Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 159: So Late

Chapter 159: So Late

Rain remained poised, her expression unwavering as she addressed Mr. Darwin directly. "Yes, I’m married," she declared with pride, her voice cutting through the murmurs.

Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave of shock, each onlooker processing her bold confession.

"A married woman? And still involved with another man?" someone muttered, loud enough for the surrounding guests to hear. "Did you hear? Judge Darwin mentioned Rock Lancaster and Alexander Lancaster. Is she tangled up with them?"

Darwin’s face reddened with fury. "How dare you make a mockery of the Lancasters!" he growled, his voice thunderous, drawing more attention.

"Father, that’s enough!" Sebastian interjected, his frustration palpable as he tried to de-escalate the situation. "Let Uncle Rock handle this. It’s their personal affairs. Don’t get involved."

But Dina, always seizing the chance to strike, sneered with venom. "Oh, please. She’s a whore, just like her mother! It’s no surprise she’s pulling this act."

Gasps turned to whispers of scandal, fueling the fire. Rain’s patience wore thin as she stood tall, refusing to lower herself to Dina’s level.

"Stop it!" Aunt Melanie, standing protectively beside Rain, finally snapped. "You have no idea what you’re talking about! Rain is married to—"

"Aunt, that’s enough," Rain interrupted, her tone firm but composed. She wasn’t about to reveal her marriage to Alexander, not like this. That was a decision only Alexander could make. Still, the weight of their silence was pushing her to the edge.

"But if you don’t say anything, they’ll twist it all!" Aunt Melanie hissed, her face lined with worry.

Sylvia, ever eager to pour fuel on the fire, barked harshly. "Shut up, Melanie! You’re not part of this conversation, so keep your mouth shut unless you want to embarrass Rain even more!"

Rain’s fingers tightened into fists, but she remained cool, her control razor-sharp. Before she could respond, the voice of Danny Smith, Paul’s father, cut through the crowd.

"What’s going on here?!" Danny demanded, stepping forward with a stern expression as the cameras around them began to flash, capturing every scandalous moment.

One of the reporters seized the chance. "Senior Smith, it appears your in-laws, particularly the daughter of the Claytons, is involved in a scandal with two men — a husband and a lover. It seemed minor until it was revealed that the lover is Mr. Alexander Lancaster! Too bad no one from the Lancaster family is here to clear up this mess," a reporter injected with smug satisfaction, hoping for a scandalous headline.

"That’s absurd!" Danny snapped. His eyes narrowed as he turned toward Tim. "What’s going on here?!"

Tim shifted uncomfortably. "I apologize for this mess. It’s true that my daughter, Rain, is married, but I had no idea she was involved with a Lancaster... Surely there’s been some misunderstanding. The Lancasters wouldn’t associate themselves with an illegitimate daughter," Tim said, clearly distancing himself from Rain.

But before the situation could calm down, the reporter’s voice sliced through again. "Judge Darwin Lane himself mentioned that Rock Lancaster said Rain is Alexander’s woman. There’s no misunderstanding there."

The area was buzzing with whispers, eyes fixated on Rain. But she stayed nonchalant, her gaze unwavering.

Dina, always ready to strike, jumped in with a sneer. "So she’s nothing but a whore who’s probably warming Alexander’s bed?" she mocked, feeding into the rising gossip.

Rain remained eerily composed, though the murmurings around her grew louder. She glanced at her father and said, "Aunt Melanie and I will be leaving now."

But before she could take a step, Dina yanked her back. "Where do you think you’re going, whore? You can’t just walk away like you’re above all this! You’ve caused a scandal in this family. Don’t you dare act so high and mighty!" she spat, her voice filled with venom.

Rain’s patience snapped, her voice cutting like a blade. "I don’t need to explain myself to you, Dina. There’s no scandal—except in your twisted head. I’m married to a man I love, and that’s it. You all met him. You know him."

Dina’s eyes blazed. "You? Love? Don’t make me laugh! You’ve seduced every man in your path. Including Paul!"

Rain’s eyes flickered with cold disdain. "Seduced?" She gave a harsh laugh. "Are you insane? You were the one who spread your legs for Paul while he was still in a relationship with me. Don’t you remember how I caught you two together? I dumped him right then and there. Shouldn’t you be grateful you succeeded in taking my leftovers? Yet here you are, still obsessed with me. I’m married now, Dina. What’s your excuse for still being so insecure?"

Dina’s face flushed red, her mouth gaping in stunned silence.

Rain stepped closer, her voice now low and deadly. "You know what your real problem is? Even after all your scheming, you’re still nothing more than Paul’s consolation prize. And deep down, you know it."

Dina trembled with rage. "You—"

Rain waved her off, not bothering to listen. "Enough. I don’t have time for your delusions. Aunt Melanie, let’s leave this circus." She turned to leave, but her aunt’s panicked shout stopped her in her tracks.

"Rain, watch out!"

Rain barely had time to react as a man stumbled toward her, a tray full of wine glasses tipping precariously. She braced for impact, knowing she was about to be soaked in red wine.

But just as the glasses teetered toward her, a firm hand wrapped around her waist, yanking her out of harm’s way with a swift motion. That familiar scent filled her senses. The strong arms around her pulled her close, her face gently pressed against his chest, the warmth of his presence instantly calming her.

A familiar deep voice cut through the tension. "Am I late to the party?"

"Yes, you’re so late..." she muttered, her voice barely a whisper as she let out a relieved sigh.

"I’m sorry, this will be the first and last time I’ll make you wait for me," Alexander hummed softly as he pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head. For a moment, everything else faded, and all that mattered was the warmth and security of his embrace.

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