“The perfect couple—the beast and the paid bride.”
Sebastian lowered his head.
He waited for Emily to cry.
To step away.
To feel ashamed.
But he was wrong.
Emily released the wheelchair and stepped forward.
“Excuse me,” she said firmly.
“Do not call my husband a monster.”
Vanessa froze.
“Excuse me?”
“Yes, he’s big. Yes, he’s not as polished as your husbands,” Emily said loudly enough for the room to hear.
“But this man has a heart bigger than all of yours combined. I married him because of debt—I admit that. But I stayed because for three months, I saw kindness you’re too shallow to notice.”
Emily placed her hand on Sebastian’s shoulder.
“I am proud to be Mrs. Whitmore. And I would rather spend my life with this ‘beast’ than with plastic people like you.”
The ballroom fell silent.
Vanessa stood humiliated.
Sebastian looked at Emily—and saw courage, loyalty, and love.
She was the woman he had been waiting for.
“Emily,” he whispered.
“Let’s go home.”
THE TRUTH
Back at the mansion, Emily guided Sebastian into the bedroom.
“Shall I prepare your tea, Mr. Whitmore?” she asked gently.
“No,” Sebastian replied.
His voice changed.