Chapter 200: You’ve Drunk Too Much (Part 1)
Alison was drunk, her mind clouded with images of Sophia and Ethan.
Rock pushed the iced tea toward Aidan. “Aidan, pour Miss Fairchild a cup.”
“Alright.” Aidan took the cup, intending to hand it to Alison. However, her hands were trembling so badly she couldn’t steady them.
“Let me help you, Alison.” He lifted the rim of the cup to her lips.
After a small sip, her scorched throat was soothed by a hint of sweetness and coolness. She turned her head and smiled. “Thank you, Rock.”
Rock asked casually, “Miss Fairchild, is Ethan your child?” His gaze was gentle.
Alison replied, “Yes.”
Rock said, “He must be adorable. I’d love to meet him.”
Alison nodded, though she wasn’t even sure where the kids were. She didn’t want to play along with Aimée, nor did she want to face Jack’s icy stare, which chilled her to the bone.
Her eyes drifted to the floor, blank and heavy. How did things tip over into this?
Just then, Daniel found an opportunity to approach her. “Alison, the bride is asking for your help. Hurry up.”
Before Alison could answer, Aidan cut in coldly. “No.”
Daniel started to protest, but Aidan cut him off again. “She’s not going, Daniel.”
Alison struggled to her feet. “Aidan, I’m fine. I can manage it. Tell me if there’s any news about Ethan.”
She had to bear it — Sophia was still in Aimée’s hands.
“You’ve drunk too much, Alison.” Aidan grabbed her hand. “I’ll talk to Aimée.”
Alison’s trembling body pleaded for him to do exactly that. He needed to know why Aimée always tormented her.
“Aidan, let go. It’s none of your business.”
“Sit down,” Aidan commanded her for the first time, pressing her shoulders firmly back into the chair.
“You’re not her servant.” With that, he started walking toward Aimée.
“Aidan…” Alison tried to follow, but Rock called her back.
“Rest assured, Miss Fairchild. Aidan can handle it. Trust him.”
Aidan returned shortly, smiling. “Alison, it’s all settled. I told her you’re hungover and can’t drink anymore.”
“Thank you, Aidan,” Alison said gratefully.
Seeing Alison had stopped fussing, the emcee announced the ceremony would resume. The crowd entered the church from the hall, ready to witness the new couple.
Jack and Aimée stood facing each other, hands clasped.
The pastor said, “We gather today to witness the marriage of Mr. Jack Winston and Ms. Aimée Rolland, in the sight of God and our loved ones. Let us begin with the vows.”
He turned to Jack. “Mr. Winston, do you take Ms. Rolland as your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love, cherish, and remain faithful to her, in health and in sickness, for better or worse, until death do you part?”
Jack answered indifferently, “~~ I do.~~”
“I do.”
To avoid embarrassment, the pastor turned to Aimée. “Ms. Rolland, do you take Mr. Winston as your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love, cherish, and remain faithful to him, in health and in sickness, for better or worse, until death do you part?”
Aimée smiled, eyes glittering with triumph. “Yes, I do. I, Aimée Rolland, vow to love and support Jack Winston always, sharing every joy and challenge with him.”
The pastor declared, “Please exchange your rings.”
“Exchange rings!” came another loud cry. After this step, the ceremony would conclude.
Alison kept her eyes down, feeling as if her heart were being sliced open. She refused to face this moment — Jack was about to marry Aimée.
Despair washed over her, and tears welled in her eyes. What should I do?
“Alison, are you still worried about Ethan and Sophia?” Aidan noticed her unease, his voice full of concern.
“Aidan, I need some air,” Alison said. She felt suffocated in the hall.
“I’ll go with you.” Aidan stood up — just as his phone rang.
“Aidan, answer it!” Alison perked up at the ringtone, certain it must be Sophia and Ethan calling.
Aidan pressed the speakerphone button. Soon, Ethan’s voice echoed. “Godfather, I want Mommy to take the call.”
“Go ahead. She’s hearing you,” Aidan replied.
“Mommy, are you there?” Ethan called out over the phone.
“Yes, Mommy’s here,” Alison answered, tears filling her eyes.
“Mommy, Sophia is with me. Where is Daddy? We want him…” Ethan’s voice was heard clearly by Aidan, Alison, and Rock.
Alison’s lips trembled slightly. “Ethan, let Sophia speak, okay?”
“Mommy, it’s Sophia. I miss you.”
Alison couldn’t utter a word, but smiled through tears of surprise streaming down her face.
“Mommy? We don’t want Daddy to get married! Go stop him! Hurry! Mommy, I heard they’re exchanging rings…” Ethan shouted, snapping Alison back to reality.
She turned back and saw that Jack and Aimée were indeed about to exchange rings.