The Tycoon Proposed At My Wedding

It was supposed to be Jalen Ryan's wedding day, but somehow the groom turned out to be Desmond Spencer. And at this critical moment, not a single Ryan stepped forward to explain what the hell was going on.

Ana Spencer stood frozen, completely stunned and unable to process what was happening.

Desmond stood beside her, bathed in light, his thin lips curving into a gentle smile. His warm eyes captivated Ana in an instant.

"I, Desmond Spencer, vow to take Miss Ana Spencer as my wife. For richer or poorer, in good times and bad, in sickness and health, through joy and conflict, I will love you, be faithful to you, and stand by your side until we're old and gray."

His voice was soft as he gently took her hand. "Ana, will you marry me?"

Ana just stared at him, her mind racing, unable to find the words.

At that moment, Ruth Ryan stepped forward. "This is the Ryan family's wedding. Mr. Spencer, just what do you think you're doing?"

"Proposing. Wasn't that obvious?" Desmond shot back, utterly unfazed.

Ruth was livid, her face turning a sickly shade of green. Desmond was crossing every line, especially at someone else's wedding, but no one dared to challenge him.

"You call this a wedding without a groom? Tell Jalen not to bother showing up. The bride is coming with me," Desmond stated flatly.

The crowd erupted. This was straight-up bride-stealing! Desmond Spencer really did have the nerve to do whatever he pleased. If he took Ana now, the Ryans would be completely humiliated and Jalen's reputation would be shredded.

Sure, everyone knew Jalen was the one who didn't show, but having the bride whisked away like this was a whole different level of scandal.

"Mr. Spencer, even if there's an issue today, it's a Ryan family matter. What gives you the right to interfere?"

Desmond chuckled softly. "I'm just proposing to the woman I love. Is there a problem?"

He didn't even bother acknowledging Ruth. Turning to the guests, he continued, "I hereby declare the wedding between Jalen Ryan and Ana Spencer officially canceled. And soon, you're all invited to the grand event of Desmond Spencer and Miss Ana Spencer. Thank you very much!"

With that, he held out his hand once more. "Come with me."

Ana stood there on the stage, brow furrowed. If she left now, what would happen to the Ryans?

Seeing her hesitation, Desmond moved closer, his breath warm against her ear. "I'm giving you an escape route. Have you already forgotten what it was like before I showed up?"

Ana's hands clenched into fists. How could she possibly forget what had just happened?

She glanced around and it hit her—this wedding was never meant for her. Without Desmond's interruption, she would have had to call it off herself and face the humiliation alone, making her the laughingstock.

Compared to that, Desmond really had come to save her.

Resolve hardening her expression, she slipped her hand into Desmond's, and together they walked out of the venue, with no one daring to stop them.

The journalists eagerly captured every moment, already picturing tomorrow's headlines: "Ryan Wedding Shock: Groom Swapped, Bride Stolen!"

Ana had been bracing for disgrace, never imagining someone would actually rescue her at the most critical moment.

Once in the car, Desmond turned slightly to glance at her, like he was admiring a piece of art. He hadn't really looked at her before, but now he saw how stunning she was—the kind of beauty that grows on you.

Ana shifted in her seat, uneasy under his gaze. "Thanks for what you did back there."

"That's twice now, and all I get is a thank you?"

Ana faltered, realizing he was bringing up that night, too. But that night…

She was way too embarrassed to go there, and Desmond found her reddening cheeks utterly adorable. He couldn't resist teasing. "You got into my car all by yourself that night. Without me, who knows what kind of sleazeball would've picked you up?"

"Enough! I don't want to talk about that night."

"Heartless, aren't you? You use me and then refuse to take responsibility? I never pegged you for that type of woman."

"No, that's not it…"

"So you do want to take responsibility for me?" Desmond quipped, then turned to the driver. "To the marriage registry."

"What?" Ana yelped. "Why are we going there?"

"You said you'd take responsibility. Well, I'm yours now. Everyone heard it. You thought I was joking? How are we supposed to get married if we don't go to the registry office?"

In a panic, Ana grabbed his hand. "I'm really grateful for your help, but we barely know each other. Can we at least put the marriage off?"

Too much had happened today. She needed time to breathe and process it all—she couldn't just jump into marriage.

"You're not willing?" Desmond's teasing demeanor vanished, replaced by sudden seriousness. "Are you still hung up on Jalen after he left you at the altar? Don't forget, you're with me now."

"I'm not! I just…" She'd heard about Desmond's reputation—decisive and unyielding. She was genuinely scared he'd actually drag her to the registry office. Marriage was a lifelong commitment, and she couldn't make such a decision hastily.

"Then what?" Desmond pressed.

"Marriage is a lifelong thing. It's not some game. You barely know me, and I'm pretty sure you don't even like me. There's no reason to get married just because of some offhand words."

Desmond chuckled softly. "Are you serious? But you were ready to marry into the Ryan family just like that?"

"That was my father's dying wish. I didn't want to go against it unless I had no choice."

"That's some old-school thinking."

"Why did you help me?" She highly doubted someone like Desmond would fall for her at first sight.

"Because you were Jalen's fiancée. And more importantly, because you're mine now." His sudden sincerity made Ana shift uncomfortably.

"We're both adults. Can't we just pretend that night never happened?"

"No."

"Then at least, can we not rush into registering the marriage?" She looked at him so earnestly, completely oblivious to how amused he was.

This was the first time he'd met such an adorably innocent girl, just like that night—her awkward kisses and clumsy moves.

Looking at Ana, a smile tugged at his lips despite himself. "Alright."

When he agreed, Ana finally let herself relax a fraction. After all, this was Desmond Spencer, the cold-hearted "Man of Steel" according to his reputation. Yet the man in front of her seemed nothing like that.

The car pulled up in front of a bespoke dress shop. Desmond opened her door. "Out."

"Where are we going?" she asked warily, glancing around like she thought he might sell her off.

"You can walk out on your own, or I can carry you. Your choice."