Chapter 2 He tilted his head , saw the pathetic state I was in , and actually let out a soft chuckle . [ ] " Aurora Durand , did you really think that by charming my parents you could control my life ? In your dreams . Let me tell you , no matter how many games you play , you'll never be half the woman Stella is ! " I looked at the pure loathing in his eyes and could only find it laughable . [ ] Our engagement had been arranged by our families when we were just kids . [ ] He had never , not once , voiced any objection . Even after he started giving Stella more attention than he ever gave me , he never mentioned breaking things off It was the Bernard family that pushed for the wedding . ] Back then , when Stella found out we were getting married , she threw a fit , crying and refusing to eat , making Felix and Gideon sick with worry . [ ] To placate her , both of them started avoiding me completely . [ ] During my last call to Gideon , I had asked him , " Gideon , do you actually want to get married or not not ? " He was silent on the other end for a long time , until Stella's tear - choked voice came through the line . " Gideon , honey , who are you talking to ? Is that Aurora ? " [ ] e ! " ] Only then did he hastily snap , " This is so annoying . Our families decided this ages ago , what's there to even ask ? Stop calling me ! " Mr. Bernard had told me not to worry , that he would handle the arrangements , and that he would persuade Gideon . [ ] ne . ] Seeing Gideon like this , I figured he must have gotten an earful from his father and was now taking it out on me , deliberately trying to humiliate me . I let out a low laugh , took the napkin from Felix's hand , and gently wiped the wine from my face . * Aurora , Aurora , is your fiancé here yet ? The officiant is ready to get you two on stage ! You - oh my god ! Your dress ! " ] ] My maid of honor , Eleanor Davis , rushed in frantically . The moment she took in the scene , she looked like she was about to faint . [ ] Her almond - shaped eyes widened in disbelief . She looked from me to the two men , and the pieces instantly clicked into place . You two sons of bitches , are you bullying Aurora again ! " [ ] Before her nails could find Gideon's face , I shot out a hand and grabbed her arm . [ ] Eleanor's dad works for Gideon's family company . [ ] It wasn't worth it . It so wasn't worth it . [ ] But Gideon seemed to misunderstand . Seeing me step between them , his expression flickered with a moment of stunned confusion . Then , he lowered his voice . [ ] 11l give you two choices . One , you go through with the ceremony in this stained dress . " " Two , you go apologize to Stella right now . If you can calm her down , I'll announce the wedding is postponed and have a new dress rush - made for you . Your choice . " He said he was giving me a choice , but the defiant look on his face told me he was just waiting for a fight . [ ] Eleanor was so furious she started crying , staring at him with a murderous glare . [ ] But I , from beginning to end , I didn't show the slightest sign of anger . [ ] I lifted my head and looked him straight in the eye . [ ] " No , thank you , Mr. Bernard . My wedding dress - my mother made it for me before she died . I highly doubt you could find a designer better than her . " [ ] Thud ! Behind me , Felix stumbled back into the vanity table . I turned to meet his utterly shell - shocked gaze . [ ] His lips were trembling , moving but forming no words . Chapter 2 I ignored him and turned back to Gideon . " So , as for your two options , I reject them both . " [ ]