For Better, Not Yours

I was trembling with rage. If they went through with this, both I and the entire Sheridan family would become a laughingstock.

Jayden, however, seemed convinced that his absurd plan made perfect sense. His tone grew even more resolute.

"Whitney, I know it's unfair to you, but Luna has been through a lot. Just think about the child—"

I cut him off coldly, "Jayden, you bastard! You want me to go through this shit show of a wedding with you? So, you get the marriage license with me, but it's Lunara who gets the wedding night?

"And then you want me, the legal wife, to raise your illegitimate child? Do you think I, Whitney Sheridan, am some beggar off the street, someone you can push around as you wish?"

My voice was rising, drawing curious and judgmental looks from the other customers in the bridal shop.

Lunara began to sniffle pitifully behind him.

"Please don't be angry, Ms. Sheridan. I know I'm just a lowly peasant, that I'm unworthy of this. I just wanted to be a bride, just this once."

Jayden's brows furrowed. His eyes flashed with warning.

"Whitney, my mind's made up. Whether you agree or not, this is how it's going to be. If not for my father's wishes, do you think I'd still marry you?"

I let out a cold, bitter laugh.

So, it looked like Charles had yet to tell him I was planning to switch out the groom.

"Fine." I looked him straight in the eye, my voice icily calm.

But when the day came, it wouldn't be him swapping out the bride.

It would be me changing the groom.

Jayden's brows twitched, clearly not expecting me to agree so easily. For a moment, his expression became unreadable.

And behind him, Lunara peeked out from his shoulder with a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

In the days that followed, Jayden and Lunara's wedding photos stayed trending for three days straight.

The headlines were still about the Ford and Sheridan families, only now the woman in the pictures was switched to Lunara.

People who didn't know the truth all assumed she was from the Sheridan family.

Some of my close friends messaged me in concern, asking what on earth happened.

Within social circles, I became the butt of every joke. They mocked me mercilessly—how I'd been such a devoted, lovesick fool that I handed over my own identity to a mistress.

I ignored them all and chose to stay focused on the only thing that truly mattered now—my father.

The doctors said his condition was deteriorating rapidly and that he needed to be hospitalized for observation. I stayed by his side every day, barely leaving his room.

I carefully filtered out every piece of news about Jayden and Lunara—I did not want any of their filth to reach my father and upset him.

But in the end, Lunara still found a way to slither in.

She had the gall to show up at my father's hospital room, clinging to Jayden's arm.

When I walked in, she was holding a fashion magazine, pointing to a spread with wedding photos, chirping in a fake sweet tone.

"Mr. Sheridan, look at this one! Isn't it gorgeous? Jayden and I worked so hard to get this shot just right. But it's all worth it—getting to wear that dress and marry him is the happiest thing that's ever happened to me.

"Oh! And on the wedding day, I must have you sit at the main table!"

My father's face went ghostly pale. His chest heaved violently, and his hand clenched the bedsheet in a death grip. His lips trembled as if he wanted to speak, but no sound came out.

Then, the monitor beside his bed started to blare with sharp, piercing beeps.

"Dad!" I screamed, rushing forward and slamming the emergency call button.

"Ms. Sheridan, don't be upset—" Lunara began, her voice full of fake concern.

I shoved her aside with all my strength.

"Get out! Both of you, get the hell out!" I roared, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Critical condition! Prepare for emergency response!" A doctor shouted as nurses pulled me back and rushed in to stabilize my father.

I stood there, helpless, watching him being wheeled into the ER.

Jayden tried to come over to support me, but I slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch me! You filthy animal!"

I jabbed a finger at his face, fury pouring from every word.

"You knew my father wasn't in good health. And you still came here to upset him? What the hell were you two thinking?"

Lunara cowered behind him, peeking out slightly.

She spoke in a trembling voice, "Ms. Sheridan, we just wanted to invite Mr. Sheridan to our wedding."