CHAPTER SIX
Garrett’s POV
I should have known better than to let my guard down that night. One night of drinking to drown out my company’s losses and the pressures of my grandfather’s demands, and I ended up in bed with Lila Hartwell. Lila Hartwell.
It wasn’t just her face plastered all over the tabloids that bothered me—it was her reputation. The stories about her being manipulative, violent, and a liar were impossible to ignore. I had no reason to doubt them, and waking up to her in my bed only confirmed what I thought: she was trouble.
“Disgusting,” I muttered to myself as I adjusted my cufflinks in the mirror.
But then came the twist I didn’t see coming—a child. My child. She hadn’t even been subtle about it, messaging me as if I would jump at the news. At first, I ignored her. What did I care about her or her sob story?
But then I remembered my grandfather’s ultimatum. No trust fund unless I had an heir. And Lila, whether I liked it or not, had handed me the perfect solution.
I would marry her, make it all public, and play the loving husband long enough to secure my inheritance. And if that meant dragging her back into the spotlight for my gain, so be it.
The wedding was my stage, and I intended to set the scene perfectly. I’d invited everyone who mattered, including those who despised Lila. Watching them squirm would be a bonus.
“Sir, the guests are arriving,” said Dave, one of the guards, stepping into the study.
“Good. Ensure everything is on schedule,” I replied, straightening my tie.
Dave hesitated, then added, “Miss Hartwell—Lila—is ready. She’s asking if she has to come downstairs yet.”
I smirked. “Tell her to wait. I’ll call for her when the time is right.”
The garden was buzzing with chatter as I walked through the crowd. My family’s connections, business associates, and even some faces I hadn’t seen in years were all here. But the real entertainment was across the lawn.
Vincent and Grace Hartwell, Lila’s ever-judgmental parents, were mingling with the guests. Mara, her perfect little sister, stood arm-in-arm with Declan Mercer. My stomach churned at the sight of him. The smug grin on his face said he thought he’d won.
“Garrett, my boy!” Vincent called out, approaching with a glass of champagne. “This is quite the event. I must say, you’ve outdone yourself.”
I offered him a polite nod. “I aim to please.”
“Any hints about the bride?” Grace asked, stepping forward with that false sweetness she used so well.
“You’ll see soon enough,” I replied, barely holding back a grin. “I think you’ll find it… surprising.”
Their expressions faltered for just a moment. Good.
As I made my way to the stage, I caught snippets of conversation from the guests.
“Who do you think it’ll be?” one woman whispered.
“Maybe someone from the Vanderbilt family,” another replied. “Garrett wouldn’t settle for less.”
If only they knew.
I tapped the microphone, and the hum of chatter died down.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I began, scanning the crowd. “Thank you all for joining me on this special day. As most of you know, I’ve kept my personal life private—until now.”
Eyes locked on me, curiosity written across every face.
“It’s a rare thing to find someone who understands you, someone who supports you through every challenge,” I continued, my voice steady. “Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ve found that person. Someone who has stood by me in ways I never expected.”
I paused, letting the anticipation build. Then I turned toward the grand doors at the edge of the garden.
“And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce my bride.”
The doors opened, and there she was—Lila Hartwell.
The collective gasp from the crowd was almost audible. I didn’t need to look at Vincent, Grace, Mara, or Declan to know their reactions. The silence was deafening, followed quickly by frantic whispers.
“That’s her?”
“It can’t be!”
“Lila Hartwell? After everything she’s done?”
Lila walked down the aisle slowly, her head held high, though I could see the tension in her shoulders. She didn’t belong here, and everyone knew it—including her.
When she reached my side, I extended a hand, which she took hesitantly.
I turned back to the microphone, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “Yes, it’s true. Lila Hartwell is my wife. And I love her more than anything.”
The whispers turned into murmurs of disbelief.
“She’s a liar!” someone hissed from the back.
“A fraud!”
I squeezed Lila’s hand, ignoring her glare. “Lila has been through more than most people could imagine. She’s been judged unfairly, betrayed by those she trusted, and left to fend for herself. But through it all, she’s remained strong. And I admire her for that.”
Her hand tensed in mine, but I didn’t stop.
“This marriage isn’t just a union of two people,” I said, letting my voice rise. “It’s a toast to the power of love, forgiveness, and redemption. I stand by Lila because I believe in her. And I hope you all will too.”
The applause that followed was half-hearted at best, but I didn’t care. This wasn’t about their approval—it was about control.
As the ceremony continued, I couldn’t help but steal glances at the Hartwell family. Grace looked like she’d swallowed a lemon, Vincent was red-faced and furious, and Mara… Mara was fuming.
Declan, however, was the most satisfying to watch. His jaw was clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might shatter.
And Lila? She looked ready to murder me.
Good. Let her hate me. This was my game, and I intended to win.
When the ceremony ended, I leaned close to her ear. “Smile, darling. You’re the star of the show.”
Her glare could’ve set me on fire, but she obeyed, turning to face the cameras with a forced smile.
As we posed for photos, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next. The game was just beginning, and I had no intent
ion of letting anyone—especially Lila—outplay me.