Sadie stood rooted to the spot, her expression morphing from a smile to utter disbelief, then transitioning into a state of confusion.

Eventually, it settled into a blend of fear and guilt as her gaze met Holden's.

What on earth was going on?

A sudden wave of panic began to creep over Sadie as a chill traced its way down her spine.

However, she cast her gaze upward at Holden's imposing figure standing tall on the stage, and she inhaled deeply to steady her nerves and compelled herself to advance with deliberate steps, teeth clenched.

The elegant sweep of her long dress impeded her progress, rendering her steps awkward and unsteady, her shaky steps filled with uncertainty about Holden's thoughts. As she ascended the stage, the hem of her gown caught in her legs, and she nearly tripped.

Holden's gaze remained frigid and indifferent to her struggle. He did not even reach out to assist her.

Sadie's unease grew as she hastened over to his side. In a gentle voice laced with tension, she asked, "Why aren't there any guests here? You mentioned that invitations were sent to so many people...”

Holden's expression remained impassive, offering her only a detached glance. “They'll be here. There's no rush."

Unsure of how to respond, Sadie could only nod weakly, forcing a smile onto her lips as she stood, waiting for the guests to arrive.

The agonizing silence persisted for nearly ten minutes, and still, not a single guest had arrived. The strained smile on Sadie's face teetered on the brink of collapse. Turning to Holden, she could not suppress the quiver in her voice. "But there were so many names on the guest list. Why hasn't anyone shown up?"

At that moment, the large doors creaked open. Zayden strolled in casually, then stopped short at the sight of the empty hall.

Holden let out a soft chuckle. “What do we need so many people here for? The most important one has arrived, and that's enough."

His words made Sadie's heart lurch nervously, and she turned pale. A sickening feeling washed over her, hinting that Holden might know something she didn't want him to know.

Zayden, too, picked up on the odd atmosphere instantly, though he kept his cool and masked it with an awkward laugh. "What's going on here? Where is everyone?"

Holden's smile took on a shrewd edge as he descended the stage, his piercing gaze fixed on Zayden as if burning holes through him. “Am I not the guest of honor?"

Dread spiked through Sadie, jolting her to move. With wide eyes, she rushed over to Holden, her words spilling out haltingly.

“Wi-What do you mean by that? You're the guest? But this is our wedding, isn't it? Why would you be the guest?" Her lips contorted into a feeble imitation of a smile. Her hands were shaking.

Holden's laughter rang hollow, devoid of any warmth. “I've always believed in giving people what they want. It's clear that you and Zayden are in love, so I want to make your wish come true. Consider this wedding my gift to both of you."

Sadie's complexion drained of color as panic surged within her. “What exactly are you saying?" she cried out, her voice shrill in the vast hall.