C3 The Groom

Beverley was pushed out of the car by one of the men dressed in black. No more screams came out of her mouth, no more crying or pleading. She realized it was just a futile struggle.

She stood, staring at the big house in front of her. No, it wasn't an ordinary house; perhaps one could call it a mansion. The mansion looks very grand and elegant. The outside is dominated by bone white.

Is that the Oliver family residence? Beverley didn't know. Even though it was a place filled with luxury, she didn't feel attracted. She couldn't bear to spend her life there with someone she didn't like.

The night wind blew her hair. Her heart was pounding; her feelings became erratic. Is this still real? Perhaps this was a dream when she accidentally fell asleep at the cafe table.

“Miss, please come in.” The voice immediately interrupted her thoughts. She took a deep breath. Turn out this wasn't a dream. Finally, she stepped into the big mansion. Two men dressed in black followed her from behind.

The entrance was already open. The atmosphere that felt foreign immediately greeted her. Many of the servants were already standing tall; there are dozens of people. They wore the same uniform, black and white. Their hair is neatly styled.

One of the servants who had the oldest face came over to her. Maybe he is in his late forties. The man smiled faintly and said, "Miss Holmes, welcome to the Oliver mansion."

Again, Beverley sighed. "Thank you. Can I… can I meet Mr. Michael Oliver?”

“Sorry, Mr. Michael Oliver doesn't live in this mansion. Please come with me. I'll take you to your room," said the man who was the butler there.

"He doesn't live here? Then… what about Brent? Brent Oliver?” asked Beverley with some urgency. At least she wanted to meet the man.

"He's not here either."

Beverley was confused. Is a house this big not occupied by anyone? She looked in all directions. This magnificent building is indeed quiet. There is no other sound from people talking or people doing something.

“Miss, you must be confused. Come with me. I can't explain much for now,” said the butler.

Finally, Beverley nodded weakly. She glanced at the line of servants. After that, she stepped after the butler. Maybe only the man can be relied on.

She climbed the stairs, which were lined with white marble. The view on the top floor is no less good. The vast room and closed doors that didn't know where to lead immediately entered her view.

The butler opened one of the whitewashed doors. The rooms are spacious in plain sight. A large bed with a soft mattress was prepared for her.

“Miss, you can spend the night here. Tomorrow, someone will pick you up to go to the event.”

The event in question is her wedding ceremony. Beverley couldn't help but smile wryly. "Okay, thanks," she said as she walked into the room. "Um, may I know your name?"

"You can call me Edward," the man replied.

Beverley nodded faintly. "You can leave me now. I want to be alone,” Beverley said, stepping over to the window that led out into the backyard.

"Alright. Then good night …." Edward closed the door.

Beverley looked at the clock on the wall. It is late, but she is not sleepy yet. In conditions like now, who can still sleep? Her bag wasn't brought. She didn't even take her cell phone. What could she do if it was like this?

Beverley plopped down on the bed. This long night she spent with thoughts that keep raging. It was almost morning when her eyes started to feel heavy. She fell asleep for some time.

Three hours later, Beverley's door opened. Her eyes immediately blinked. She saw several women who had come with suitcases and wedding dresses for her. Immediately she got up.

"Good morning, Miss Holmes. Did you sleep well last night?” asked a fat man who suddenly came into the room. The man was wearing a fur scarf. His appearance looks very feminine.

Beverley wanted to curse. Are the man's eyes blind? She was clearly exhausted, with dark circles in her eyes. Why is he still asking? She only got three hours of sleep, and that wasn't enough.

"Okay. Wake up, Honey. You have to get ready now. I myself will do your makeup on this special day,” said the man cheerfully.

Special day? Beverley shook her head. It's not a special day; it's a cursed day!

Despite feeling lazy and reluctant, she still forced herself to go to the bathroom. Inside, she was deliberately slowing down her shower. She wanted to come out only because someone knocked on the bathroom door.

"Good. Sit here, Honey. I will start doing your makeup now," said the man while preparing all his makeup needs.

Beverley could only obey. She'd better hurry this so she can meet up with Brent soon, Brent Oliver. If before the marriage started, she could meet the man, maybe she could negotiate.

A mysterious smile finally appeared on her lips. Right. The person she should have spoken to was Brent. They had never met before. So, Brent couldn't possibly like her. Right? A glimmer of hope finally appeared in her heart.

She closed her eyes and let the fat man do her makeup. She doesn't care about other things. Whatever; the most important thing is that she can meet Brent soon!

After quite a tiring time, the makeup was finally done. For a moment, Beverley froze when she looked at her face in the mirror. Is it true that the shadow is herself?

Gosh, she turned out to be so beautiful. Maybe even prettier than some Hollywood stars!

The fat man cheered with joy at the results. He is one of the top makeup artists in Los Angeles. Already hundreds or even thousands of people he's ever makeup. However, when he saw this result, he was still surprised. Beverley is absolutely gorgeous!

“Wow! You look so beautiful, Honey."

"Don't call me honey!" Beverley hissed in annoyance. It sounded ridiculous to her.

"Okay. Come on, take off your bathrobe. You must wear this wedding dress.”

Beverley felt a little uncomfortable. The fat man seemed to understand. He stepped outside and let his assistants help put the wedding dress on Beverley.

It took a long time to wear that very luxurious white dress. Many layers of fabric and diamond pieces. Everything is very troublesome. Beverley vowed never to wear anything like that again.

After everything was done, several men dressed in black came into the room. They were the ones who yesterday forcibly brought her into this mansion. “The time is almost here, Miss. Let's go now."

Beverley snorted softly. She felt uncomfortable in the dress. Several maids immediately helped her lift the hem of her dress so that she could walk more comfortably.

The black car was waiting at the door of the mansion. Beverley was able to get into the car after going through troublesome things. After that, the car immediately drove away to take her to the wedding hall.

Beverley's feelings became erratic. She squeezed her own hands while trying to relieve her nervousness. Is this how brides usually feel?

She swallowed hard to moisten her dry throat. Oh, who would have guessed? She, who yesterday morning was still doing well at the cafe, suddenly turned into the bride the next day.

Beverley's eyes immediately flashed when the car she was riding in stopped in front of a tall building. Many people and reporters were already waiting outside the entrance of the building. They brought notebooks, and some brought cameras.

Oh, my goodness! What's up this time?

“Miss, there is a lot of media here. Please keep your attitude right. Remember, your father's life is in your own hands," whispered one of the men in black in the car.

Beverley gulped after hearing the threat. She nodded and got out of the car. One of the men in black helped her lift the hem of her dress. Then she stepped towards the entrance of the building. She was feeling more and more nervous.

When she reached the entrance, the reporters there immediately threw questions blindly. They all asked questions about the gay rumors that had befallen Brent Oliver.

Of course, Beverley knew nothing about that. She didn't even know what Brent looked like. She just lowered her head and avoided everyone's eyes. Fortunately, the bodyguards immediately helped her through the chaos.

After getting past the reporters, Beverley immediately exclaimed angrily, "Even if he wants to use this marriage to wipe out rumors, he doesn't need to let the reporters come!"

"Miss, the more people who know, the better." The answer made Beverley snort.

Along the way, she tried to look left and right, hoping to find a clue about Brent Oliver. Unfortunately, until she arrived in front of the large, tightly closed door, she didn't find anything important. This frustrated her.

Oh my goodness, was she really going to marry that unknown man?

"My dear daughter, you look so beautiful today," praised the woman who was none other than Emma. The woman had been waiting for her there all along. As usual, Emma's appearance looks very striking.

Beverley snorted in disgust. She didn't bother talking to the woman. Her emotions need not be wasted on her cruel stepmother.

Secretly, she felt sad. James did not come because of his poor health. Did her father know she was getting married?

“The time has come. The bride can enter now," said someone at the door.

Beverley's heart beat faster. Emma was about to lead her inside, but she quickly walked away. "I don't want to be accompanied by anyone," she said coldly.

Emma looked at Beverley in displeased. However, there was nothing she could do. Instead of making a mess, it was better to let Beverley do it herself.

The closed-door began to open. Beverley's eyes immediately caught the appearance of a man standing far ahead, on the wedding altar, and in front of dozens of guests. The man in the black tuxedo suit looked straight at her, into her eyes.

That man….

A gloomy image of the past immediately invaded Beverley's head. Her heart seemed to stop beating at that moment. Her face turned pale.

Impossible!

Beverley shook her head slightly blankly. Her feet reflexively stepped back. No! She couldn't possibly marry that bastard!