Chapter 131 CHAPTER 131
Today is your wedding day
The church bells chimed softly through the clear morning air, their deep tones echoing across the courtyard and into the marble hall. Ares’ mansion had never been this quiet, this full of nervous anticipation. Outside, cars gleamed in the sun. Photographers stood by the entrance, waiting for the moment the bride would appear.
Inside, the world seemed to move in slow motion. The air smelled faintly of lilies and candle wax. Every seat in the chapel was filled. Ares stood at the altar in a tailored white tuxedo, hands clasped in front of him, his jaw set, his heart pounding harder than he wanted to admit.
Tessa was late but not too late.
Then the doors opened.
The guests rose in unison. Gasps rippled through the room.
Julian appeared first, walking tall, his arm steady and sure. On his arm was Tessa.
She looked breathtaking. Her white gown trailed softly behind her, the silk shimmering like moonlight. Her hair was pulled back in a delicate bun, a few curls framing her face. Her eyes glistened, and for a second, it looked like she was trying to hold back tears, tears of disbelief that after everything, this moment was finally happening.
Ares couldn’t take his eyes off her. The noise around him, the whispers, the sighs faded. It was just her.
Julian gave Tessa a small, reassuring smile as they moved closer to the altar. Every step echoed softly. Every eye followed.
To the left, Lady Bianca sat beside Lila, both elegantly dressed in shades of silver and rose gold. But instead of watching her son with pride, Bianca leaned toward Lila, whispering something that made Lila chuckle under her breath. Bianca’s fan moved slowly as she pretended to cool herself, her words dripping with quiet judgment.
“She looks nervous,” Bianca murmured. “Low budget bride.”
Lila smiled faintly. “She should be nervous. Marrying Ares isn’t for the faint of heart.”
“Oh, I remember,” Bianca said with a knowing smirk.
Across the aisle, Ayisha stood tall in a soft lilac gown. She was radiant, proud, and protective. Her bouquet trembled just slightly in her hand as her eyes followed Tessa up the aisle. She knew what this moment meant, after all the chaos, the scandals, the fights this wedding symbolized peace, love, family.
And behind her, Chloe sat alone at the far end of the row. Dressed in deep emerald silk, her face covered with a veil, she looked like she belonged in another story entirely. Her makeup was perfect, her posture flawless, but her eyes told the truth. She was breaking inside.
Every laugh from Bianca’s table, every whisper between Lila and the older woman, made her stomach twist. She looked toward Ares briefly just once and quickly looked away, holding her tears back with all the strength she had.
Dorcas sat near the front with Jamal, Kamal, Beauty, and Pretty. The quadruplets were picture perfect in their tiny matching outfits. Beauty fidgeted with her flower crown. Kamal whispered something to Jamal that made the two boys giggle quietly. Pretty smiled. Dorcas placed a finger to her lips, smiling faintly at them.
Julian finally stopped before the altar. He turned to Tessa, smiled, and kissed her forehead softly before handing her over to Ares.
“Take care of her,” Julian whispered under his breath.
Ares nodded. “I will.”
The priest cleared his throat and gestured for everyone to sit. The murmurs faded.
Tessa’s fingers slipped into Ares’ hands. They were both shaking slightly.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
She smiled faintly, eyes glassy. “You look nervous.”
He let out a soft laugh. “You have no idea.”
The priest began speaking, his voice calm and deliberate, echoing off the high ceilings of the chapel. He spoke of love, of forgiveness, of building something that could outlast pain. His words carried weight, and even those who didn’t believe in the union couldn’t deny the emotion filling the room.
Ayisha sniffled quietly, smiling at her best friend. Julian exhaled, finally relaxing into his seat. Even Bianca sat still, her fan motionless for once.
“Do you, Ares Langford, take Tessa Monroe to be your lawful—”
The chapel door burst open.
Everyone turned.
A tall young man stood at the entrance. Dressed in a plain black shirt and jeans, he looked out of place among the luxury and ceremony. His face was tense, his expression unreadable.
The priest stopped mid sentence. The silence was deafening.
Tessa blinked, confused. “What…?”
Ares frowned. “Who is that?”
The man stepped forward, his voice firm but shaking slightly with emotion. “This wedding cannot hold.”
The words sliced through the air like glass.
Gasps erupted across the chapel. Lady Bianca turned sharply in her seat, eyes narrowing. Julian rose halfway, instinctively ready to intervene. Ayisha froze in place. Chloe’s lips parted in shock.
“What did you just say?” the priest asked, voice trembling.
The man didn’t hesitate. He looked directly at Ares, then at Tessa. “I said this wedding cannot hold.”
Ares’ brows furrowed. “Who the hell are you?”
The young man took another step closer. His jaw clenched as he spoke. “My name is Richard.” He paused, letting the name sink in, his gaze locked on Tessa. “And I’m the biological father of those kids.”
The room erupted.
Lady Bianca dropped her fan. Lila’s hand flew to her mouth. Dorcas stood immediately, clutching the children protectively. Ayisha’s bouquet fell from her trembling hands.
Ares turned toward Tessa, disbelief written all over his face. “What…what is he talking about?”
Tessa’s face drained of color. She shook her head, stepping back as if the floor had just disappeared beneath her. “Ares, I—I don’t know what he’s saying—”
“Don’t lie!” Richard’s voice cracked through the chaos. “You know me, Tessa. You know damn well who I am. I tried to reach you for years. You kept my kids from me!”
The crowd erupted again, whispers like wildfire.
Julian rushed forward, placing himself between Richard and the couple. “Sir, I don’t know who you are or what you think you’re doing, but this is a private event. You need to leave—”
“I’m not leaving,” Richard snapped. “Not until the truth comes out.”
Tessa’s breathing quickened, panic rising. She looked at Ares—his face was unreadable, stunned, cold. “Ares, he’s lying,” she whispered. “I don’t know this man.”
But Ares didn’t respond. His eyes were locked on her, trying to read her, trying to piece together every moment that had ever seemed off, every unanswered question, every lingering doubt.
Richard pointed toward the children, who were huddled close to Dorcas, frightened and confused. “Those are my kids.”
Lady Bianca rose slowly, her expression shifting from confusion to vindication. “I knew it,” she said softly, almost to herself. “I knew it wasn’t possible.”
“Mom, not now!” Julian barked.
Ares’ breath came out slow, uneven. His hands trembled at his sides. “Tessa,” he said quietly, his voice low but heavy, “is it true?”
Tessa’s lips parted, but no sound came out. Tears spilled freely down her cheeks. “Ares, I swear—”
“Answer me!”
The echo of his voice filled the hall.
Tessa stumbled back a step, sobbing, her bouquet slipping from her hands. The petals scattered across the floor like broken glass.
Ayisha reached for her, but Tessa couldn’t move.
The priest, uncertaitn, stepped aside, murmuring a quiet prayer under his breath.
The guests whispered louder now, some standing, some pulling out phones, the chaos spinning into noise and confusion.