Chapter 18: Dina Returns

The moment Julian’s teasing question fell, the light in Cora’s eyes dimmed.

Yes—he’d guessed right.

That graduation photo meant something because the one behind the camera had been Matt.

But that was the past.

And the past could never come back.

Julian caught the fleeting sorrow in her gaze, and for reasons he couldn’t explain, something heavy twisted in his chest.

⸻

The wedding came together with dizzying speed.

Since the pregnancy had already made headlines within certain circles, Madam Yoon wanted the ceremony done quietly, efficiently, and above all—soon.

Ravi didn’t care if it was grand or modest.

She only wanted it done fast, so she could count her money sooner.

A private chapel was booked. The guest list was small, limited to family and company insiders.

But even in its simplicity, everything screamed Watson: the flowers imported, the jewelry custom-made, the photographers discreet yet world-class.

⸻

Cora sat alone in the bridal lounge, swathed in layers of satin and lace.

The gown was exquisite, the diamonds around her neck dazzling—but the reflection in the mirror looked like a stranger.

Is that really me?

The delicate veil framed a face she barely recognized—perfect makeup, flawless poise, but empty eyes.

She was about to marry Julian Watson.

The final line separating her from her old life would vanish within hours.

A quiet panic crept up her spine.

Something felt wrong—like a storm waiting just beyond the chapel doors.

⸻

Across the hall, Julian adjusted his tie in the mirror, the very image of a man who belonged in the headlines.

Even the stylists couldn’t help stealing glances.

Austin entered in a rush. “Mr. Watson, Miss Dina has just returned from abroad. She’s on her way here now.”

Julian’s expression hardened. “She finally decided to come back?”

A faint, humorless smile touched his lips. “Funny. She left without a word—and now she wants to deliver her blessings?”

“She wasn’t invited,” Austin added cautiously. “Do you want us to stop her?”

“No,” Julian said coldly. “Let her come. Some things should’ve been dealt with long ago.”

He straightened his jacket and buttoned his cufflinks. “Tell them it’s time. Bring that person in when I say so.”

“Yes, Mr. Watson.” Austin bowed and hurried out.

⸻

Outside the chapel, Dina stood in designer heels, her expression dark with fury.

Everything about the event screamed elegance—the flowers, the polished marble, the air itself perfumed with wealth.

And she hated every inch of it.

This should’ve been mine.

She had offered Cora’s first night as a gift, a gesture, nothing more.

She hadn’t meant for Cora to take everything—Julian, the status, the spotlight.

How dare he marry her?

Dina’s lips curled. No man leaves me. I leave them.

If she couldn’t reach Julian, she’d make Cora come to her instead.

After all, it only took one whisper to ruin a bride.

Her heels clicked sharply against the marble as she marched to the bridal lounge.

⸻

Knock, knock, knock.

“Come in,” Cora said softly, still staring at her reflection.

The door opened—and her heart nearly stopped.

“Dina?”

The woman standing there was exactly as she remembered—tall, striking, dressed to perfection.

But her smile was gone, replaced by something feral.

Before Cora could speak again, Dina’s hand came down hard.

SMACK.

The slap rang through the room, sharp and merciless.

Cora staggered backward, barely catching herself on a chair.

If she hadn’t, her belly would’ve struck the table.

In the mirror’s reflection, she saw Dina’s twisted face and felt a chill crawl up her spine.

“Dina—why are you—”

“How dare you!” Dina’s voice cracked like glass. “How could you abandon Matt and marry Julian?! You snake! You’re marrying my boyfriend!”

Cora froze. The words were so absurd, so loud, she could hardly think.

When she finally found her voice, it trembled with disbelief.

“Dina, you’re the one I need to ask! Why wasn’t it Matt in Room 1216? Why was Julian there instead? Where is Matt? What did you do?”

For the first time, Dina faltered.

But only for a moment.

Her eyes darted, calculating. Then she sneered.

“How would I know what you were doing in my boyfriend’s room? I gave you the key to 1210! You switched it, didn’t you? You stole my room card and went into our suite!”

Her tone dripped with wounded betrayal.

“I can’t believe this. After everything I’ve done for you—how could you do this to me?”

Cora stared at her, shock slowly giving way to horror.

So that was it.

The entire nightmare had started with Dina’s “gift.”

And now the giver had come to destroy her again.