84 The third person in our engagement

"Umezaki Rie, I will love and protect you through all facets of life with all fibers of my being." The light in his eyes and the warmth in his voice nearly shake my heart. "I will become your pillar, your shade in the sun, your umbrella in the rain, your comfort in the winter, and everything that you want me to be. I promise that I will never let the darkness of the world touch you again. I promise to cherish you and make you happy for the rest of our lives together."

I stare at him for a long time, moved by his words and emotions. I have never expected him to speak these words. It doesn't sound fake in any way. I part my lips to take a breath. The way he is looking at me... I have never felt this way before - as if he really treasures me. 

"Ahem." My father nudges my arm. I realize that I have to say something. I didn't prepare any wedding vow. He didn't say anything either. I am unprepared. What to say? I am feeling everyone's eyes on me.

"Same," I tell him with a low voice. "I will try to do the same."

Gazing at me with a deep knowing smile, he slips in the ring into my finger. I feel bad that I can't put even fake sincerity in my words. I don't delay and put the ring on his finger. It's done and over. I can't wait to leave this place.

Kiyohira steps closer to me and places his palms on my cheeks. The moment is quiet and long. An eternity must have passed before he bends down his head and kisses me on the lips. I expect him to pull away, but the shameless man decides to take advantage. He embraces me tightly and kisses me hungrily. I try to push him away. There are freaking people watching us. I am too embarrassed. The idiot keeps his eyes closed and sucks my lips without holding back until I step on his foot. He stumbles backward. I roll my eyes when I see him laugh. This man is something. I swear that there is only one thing in his head.

His goofy smile suddenly vanishes when he looks at someone behind me.

Chisa. 

***

Kiyohira is half-surprised to see Hashimoto Chisa here. He did send an invitation to the Hashimoto family. He didn't expect that anyone would be shameless enough to come to the wedding. They have a financial crisis instigated by him and the engagement was also broken. The bride is certainly not Chisa. 

Hashimoto Chisa has come prepared. The crimson dress is slit up to the mid of her thigh, revealing her long pale leg. She has long diamond earrings on her ears, a diamond necklace to attract attention to her long neck, diamond bangles on her slim wrists, and diamond-studded stilettos. Her posture is proud, tall, and exuding grace. There is a pained look in her eyes and a small smile on her red lips, suggesting ideas in the crowd.

The guests begin to grasp the situation. Kamiyama Kiyohira broke the engagement for the other woman and married that woman right away. The marriage was definitely rushed. The other woman is likely pregnant with his child. They glance at Rie and compare her with Chisa. Why would any man leave this woman for a woman like Rie? Umezaki Rie pales in comparison with Hashimoto Chisa.

Rie has noticed this. There is one thing that Chisa didn't consider. Umezaki Rie is not a normal woman. If Chisa has wanted to shame Rie as another woman, Rie would take that role gladly.

"Thank you for coming. I didn't think that you would have the face to come to my wedding." She wraps her arm around Kiyohira possessively with an arrogant smile on her face. 

"I apologize that my husband suddenly broke the engagement. You must have been shocked. What can I do? He begged me to marry him. Out of pity, I said yes. You know that feelings can't be forced and how men are. You shouldn't shamelessly pursue a man who doesn't have any feeling for you. Thanks to me, you got a second chance to find love. Otherwise, you would have ended up in a loveless marriage and get divorced a few years later. A woman should know when to give up."

The guests gawk at the woman. They never thought that she would openly reveal it that she snatched Kiyohira away from Chisa. She is talking like she did a favor by taking away Kiyohira from Chisa.

Chisa grits her teeth. However, Rie's little trick doesn't make her lose calm. "So, you admit that you were the third person in our engagement."