The 'Game'

Rachel's eyes widened in shock and confusion. The Richard she knew would never do something so bold, so reckless. This was a new Richard, one she had yet to understand.

The room fell into stunned silence, all eyes now on Richard as he approached the altar.

Behind him, another figure emerged, causing even more gasps from the crowd. Elder Floyd, Richard's father and Derek's grandfather, walked in with a commanding presence. Known far and wide for his legacy, the sight of him alone commanded respect and awe.

Elder Floyd was supposed to be at home resting, prepared to welcome the newlyweds later on. But Richard, his favorite son, had pulled him here.

Despite his walking cane, white hair, and wrinkled body, he still looked handsome, his cold blue eyes piercing through the room.

He walked behind Richard, his steps deliberate and strong.

Richard stopped at the altar, and the elder Floyd followed closely. As they reached Derek, Elder Floyd's face twisted with anger.

Without a word, he reached out and yanked the ring off Derek's finger, causing a collective gasp from the guests.

Even Rachel was stunned.

This hadn't happened in her past life, and she couldn't comprehend why it was happening now.

The memories of her past life clashed with the present.

Elder Floyd's voice boomed through the hall, filled with fury. "How could you marry your uncle's wife?" His words echoed, causing a wave of murmurs and snickers to ripple through the crowd.

Derek's face paled, and he stammered, "Grandfather, wh—"

"Silence!" Elder Floyd cut him off, his cold blue eyes narrowing. "This is a disgrace! A betrayal of the highest order!"

Rachel's heart pounded in her chest. She glanced at Richard, his expression unreadable.

Derek had been planning to marry her, not out of love, but for the gains he would receive from the Sullivan fortune but what about Richard? What's his deal?

Derek stood frozen, his confident demeanor shattered. Rachel could barely process what was happening.

The guests whispered amongst themselves, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity. In no time, guests' whispers quickly turned into audible snickers and murmurs.

"Did you hear that? He was going to marry his uncle's wife!"

"What a scandal! I knew there was something off about him."

"Poor Rachel, caught in the middle of this mess."

"I can't believe Derek Floyd would do such a thing. The Sullivans must be furious!"

"This is going to be the talk of the town for weeks."

Rachel, sensing this was her cue to end this farce, took a deep breath and put on an act.

"Yes, Derek forced me into this! I really love Richard. In fact, Richard and I have already gotten married because we love each other so much. Derek threatened me at gunpoint to go through with this wedding!"

Derek's eyes bulged with shock. "That's a lie!" he shouted, his face turning red. "She's making it up!"

But Richard, ever quick on his feet, stepped in smoothly. "Yes, it's true," he said, playing along. "I was going to suffer unrequited love because my grandfather's favorite grandson wanted to marry my wife. I couldn't fight against family."

The murmurs grew louder, the crowd reveling in the unfolding drama.

"I knew from the start that Richard Floyd was a good man. He's even willing to sacrifice?"

"So, this is the mysterious Richard Floyd? He's hot."

"Yes, only such a good man is fit to marry a good lady like Lady Rachel."

Lucinda burst into the room, her face flushed with anger. "This is all a lie!" she screamed. "Prove it! Rachel is the one who's been swooning over Derek. She's been after him for years!"

At this, Rachel seized the moment. "I'm pregnant!" she yelled, her voice cutting through the noise like a knife.

The room fell into utter silence. All eyes turned to Rachel, shock and disbelief etched on every face.

Derek stood frozen, his face a mask of stunned confusion.

Lucinda's mouth hung open, unable to form words.

Richard was shocked for a moment but then got himself and took Rachel's hand, his grip firm and supportive. The drama had reached its peak, and now there was no turning back. Rachel had thrown the ultimate bombshell, and the fallout would change everything.

Elder Floyd turned his gaze to Rachel, his expression softening slightly at the statement. "Rachel, my dear," he said gently, "you are carrying Richard's heir? My great grandchild? This marriage cannot proceed then!"

Richard pulled Rachel close to him, his tall height commanding her attention. "Rachel," he said, his voice calm but firm, "I'm sorry we couldn't keep our unborn son a secret, but this was necessary."

Rachel's mind raced.

Why was Richard doing this? What had changed? She looked into his eyes, searching for answers, but found only emptiness.

Richard turned to the guests, his voice carrying authority. "This wedding is over. Derek would never get married to my wife."

Derek tried to protest, but Elder Floyd silenced him with a glare.

Rachel stood there, her heart a whirlwind of emotions - relief, confusion, uncertainty, fear... She glanced at her parents, who looked just as stunned as she felt. She still had to protect them, and right now she's working on it.

"Let's go back home, My dear. No one would threaten you anymore. You're safe now," Richard said, his voice as soft as water-soaked bread.

Rachel's mind spun due to the sugar she could dreamily taste in his tone.

Though, the future she had envisioned was crumbling before her eyes, but perhaps this was a chance to build a new one.

She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She looked at Richard, then at her parents, and finally at Elder Floyd.

"Yes, let's all go home," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Elder Floyd nodded approvingly.

Richard stepped closer, offering his hand. Rachel hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling a spark of hope amidst the chaos. Together, they turned away from the altar, leaving Derek to sulk in defeat even before his game began.