Chapter 4 Melina's Public Disgrace

Without any hint of emotion, Emilee addressed Melina, saying, "Melina, fetch the rings. You're the bridesmaid our mother picked, after all."

Relief washed over Melina. Fortunately, Emilee stayed foolish as ever, still clinging to family ties.

With renewed confidence, Melina moved forward, determined to win back her dignity by flaunting her poise with every step. Each motion became a performance, slow and calculated to show off her beauty. Eventually, she held out the ring tray, trying to look composed.

Emilee, however, just lifted her hand and spoke with quiet authority. "Hand me the ring."

Annoyance flashed across Melina's face at Emilee's sharp tone, but the last thing she wanted was to start a scene. Her hand went for the velvet box. But the instant her finger brushed it, a sharp crack rang out-the bottom had popped open, and the brilliant ring rolled free.

In a frantic attempt to grab it, Melina lunged too hard. She stumbled forward and hit the red carpet with an audible thud, her dress flipping up and exposing far more than she intended.

A shocked murmur rippled through the crowd. Melina stayed on the ground, her face burning with humiliation, desperately wishing she could vanish. When she finally glanced up, she saw Emilee watching her, eyes sparkling with thinly veiled amusement.

Coldness settled over Emilee's features as she stared down at her sister. Her voice was cold. "All you had to do was hand over the ring, Melina. How could you mess up something so simple? If this ruins my wedding with Eric, do you plan to take responsibility?"

Melina's words tripped over themselves as she scrambled upright. "No... It wasn't me, the box just-"

Her fingers flew to her hair, frantically trying to smooth out the chaos. Her dress was rumpled and streaked with dust, a far cry from her usual picture-perfect elegance.

Any chance to finish was cut short when Emilee's voice slid in-gentle on the surface but sharp beneath. "Let's just leave it. I'm sure you didn't mean for this to happen, but honestly, it's a mistake a child could've avoided."

No trace of Emilee's old meekness remained. That glacial stare landed squarely on Melina, sending a chill straight to her heart.

All around them, whispers rose and spread through the crowd, every set of eyes drawn to Melina.

"How could a bridesmaid embarrass herself like that at such an important wedding? There's no excuse."

"Isn't she the one everyone calls the city's most dazzling socialite? She looks anything but impressive now-she couldn't even manage a ring box."

"Why would the Fowler family ever let her represent them here? It's baffling."

As the hushed voices grew louder, Melina's cheeks burned. The realization hit her hard-Emilee had set this trap. Disbelief and rage welled up in her gaze. Ready to spit out her anger, she said, "Emilee, you-"

Sylvia's stern expression silenced everything. "A proper bridesmaid wouldn't have caused a scene like this. Please step down. You're no longer needed on stage."

Nothing but frustration and humiliation twisted in Melina's chest. She didn't dare defy Sylvia, so she bit back her retort, stepped away from the spotlight, and shot Emilee one last glare full of bitter resentment.

Without sparing Melina another glance, Emilee shifted her focus and moved on with poise. An attendant hurried to her side, producing a backup ring without hesitation.

With calm assurance, Emilee slid the ring onto her own finger, finishing the ceremony alone while the crowd watched in a mix of surprise and curiosity. The title of Eric's wife was now hers.

Events wrapped up quickly. Since Eric himself was not able to present, Emilee was spared the reception that usually followed.

Carter family staff guided her straight to Eric's private quarters.

Stepping inside, Emilee's eyes went directly to the man stretched across the grand bed at the room's center.