Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

As Chloe turned around, the sight in the mirror nearly made her stop breathing— her back, smooth and pale as new-fallen snow, was impossibly beautiful. Even Taylor, standing beside her, was momentarily stunned.

Chloe had put on makeup today, but just a little-a light touch that still left her glowing, like a pearl catching the light. No amount of subtlety could dim her shine. "Chloe, you look gorgeous," Taylor said, genuine awe in her voice.noveldrama

Chloe smiled. "Thank you for lending me your dress, Taylor. But honestly, you're the most beautiful one here today."

Taylor hesitated, glancing at her phone. "So... my flaky friend just called and said she's suddenly sick. She can't be my bridesmaid. Chloe, would you do it? Stand with me up there?"

Chloe frowned. Something felt off. "I already have a kid, Taylor. Isn't that kind of... not the tradition?"

Taylor shook her head. "We don't have any rules like that here. Please, Chloe? Say yes."

Before Chloe could protest, the wedding coordinator popped her head in. “It's time for the bride to enter!"

If she agreed to be a bridesmaid, Chloe thought, she'd definitely stand out. Her dress was totally different-elegant, but far from subtle-while Taylor's was a simple gown with a delicate veil. Standing together, people might not even know who the real bride was.

Chloe tried, "Maybe I should change into something else—"

"No time! Let's go!" Taylor grabbed her hand, pulling her out the door and onto the stage, leaving Chloe no chance to object.

Onstage, Chloe's uneasy feeling grew stronger. She looked out at the crowd and spotted the Shaw family, the Sartori family, the Moncada family, the Meadows family... Everyone who meant the world to her was there.

Suddenly, a spotlight beamed down-but not on Taylor, the supposed bride. It was fixed directly on Chloe.

Everything clicked in a heartbeat.

Chloe turned, stunned, just as Taylor gently lifted her own veil and placed it on Chloe's hair. Then Taylor pressed the bridal bouquet into her hands, whispering, "This was Isaac's idea. Congratulations, Chloe!"

And with that, Taylor slipped away, leaving Chloe alone in the spotlight.

It finally hit her-this entire wedding had been a secret, planned just for her and Connor.

No wonder Taylor had dragged her everywhere lately, letting Chloe make all the decisions, decorating everything just the way Chloe liked it. No wonder all the people who mattered were at the front tables.

A wave of emotion crashed over Chloe. She was speechless-how had everyone pulled this off without her noticing? All this effort, just for her and Connor?

Her heart overflowed with gratitude. They all cared so much, wanting to give her and Connor the wedding they'd never truly had.

Tears pricked Chloe's eyes and her nose stung. Instinctively, she glanced at the head table, searching for Connor.

But Connor wasn't there. Neither were their two kids.

Right then, the lights in the hall dimmed until only Chloe's spotlight remained.

The heavy doors at the end of the aisle slowly swung open.

A tall, familiar figure appeared.

He stood straight and strong, every inch the man she loved.

When the light reached him, Chloe's hands tightened around the bouquet. It was Connor-standing, not in his wheelchair.

He wore a sharp suit, his posture proud and elegant. Under arched brows, his deep eyes shone with emotion. He looked like he'd walked straight out of a dream-handsome, composed, and impossibly

charming.

The officiant's voice rang out: "Please welcome the groom, Mr. Connor."

At those words, Chloe's heart

skipped a beat. She knew how hard

Connor had worked-months of

therapy just to stand and maybe

walk a few steps. Usually, he still needed a cane.

But now, as she watched, Connor took a firm step forward.

Then another. And another, steady and unhurried, making his way down the aisle toward her.

Above them, golden sycamore leaves fluttered down, covering the path between them.

Behind Connor, Aaron and Tim followed as flower boys, their faces shining with pride.