after Vincent lives with his humored mistress?" 

That it turns out to be an heiress of unimaginable wealth! Vincent's relatives thought about that. 

"Yeah. I often see Eva hanging out with that guy when she already married Vincent. I never thought that this guy was Hailee's ex-fiance." 

"Oh…" 

'How complicated!' they thought. 

On the other side, several eyes also keenly watch Bryan while dancing Hailee. Bryan could actually feel those sharp stares and dagger look throwing at him, but he doesn't care. 

"You look so lovely in your wedding dress." He told Hailee with sincerity. 

"Thank you." Hailee's eyes filled with sadness when she recalled when Bryan protested how she dressed. 

"Just how I imagined. You're the most beautiful bride in the world," Bryan added. 

Hailee stared at Bryan. She could sense the bitterness and regrets in his voice. 

A year ago, they almost got married and became a newlywed couple. It's just a few days to wait.

Everything is all ready; the wedding reception is still the same place and decorated glamourously. However, she got married to another man.

And her beautiful wedding dress… They couture the one that accentuates all the curves in her body. 

Things were too perfect back then. However, today is even greater. 

She may not be wearing a sexy wedding dress like the one she dreamed of… But the baby bump in her wedding gown is even more beautiful than her curves. 

The life inside her womb completes the family she wished to have; she could be called her own. She is starting her married life with the man she loved the most, and together, they will build a family.

Hailee unconsciously travels her eyes toward her handsome groom, and Vincent is also looking in her direction. Their eyes meet and make love. 

Bryan could feel the pang of pain surging in his heart every time he saw Hailee had this kind of expression while starting another man because she had never looked at him this way. 

He honestly envied Vincent for winning this girl's heart. 

"Hail… What if you got married to me? Would you be happy?" 

Hailee was surprised after Bryan asked her this question out of the blue. And even though she already knew the answer, she still fell silent and pondered. 

Hailee lowered her gaze. After a moment of silence, she met Bryan's eyes and replied… 

"I know I would be happy. However, probably the day comes that it feels empty inside, and we would think that something was wrong. I guess we might get divorced one day." 

Hearing Hailee's reply, his heart shattered into pieces once again. Bryan hid the pain in his eyes and smiled bitterly. 

How would he deal with their divorce? He is sure he will be left broken all his life. 

"I think I would be okay about that, Hail. That at some point in my life, I could say that once, you are mine, and I have the chance to love you." 

Hailee didn't know how to reply to Bryan. She guesses there are no words that can comfort him, even if she would tell him that one day he can find someone he will love more than how much he loves her. 

"One day, all is well." Is only the words she could utter while giving Bryan a goodbye hug. 

Bryan parted Hailee before he could tighten his embrace. He might not let her go anymore. "Take care always, princess." 

"You too, Bryan. And, thank you for voicing out on behalf of Vincent and me." 

Bryan chuckled. "You found it out." 

Hailee nodded. "Kristian, who figured it out and investigated thoroughly until he traced the IP address you'd used." 

Bryan smiled at Hailee and took her hands, squeezing them gently. "You know that no matter what, I would always put my life on the line for you." 

Yes, she knows this, and so it breaks her heart. Bryan seemed the one left in the limbo, and he is unwilling to move on but dwells in the pain that lingers inside his heart until now. 

"Bryan…" 

"Don't worry about me, princess. What is important to me is seeing you live well and happy." 

"I will…" 

Bryan turned on his heels. Hailee watched his receding back. She had nothing to wish but for Bryan to be free from the self-punishment he was putting on himself. 

"Princess?" 

Hailee turned around and looked at the man behind her. She smiled and gave her hand to Shun, who bowed and lifted his right hand. 

They danced and talked. 

"Princess, at last, there is another man who will bear his patience." 

"What did that mean?" she pouted after Shun uttered a riddle, the typical of him. 

"I'm trying to comfort you, yes. Vincent is a good man, so Bryan is. Both loved you sincerely, and however, there is only one you really love, like a lover." 

Hailee nodded. "It was Vincent who I only dreamt of being with for the rest of my life." 

"And so, you need not worry about anything, princess. You are a kind-hearted person, and you deserve all the happiness in the world. Bear this in mind." 

"Thank you, Shun. I am so blessed to have you and everyone. You are always there to protect me and make sure that my life is on the right path." 

"I'm happy to help." 

Hailee hugged Shun, then the dances ended, followed by thunderous applause filling the grand hall. 

"Now it's time to take out the cake!" Jessa announced. "May I request the groom and bride to stand in this circle, please..." 

Vincent held Hailee's hand and led her to the space on the right side below the stage. 

Everyone gasps after they have a glimpse of the giant cake. At least five personnel carefully push the cake toward Hailee and Vincent. 

"That was spectacular!" The guests couldn't help praise. 

"Okay. May we request Vincent open the bottle of wine first…." 

Vincent took the bottle that was placed beside the cake and opened it. Since Hailee is pregnant, they make sure that they only prepare sparkling grape juice. 

He poured the two wine glasses and offered one to Hailee; then, both took a sip of the sweet wine on their drinks while their arms crossed.

Everyone applauded and cheered for the newlywed couple. 

After that, Vincent took the long knife; he and Hailee both held onto it and sliced the cake.