Chapter 17

The banquet hall erupted into chaos. "Isn't that the Wilder scion?" "Did he just say 'Don't marry him'? Is he trying to stop the wedding?" "Unbelievable. Mr. Clive just woke from his vegetative state, and now this at his own wedding..." Whispers swelled like a crashing tide. Willow dug her nails into her palm, half-convinced she was trapped in a nightmare. What was Alden doing here? She watched as he strode toward her. His suit was rumpled, and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked as if he hadn't slept in days. "Don't marry him," he repeated. His voice was ragged and barely recognizable. Willow's fingers trembled as she fought to keep her composure. "Alden, what are you doing here?" Her voice was cold. "Aren't you worried your precious Vivian will get jealous?" Alden's breath caught. A flicker of pain darkened his eyes. "I thought you were Vivian," he said, his voice husky with emotion. "Lo, it was you I fell in love with three years ago, not her. I was blind. Stupid. I gave