Chapter 9 Over the next few days , Daniel was busy preparing for his wedding with Monica . Monica dug out the love letters they had once exchanged - letters filled with dreams and plans for their future wedding . She whispered happily in his ear , going over it again and again . But Daniel no longer shared that excitement or patience . He nudged Monica away , fatigue in his eyes gradually clouded by irritation . " You handle the wedding plans . " They had originally agreed it would just be a formality and a simple ceremony . But even something as small as the color of the flowers for the event had Monica asking him countless times . During the day , he worked at the law firm . At night , he was still stuck picking out all those little details with Monica , leaving him completely drained . By the time they were done , it was already very late . Gemma was a light sleeper , so to avoid disturbing her , he usually slept at the office . Daniel knew how much Gemma had suffered . He owed her so much , and he intended to spend the rest of his life making it right . He promised himself he would love her well and make up for everything . Soon , this would all be over . He opened a drawer and took out the wedding ring resting quietly inside . When Gemma went to prison , she had taken it off her ring finger herself and given it back to him . For three years , he had kept it safe , waiting for its owner to come back . But lately , trouble after trouble had distracted him . He had almost forgotten about it . Full of guilt , he pulled out his phone and started typing a message . " Sweetheart , I remember you said you wanted to go to Shineapolis . How about we take a trip there together in a few days ? " Just as he sent the message , he realized she had blocked him . He furrowed his brow , staring at the message . He figured Gemma was just throwing another tantrum . He immediately shut off his phone and leaned back on the couch , closing his eyes to rest . On the wedding day , everything started to veer off from their original plans . Watching the steady stream of people coming and going , Daniel's face darkened . He pulled Gemma aside into a room , away from the constant greetings . " Monica , didn't we agree to invite only our close friends ? Why did you bring the press and media too ?? " Monica , glowing with happiness , placed her hands on his shoulders . " It's not just the press . I invited all the fans online who support us being together . " " Daniel , can't you see ? Everyone's on our side . They want us to be together . In everyone's eyes , I'm the better match for you , not Gemma . We're meant to be . If it weren't for your parents , we might have already been married . We might even have kids by now ! " She stood on her tiptoes , brushing her nose against his jaw . But the next second , Daniel pushed her away with a distant touch . " We agreed the wedding was just a formality . You promised to drop the lawsuit and stop suing Gemma for exposing your private matters . I've done everything you asked , and even fulfilled all five of your wishes . " After this wedding , there won't be anything left between us . I will never be with you , and nothing will change that . Monica , the past is the past . I've already fallen for Gemma , and I'm not going to leave her again ! " he said firmly , staring her down . The smile on Monica's face froze in an instant . She felt a cold shiver sweep through her from head to toe . Before she could say a word , Daniel had already pulled the door open and walked out . Panic surged through her . She grabbed her dress and hurried after him . Daniel ! Why are you in such a hurry ? Where are you going ? Don't tell me you can't wait to have a good time with Monica already ! " someone teased as a group of friends suddenly crowded around him . " Damn , Daniel , couldn't even wait for a little ? " " Come on , you know he's just had the same thing for too long - he's due for a change , that's all . " His gaze was like steel , lips pressed into a hard line . " Are you done talking ? Get the hell out of my way . " The one who made that crude joke just moments ago was one of Monica's subordinates . Embarrassed and shut down on the spot , his face shifting between pale and flushed as he looked past Daniel at Monica . Monica's expression immediately darkened . Frowning , she stepped forward to take Daniel's arm . But he recoiled as if shocked , quickly pulling away . The atmosphere grew awkward , and the onlookers shifted their gaze elsewhere . Just as Daniel lifted his foot to leave , the group of fans Monica had called over rushed forward again , phones and cameras in hand . h