Chapter 15
On our wedding day, I saw Daniel with Winnie again. But, this time they were invited. Noah’s step brother and his
girlfriend were also present in the crowd. I could see the jealousy in everyone’s eyes. I wondered why Noah had invited these people on our wedding day and
asked, “Noah, I don’t understand why you don’t punish your step brother for all the things he’s done. He’s hurt you so much, and yet you just let him go.”
He smiled as he replied, “It’s not about. letting him go, Bella. It’s about keeping him close. You see, when you punish someone, you’re giving them power. You’re
acknowledging that they’ve gotten under your skin. But when you keep them close, you’re taking away their power. You’re showing them that they can’t hurt you.”
“But why keep them close? Why not just cut them out of your life?” I asked,
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“Because keeping them close allows me to control them. If my brother and Daniel is close to me, I can keep an eye on them. I can make sure they don’t hurt us again.”
I smiled, saying, “I never thought of it that way. You’re a very wise man,
man, Noah.”
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“I’ve just learned from my experiences, Ava. And I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way to deal with your enemies is to keep them close.” he replied in a calm voice. I could see the pain in his eyes. So, It was not just me who had been hurt in the past. He was also like me.
I shot a glance in Daniel’s direction and saw that his arm was still in a sling and he leaned on Winnie for support. Several security guards were standing nearby, ready to intervene if necessary.
As we exchanged vows, a commotion erupted on their side. Daniel slapped Winnie. His hands got printed on her cheeks. There were a few scratches as well that were caused by his nails. It reminded
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me of her welcome banquet. She fell near me and when I lent her my hand for help, she scratched my wrist with her sharp nails, causing scratches all over my arms that later got infected.
Daniel tried to move up to the altar but the security guards held him down, covering his mouth. The sound of laughter and
music drowned out his frustration.
After the ceremony, I walked over to them, calm and collected, asking Winnie,“Now that you’re really seeing me, do we look
alike?”
She stared blankly at me for a long moment, then broke into laughter through her tears as she asked, “Does it matter? He never truly loved either of us.”
Daniel glared at her. “Don’t lie! I did love you, but that was in the past. Now, it’s Bella I love.” I responded, “Daniel, stop lying to yourself. I’ve seen your true face.”
Noah took my hand, and we walked away
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together. As we strolled, he whispered, “Shall we give them a show?” I playfully tugged his arm, but he just grinned and pulled my hand up for a kiss.
As for Daniel, I later heard he tried to blame everything on Winnie, seeking revenge on her in every way possible. Driven to desperation, she eventually retaliated by exposing his darkest secrets to
the elders. The scandal ruined his
reputation, and his family’s position of being Beta for generations was taken away.
Noah made a call to ensure that Daniel’s life was spared, but not without consequences. Seeing my confusion, he explained, “I want him to see you happy for the rest of your life, so he can’t die too
soon.”
I stood there, speechless. Daniel was indeed a complex man, but I believed he would give me the happiness and peace I deserved.
