Chapter 605

Everett chose deception.

Rosalind's tears spilled over instantly, her heart plummeting with crushing disappointment. After everything, how could he still lie to her?

Why?

She bit back a sob.

Everett heard her muffled cries clearly, his chest constricting. "What's wrong? Are you crying? Did something happen?"

All eyes in the grand cathedral were fixed on Everett and Genevieve, the golden couple at the center of this lavish wedding. Yet now, standing before the archbishop, Everett had frozen mid-ceremony to take a call. The murmurs among the elite guests grew louder.

Genevieve stepped closer, gripping his sleeve with manicured fingers. "Everyone's waiting," she hissed. "Whatever it is can wait until after our vows."

Outside the cathedral doors, Rosalind stood trembling, her voice breaking. "What could possibly be so important? Are you busy marrying Genevieve Blackwood?"

Everett's breath caught. "You know? Who told you—"

"I'm standing right outside!"

What?

Everett's head snapped up. There, framed in the arched doorway, stood Rosalind. Their gazes locked across the sea of confused guests, her tear-filled eyes piercing his soul.

Time froze.

Never in his wildest dreams had Everett imagined Rosalind would appear at his wedding. He'd carefully orchestrated this charade, intending to explain everything once it was over. One more day, and the dangerous game would be complete.

Yet here she stood—his undoing.

Rosalind's voice shook. "Tell me why you're doing this. Give me one believable reason, and I'll walk away."

Everett faltered. "I...I can't—"

Just then, Reginald Blackwood rose from the front row, his expression thunderous. "Everett! The ceremony!"

A black-suited man rushed in, whispering urgently: "Mr. Sinclair, he's arrived!"

The mysterious benefactor—here at last!

Reginald's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Our honored guest awaits. Finish this farce quickly."

Everett's grip on the phone turned white-knuckled. He couldn't reveal the deadly stakes—not with so many lives at risk. Rosalind had to leave. Now.

"Go home," he ordered hoarsely.

"And what about you?" Rosalind's voice shattered between sobs. "Come with me! I can't watch you marry her. If you go through with this, I swear—"

Everett's heart tore in two. How he longed to sprout wings and sweep her away from this nightmare.

But one misstep now would destroy them both. Years of careful planning balanced on this razor's edge.

He couldn't.

Everett's voice dropped to a tortured whisper. "Stop crying, darling. I'll find you when this is over."

"No! It's now or never!" This was her final stand. That night, she'd sworn if he married another, she'd vanish forever.

Rosalind loved fiercely, wholly—but she refused to share her heart with lies and other women.

Everett's jaw clenched. "I'm sorry. I can't leave."

The line went dead.

Genevieve exhaled shakily, having recognized Rosalind's voice. For one terrifying moment, she'd thought Everett might actually abandon her at the altar.

But he'd stayed.