Leaving the Wrong Love Behind Forever novel Chapter 13

Witnessing this, Maxwell felt like his eyes might burst from their sockets.

His best friend and girlfriend had both betrayed him.

A piercing pain spread from his heart throughout his body, nearly drowning him.

The agony was so intense he could barely breathe. His lips trembled, and after a long moment, he resorted to self-deception:

"Alison, Arthur, stop joking around. You're fake-married to trick me, right?"

"Alison, did you find out something? I was wrong. It's my fault. But please don't punish me like this. I can't handle it. Please."

The once-proud Maxwell Grayson now bowed his head, pleading desperately.

Alison watched him, her heart no longer moved in the slightest.

"Stop deceiving yourself, Maxwell. We're done. I'm married, as you can see, to Arthur Bridgewater."

"No... no... stop lying to me, Alison. I only love you. You know that."

Maxwell still couldn't accept it. He laughed bitterly, his eyes rimmed red, and stepped forward to embrace her.

The next moment, a sharp slap resounded as her hand connected with his face.

"Enough! Maxwell, congratulations on your wedding. And congratulations to me on mine too."

"I'm making your dream come true. Isn't this what you wanted? Why are you feeling sad and regretful now? Your Bella must be heartbroken."

"Our wedding was perfect today. I wonder how yours went?"

Each of her words struck Maxwell like lightning, penetrating to his core.

He stood frozen, momentarily unsure what expression he should wear.

"You... knew everything?"

As he spoke, a wave of overwhelming panic nearly consumed him.

He frantically tried to explain: "Alison, it's not what you think. I still love you. I never intended to really marry Bella—it was just a game, a punishment. You're the only one who could ever be my wife. How could I possibly get a marriage certificate with her?"

"You're jealous, aren't you? You don't like Bella, so I'll never contact her again. You want to get married? Let's go right now, okay?"

"Look, this is the registry office. Let's get our certificate, and we can pretend none of this ever happened. We'll go back to how we were!"

As he spoke, Maxwell reached for Alison's hand, trying to pull her toward the registry office.

Before she could shake him off, Arthur firmly gripped Maxwell's wrist and forcefully removed his hand, his tone distant and cold.

"Maxwell, I told you—Alison and I are married. You've lost your chance. Accept it."

He protectively guided Alison behind him and nodded slightly toward something behind Maxwell.

"Your wife is waiting for you back there."

At his words, Maxwell instinctively turned around.