?Chapter 1266:


    Who was this man, and why did his stare cut so deep? A heavy, piercing pain spread through her chest, yet she had no idea why.


    Marc’splexion drained of color the instant he saw William. Panic flickered across his features as he moved instinctively in front of Ste, his voice quivering despite his attempt to sound firm. “William, what’s the meaning of this? Today is my wedding with Stel! You shouldn’t be here!”


    William didn’t even nce his way, his eyes fixed instead on Ste’s puzzled face.


    He strode up the stage without hesitation and seized Ste’s wrist in a firm, unrelenting grasp.


    His hand held hers with a strength that couldn’t be denied.


    A startled cry escaped Ste’s lips as pain shot up her arm. His chilling aura made her skin prickle as she struggled against his grip. “Hey! Stop it! What are you doing? Let me go!”


    William gazed down at her, his expression unreadable. The face before him had haunted his sleepless nights—one he both longed for and resented. A faint, icy smile curved his lips. When he spoke, his tone was quiet yet carried through the entire hall. “She said no.”


    Those three words rang in Ste’s ears like a st, leaving every guest stunned into silence.


    Had William trulye to ruin the wedding?


    Ste gaped at the man before her, a stranger who somehow felt familiar, her mind utterly nk.


    She said no? How could he dare to speak that word on her behalf?


    Without sparing a thought for the confusion flickering in her eyes, William tightened his hold on Ste’s hand and turned sharply, intent on leaving the ce that made his skin crawl.


    Snapping from his daze, Marc lunged ahead, his anger boiling over. “William, release her! She’s my bride!”


    gα?ησv???s hosts exclusive updates


    William stopped, casting a sideways nce at Marc, his gaze empty of warmth and brimming with scorn. “Your bride?” A cold, humorless smile tugged at his lips. “Marc, move aside before I lose control and make a scene you’ll regret.”


    The quiet threat carried enough weight to still the air. Marc’s anger faltered as a chill ran down his spine. He stood frozen in ce, too afraid to take another step.


    Marc knew deep down that the bond he had formed with Ste during this time was never his to im.


    Now that William had returned, the thief had no right to stand in his way.


    Ignoring the gasps rippling through the hall, William gripped Ste’s wrist and pulled her from the stage. His movements were unyielding, driven by something darker than anger.


    Ste fought against him, her voice trembling with panic. “I don’t want to go! I don’t even know you! Who are you? Let me go! Marc—Marc, help me!”


    The harder she tried to pull away, the deeper William’s anger grew.


    The pressure of his hand increased, his hold so fierce it felt like he would break her wrist.


    A sharp cry escaped Ste as her arm folded in reflexive pain.


    “You’re hurting me… let go!”


    William’s fury burned hot, but the sound of Ste’s cry pierced through it, sharp and desperate. His grip faltered for a heartbeat.


    .


    .


    .