The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1990

Hertha, in her role as a bridesmaid, was utterly dumbfounded when she overheard someone claim that Spencer's favorite was her, not Emmeline.

This was Spencer and Emmeline's wedding, for crying out loud. How could someone stir up trouble by saying Spencer preferred her over his bride, Emmeline?

No sooner had those words dropped than Emmeline's father, who had just stepped off the stage, turned around sharply. His previously contented expression morphed into one of stern questioning as he marched back up to confront Spencer.

The wedding was on the verge of turning into a fiasco. Spencer's mother shot up from her seat among the guests, her eyes blazing as she fixed a furious stare on the woman who'd spoken out of turn. "What nonsense are you spouting? My son's heart belongs to Emmeline, plain and simple. He just declared his undying love for her. Who are you to question his feelings?"

"But he was looking right at Hertha when he answered the officiant's question. Clearly, he can't get her out of his mind. It's as plain as day," the woman insisted, adamant that Spencer's affections lay elsewhere.

This lady, in her forties with a knack for stirring the pot, had the look of someone who thrived on gossip and meddling in others' business.

Her words sent a wave of sadness and anxiety through Emmeline, who looked desperately at Spencer for reassurance. Clutching her bouquet, the scent of flowers that once symbolized happiness now seemed to mock her. The beautiful, romantic wedding dress she wore felt like a garment made of thorns, pricking her with every moment of doubt about her fiancé's fidelity.

Hertha, standing close by, could see the heartbreak in Emmeline's eyes. She felt a pang of guilt and was about to step forward to clarify things when Spencer locked eyes with Emmeline and said, "My love for you is real. Who will you believe, some outsider or me?"

Emmeline, her lips quivering, looked torn. She adored Spencer and didn't want their relationship to be marred by suspicion. Yet, the accusation had hit too close to home, especially since she'd noticed Spencer's glance towards Hertha during the ceremony, initially dismissing it as him merely looking for her in the crowd.

But now, doubt crept in, fueled by the insinuations of the gossipmonger.

Emmeline's father, visibly agitated, believed his daughter deserved better. "Lily, we're calling off this wedding. Let's go home," he declared, ready to whisk his daughter away from what he perceived as a doomed marriage.

Spencer stepped forward, blocking their path, his sincerity unmistakable. "Dad, please don't jump to conclusions based on hearsay. Lily is the one I love, and I will make her happy."

"Really? Then why is Hertha here as a bridesmaid, especially given your history? Everyone knows you two were an item once upon a time. And with her living in the same neighborhood, raising two kids whose father remains a mystery... Don't tell me those kids are yours?" The woman smirked, her gossip-laden words hanging heavily in the air.

She was an old neighbor of Spencer's, always eager to lap up and spread rumors, much to the dismay of everyone involved.