The grand cathedral bells rang across the city.
It was the wedding of the century. The Queen of the Business World, Amelia White, and the Crown Prince of Aravia, Alexander, were about to exchange vows.
The world's most influential figures filled the pews. The media broadcasted the event live across every major network.
Cameras flashed. Rose petals rained down.
And then—just as Amelia took Prince Alexander's hand and the priest opened the ceremonial book—
BANG!
The heavy doors at the end of the aisle slammed open with a deafening crash.
Everyone turned.
At the entrance stood a man—disheveled, pale, his suit wrinkled and stained with dust from his journey. His eyes were bloodshot, his lips trembling.
It was Ethan Blake.
The mighty CEO who once ruled the world… now nothing more than a shadow of his former self.
He stumbled forward, every step heavy with regret and pain.
"Amelia…" His voice cracked, barely audible through the grand hall. "Please… don't marry him."
Security rushed toward him, but he fell to his knees before they could reach him, his head bowed low, his voice raw and shaking.
"Please… just give me one last chance. I have nothing left but my life. I'll trade it… if you'll just look at me one more time with love."
Tears streamed down his pale cheeks as he pounded his fists against the cold marble floor.
"I was wrong! I was so wrong… I should have chosen you back then… I should have protected you… loved you… begged you to stay! And now… I have nothing!"
His voice echoed through the silent cathedral, every word dripping with agony.
Amelia stood tall at the altar, her silver gown glimmering under the cathedral lights.
She looked down at the man who had once shattered her heart.
For a long moment, she said nothing.
Then, slowly, she walked down the steps of the altar and stopped in front of him.
Ethan's eyes lit up with a final, desperate hope.
But Amelia only crouched down to his level, leaned in close, and whispered—so softly that only he could hear—
"You should have knelt five years ago. Now… even the floor isn't worthy of your regret."
She stood up gracefully, turned her back on him, and without another word, walked back to the altar.
The priest resumed the ceremony.
The entire world watched as Amelia took Prince Alexander's hand.
"I do."
And with that, Ethan Blake's last hope shattered like glass under a merciless heel.