Chapter 1 I'm Dead Wrong

• "Theron Silverbrook, do you take Linara Whitewood to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to cherish her in sickness and health, for better or worse, richer or poorer, until death do you part?"
• Theron looked at the beautiful lady before him and affirmed softly, "I do."
• Out of nowhere, a loud "bang" resonated through the hall as the doors burst open, grabbing everyone's attention.
• A girl dressed in black gradually walked in. She looked exhausted, with a scar running from her left eyebrow to the corner of her lips, like a red centipede on her once delicate face.
• The guests started whispering as they recognized her.
• "Isn't that the girl the Whitewood Family adopted?" someone murmured.
• Surprised, another guest asked, "Adopted?"
• Someone explained, "No, that's Mr. Whitewood's real daughter, Seraphina Whitewood. Linara took her when they were kids. She returned eight years ago, and they even threw a big reunion party for her. Then she disappeared for a while, and now looks like this."
• "How did their own daughter end up like this?" a guest wondered aloud.
• Another whispered, "After Seraphina returned, she caused all kinds of chaos. People say Old Mr. Whitewood died because of her. That scar? She got it fighting with some thugs."
• "Seraphina spent sixteen years in the slums, hanging out with the wrong crowd. She couldn't shake her rough past even after returning to the Whitewood Family. Fights, bad behavior, even trying to steal Linara’s fiancé," someone added.
• "They always say once someone goes down the wrong path, it's hard to return," another remarked.
• A guest asked, "Why is she here today? Is she trying to steal her sister’s fiancé?"
• Another responded, "If these sisters start fighting over the same guy, the Whitewood Family's reputation is toast."
• Someone added, "Just look at her. Any man would pick Linara."
• The guests buzzed with gossip. Even those who didn’t know Seraphina could tell from the chatter who she was.
• Amid all the mockery and disdain, Seraphina stayed calm. She kept her eyes on the newlyweds and walked toward them.
• Eyeing the unexpected guest, the emcee debated whether to break the tension with a joke but held back as he was intimidated by Seraphina's icy gaze. The atmosphere around the Whitewood and Silverbrook families at the head table grew tense, particularly affecting her parents, Oberon Whitewood and Chloe Thorne.
• Controlling his anger, Oberon stood up and firmly urged, "Seraphina, today is your sister's big day. Please, take a seat." His voice held authority, his stance resolute.
• Disregarding his request, Seraphina continued to advance.
• Oberon's expression hardened. "Seraphina," he uttered sharply, almost as a challenge.
• Seraphina turned to him with a smile. "Dad, why do you falter in my presence? Does my existence shame you, or is it a blow to your pride?"
• Seeing her defiance mounted, Chloe interrupted quickly, "What's all this nonsense? Save your speech for after your sister's wedding."
• However, Seraphina erupted into laughter. Her body shook with amusement, with tears welling up in her eyes. "Nonsense? Haha, I've never been clearer."
• She turned sharply, pointing at Linara, who was glowing in her lavish wedding dress. "Sister? Me, Seraphina? I can't claim kinship with her. She's a heavenly princess, and I'm just an ordinary person. What right do I have to call her my sister? She's of royal lineage, while my roots are humble. Am I even deserving of being her sister?"
• These words cut deep into the Whitewood Family, prompting Oberon and Chloe to drop their facades and reveal their true reactions.
• Oberon's anger flared. "Have you not caused enough trouble? Get down from the stage! Stop disgracing us!"
• "Dad, are you dropping the act of being a kind father?" Seraphina challenged, meeting his gaze with a confident smile.
• "Seraphina, consider this your last warning. Leave now and apologize to Linara, Theron, and all our guests," Oberon demanded firmly, his authority unmistakable.
• Seraphina calmly agreed, "You're right; I should apologize."
• Oberon felt slightly relieved at her response, though his fury still smoldered.
• Our reputation in Pyrin has taken a hit because of this! I'll teach you a firm lesson when we get home!
• As Oberon mulled over this, his anger reignited at Seraphina's following words.
• Facing the guests and brushing off their scornful glances, Seraphina merrily began, "I want to apologize to my dear sister, Linara. I'm sorry for barging into this place, causing you pain and hardship, and making it hard to hold your head high. To my parents, I'm sorry for my pride and illusions and for craving your love.
• "I was naive to think that if I excelled, you'd treat me like Linara—just a smile, a hug, or encouragement. Sadly, I was wrong. No matter how hard I try, I'll never match a tear shed by Linara. Remember when she said, 'I'm mocked and humiliated because of Seraphina.' Then, you all keep me from ever outshining her!
• "If she wants something of mine, you all insist I give it to her. If she cries, it's my fault. Just my being here makes her sad and embarrassed. Why did you bring me back if you all dislike me so much? Why?!"
• Despite her smiling delivery, tears blurred her vision. Her laughter lacked any real joy, echoing heavily in the guests' hearts.