Chapter 22
806words
All he saw was her—the woman in the stunning, elegant wedding gown.
When she turned, her expression startled, it was like a bolt of lightning struck him.
It was Tara.
It was really her.
“Tara!” he shouted, surging forward, his hand outstretched to grab her arm.
Joe quickly stepped in, tears of both sorrow and protectiveness in his eyes as he shielded his daughter. “Stop!”
Security immediately moved in, burly and efficient, pinning Leo down without hesitation.
Every head turned toward the commotion, faces filled with shock, curiosity, and disdain.
Leo struggled against the guards, his normally composed gaze now filled with desperation as he locked eyes with Tara.
“Tara! Don’t marry him. Forgive me—please!”
Tara’s initial shock faded quickly, her demeanor turning calm and composed.
“Mr. Carter,” she said coolly. “We’ve already broken up and that was your decision. Please respect me and my wedding. Don’t cause a scene.”
Leo’s eyes reddened, his composure crumbling further.
If he had any dignity left, he would have offered a polite congratulations and quietly observed the ceremony.
But he couldn’t.
He didn’t care about dignity or appearances. He only cared about Tara.
His voice cracked as he pleaded, “I regret it. I love you, Tara. I don’t want to break up anymore.
“I know I hurt you. I doubted you, didn’t trust you. I was wrong. Please… give me another chance.”
Tara’s tone was unwavering. “No. I don’t love you anymore.”
Hunter stepped forward, his hand slipping into Tara’s, his sharp gaze fixed on Leo. “Mr. Carter, did you hear that clearly?”
Leo glared at Hunter, his jaw clenched tight, but he didn’t respond.
Hunter turned to the guards. “If Mr. Carter can’t behave, remove him.”
Then, with Tara’s hand securely in his, Hunter led her down the aisle toward the priest.
Leo stood frozen in place, his body numb, as he watched them walk away together.
The priest’s voice echoed through the hall. “Do you, Tara Stone, take Hunter Jasper to be your husband?”
Tara’s response was firm and resolute. “I do.”
Leo felt as if his entire world had collapsed.
He stood frozen, watching Tara and Hunter exchange rings and sign their marriage certificate under the priest’s guidance.
It was over.
Final.
As the hall filled with applause and blessings, Leo turned and walked out of the cathedral, his steps heavy.
Outside, he leaned against the stone wall, clutching his chest as pain seared through him. His eyes shut tight, trying to contain the anguish threatening to consume him.
Moments later, Jack approached, his face dark with anger. He descended the grand steps and stood before Leo.
“Mr. Carter,” Jack said coldly.
Leo opened his eyes, quickly regaining his composure. He straightened, masking his heartbreak with his usual reserved demeanor. “Mr. Stone.”
Without warning, Jack’s fist collided with Leo’s face, sending him staggering back against the wall.
Leo steadied himself, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. Though he could have easily retaliated, he remained motionless, his gaze somber.
Jack’s voice was sharp and unrelenting. “My sister is the princess of our family, cherished and adored beyond measure.
“If she so much as gets a scratch, we feel the pain.
“When she sheds a single tear, the entire family rallies around her to comfort and protect her.
“And yet you—what did you do? You let your ex-girlfriend’s fans torment her online.
“You allowed your so-called friend to humiliate and harm her.
“You doubted her, distrusted her, and hurt her!
“You shielded another woman while Tara was drenched in paint and pelted with rotten eggs!”
Leo’s eyes turned red, each word cutting deeper into his chest like a blade.
His voice was low and heavy with regret. “I was wrong. Do with me as you see fit.”
Jack scoffed, his expression icy. “If it were up to me and my father, we’d crush you and the Carter Corporation without a second thought.”
At this, Leo’s expression hardened, a flicker of cold defiance in his gaze. He knew the combined power of the Stone and Jasper families could easily dismantle his empire.
Jack continued, his tone biting. “But Tara stopped us. She said it was all her fault—that you weren’t to blame.
“Do you see how foolish and kind she is? A girl who gave you her whole heart, and you—you trampled all over it.”
Leo’s chest tightened, his throat constricting with the weight of Jack’s words. Tears threatened to spill, but he held them back.
Jack’s voice turned to steel. “She’s married now. Leave her alone. If you ever bother her again, I swear—”
Leo didn’t respond. He couldn’t promise to stay away.
If Hunter ever hurt Tara, Leo knew in his heart he wouldn’t hesitate to fight for her again.
