When her parents and grandfather died, all she wanted was to cry her heart out in this man’s arms.
Kayden meant the world to her-a man who could provide her with comfort and solace.
She never dreamed he would show up at this moment. It was a surprise-an overwhelming, joyous surprise. For Sophie, it felt like a miracle.
Clutching Kayden tightly, she wept uncontrollably, as if pouring out all her grievances through her tears.
Seeing Sophie in her wedding dress, crying in his arms, Kayden immediately understood what had happened. She must not have willingly agreed to marry the fool from the Alfredson family. She had been forced into it.
No matter who had coerced her, they would have to answer to him tonight.
He gently held Sophie and whispered, “It’s okay. I’m here now. No one will bully you anymore.”
Kayden didn’t hold onto Sophie the way Sophie clung to him in her heart, but he could never forget this girl who had waited an entire week at the Henderson family estate, just to see him once.
Even when they parted, she had given him a kiss goodbye.
So, when he saw her enduring such humiliation, how could he pretend not to notice?
Even though he was no longer the war god commanding a million soldiers, solving this problem was still no challenge for him.
He wouldn’t hesitate to wipe out the entire Alfredson family if necessary.
Yes, the Alfredson family had once done favors for Wood Faulkner, and Kayden acknowledged that. But if they engaged in this kind of despicable behavior, he wouldn’t forgive them.
No matter how good Zack Alfredson’s reputation was, no matter how much respect Zack had shown him, it wouldn’t change anything.
The sight of the officiant embracing the bride stunned the entire crowd.
Nobody had anticipated this scene. Everyone was so shocked their jaws nearly hit the ground.
What was happening?
The officiant and the bride were in each other’s arms! And the bride was crying!
Did they think this was a joke?
This was the Alfredson family!
The Alfredson family-a clan of martial artists, where even an ordinary member could take on ten opponents singlehandedly. How could someone be so brazen, so reckless, as to ignore the Alfredson family and their guests?
This was humiliating for the Alfredson family, making them a laughingstock.
“What’s going on here? How could the officiant embrace the bride?”
“There’s obviously more to this story. The bride must know the officiant, and they might even have had an unspeakable relationship.”
“But this is the Alfredson family’s wedding banquet! Isn’t this going too far? It’s like stomping all over the Alfredson family’s dignity!”
“Does he think saving Mr. Alfredson gives him the right to act with impunity? Foolish, so foolish!”
Everyone turned their eyes to Zack Alfredson, waiting to see how he would react.
Sure enough, Zack’s face had turned a completely different color. This unexpected development had caught him off guard.
He had shown great respect to Kayden, even inviting him to officiate his grandson’s wedding. But now, Kayden had repaid him with disrespect.
There was no denying Kayden’s strength, but the Alfredson family also had their pride.
To embrace his prospective granddaughter-in-law in front of so many people was more humiliating than a slap in the face.
Zack swallowed hard, fury evident in his expression. Gritting his teeth, he demanded, “Mr. Scott, what is the meaning of this?”
Zack’s tone carried seven parts anger and three parts inquiry.
His words snapped Sophie back to reality. They were still at the Alfredson family estate.
Quickly, she pushed herself out of Kayden’s arms and wiped away her tears.
The Alfredson family was a powerful clan. In the past, Sophie had lived a carefree life, oblivious to the weight of such power. But now, she understood. The Alfredson family’s strength lay in their ability to cultivate talent and provide resources to the Walsh family-one of the reasons for this arranged marriage.
Recently, the Walsh family had suffered significant losses and urgently needed manpower. That’s why Sophie had been married off.
“Kayden!” Sophie said, regaining her composure. She had no time for pleasantries and quickly said, “Seeing you again makes my life complete. Thank you for showing up today of all days.”
“I thought I’d never see you again in this lifetime, and yet here you are. But you can’t fight the Alfredson family. Please, don’t get involved. I like you. I really, really like you.”
The others couldn’t hear their conversation, but the fool standing nearby heard every word. Clapping his hands, he cheered, “Yay! Yay! We’re getting married! Kiss her! Kiss her!”
Despite someone else holding his bride, the fool stood there clapping and laughing. It was almost absurd.
But no one paid attention to the fool. All eyes remained on Zack Alfredson, eager to see how he would respond.
Sophie looked into Kayden’s eyes, tears streaming down her face, yet she smiled-a bittersweet, sorrowful smile.
Kayden didn’t know what Sophie had been through, but he could sense the deep sadness behind her smile.
“I’m sorry,” she said with a trembling voice. “Forgive me for meeting you like this, for the last time.”
Before anyone could react, Sophie pulled out a dagger she had prepared earlier and aimed it at her chest.
In the final moment, Kayden grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
“What are you doing?” Sophie asked, stunned.
Kayden’s voice was calm. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. If you don’t want to marry Mr. Alfredson’s grandson, say so. No one here will force you to do what you don’t want to do.”
“Suicide won’t solve anything. It’s the most foolish choice you could make.”
With ease, Kayden took the dagger from her hand. His gaze locked on hers, offering her an overwhelming sense of security.
Sophie was stunning today, her tear-filled eyes making her look even more delicate and radiant. Dressed in a traditional red wedding gown, she was the most beautiful woman in the room.
Looking into Kayden’s eyes, Sophie felt a wave of safety wash over her.
It was the same feeling, the same warmth she remembered.
Kayden stared into her dazed eyes and asked again, “Tell me. Were you forced into this marriage?”
Sophie swallowed hard, her thoughts snapping back into focus. She shook her head and said, “No.”