Edward Ryan's stubborn persistence left Ana Spencer with no room to refuse.

When she finally nodded, Edward's face broke into a delighted grin. "Don't you worry about what anyone else thinks. I know exactly what's on your mind. Once the wedding's over, you'll have your own space, and if anything comes up, you just come talk to me. For now, I've set you up at a hotel where no one will bother you. Just kick back and look forward to being a bride!"

Ana was tucked away in the hotel, enjoying a few days of quiet.

On the wedding day, she woke up early, swarmed by a flurry of people fussing over her every little detail. She felt like a puppet being styled into something almost too perfect. Staring into the mirror, she saw a breathtaking princess looking back at her—regal and stunning. She'd always dreamed of this day, but now, her feelings were a tangled mess she couldn't name.

In the grand ballroom, guests packed into every seat. Everyone in the city knew about this wedding, and the crowd was full of big shots and socialites.

Ana had agreed to the marriage mostly out of gratitude for Edward's kindness.

As the clock ticked closer to the main event, Ana stood ready, waiting… but Jalen was nowhere to be found.

"Did something go wrong?" she wondered, catching Edward outside through the mirror, his face creased with panic as he whispered orders to the makeup artist. Something definitely felt off.

The makeup artist gave a reassuring smile. "Don't stress, Ana. Today, you're the bride. Just focus on looking gorgeous." Despite the soothing words, a knot of anxiety tightened in Ana's chest.

As it neared noon, Jalen still hadn't shown. Ana smiled faintly at her own reflection, fully grasping what was unfolding. She stood, ready to walk out, only to be blocked by the makeup artist. "Miss Spencer, the ceremony's about to start—you can't leave."

"There's no point pretending anymore—Jalen didn't come. How exactly is a wedding supposed to happen with just me up there?" If he'd planned to be here, he would have shown by now.

It was her own soft heart that had let this painful truth sink in. The night he walked out on her, she should've known she meant nothing to him.

"Let me go!"

"Miss Spencer, you really can't just walk out."

As they argued, the door swung open and Edward strode in. "Ana, it's time. The ceremony is starting. The makeup artist will take you to the hall—you'll see Jalen in just a second."

"Mr. Ryan, I…"

"Still calling me Mr. Ryan? Pretty soon you'll be calling me something else. It's tradition you two don't see each other before the ceremony, so don't overthink it." Edward shot her a reassuring look before turning away, his expression hardening.

"Did you find him?"

The people trailing behind him shook their heads, and Edward's face darkened with frustration. "Useless idiots! Can't even track down one person. I'll go drag that stubborn boy here myself! Keep an eye on things—don't screw this up."

"Go on! I've got everything handled here, don't worry." Ruth smiled sweetly, watching Edward's car drive off with a cold, calculating glint in her eye.

"Ana Spencer, I will never let a fallen woman like you ruin my son's life." She muttered under her breath, dialing a number. "Everything ready? Good, start now."

Backstage, Ana waited with the makeup artist, her stomach churning.

When the music started, Ana's nerves spiked. Had Jalen finally arrived?

The melody played, and a clear voice rang out from the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome today's star, the most beautiful bride, Ana Spencer!"

Every girl dreams of being walked down the aisle by her father. Today, Ana walked alone, but she still managed a smile, imagining her dad watching from above. She wanted him to see that she would be happy.

Standing on the stage, she was the center of everyone's attention.

"The bride is stunning, so our groom must be quite the catch too. Give a big round of applause as the groom makes his debut!"

As the seconds ticked by, Ana stood alone on the stage, waiting for Jalen, who never appeared. The guests started murmuring—a groom vanishing at his own wedding was serious gossip.

"I heard Jalen doesn't even care about Ana, he's just being forced into this."

"How pathetic can you get? If it were me, I would've never agreed to a marriage like this. Totally shameless."

Ana felt the weight of all those curious, judgmental stares, stuck there with nowhere to hide.

Then, images flashed onto the giant screen behind her. The crowd gasped. Ana spun around, her heart dropping as blown-up photos of her disheveled state from that night on the street filled the screen.

"Oh my god! So she's a total tramp, dressed like that at night—probably out hooking up, and with multiple guys even!"

"What a disgrace to her family. No wonder the groom didn't bother showing up."

"Look, she's getting into a car. Who knows what went down in there? Then coming out of a hotel in different clothes—shameless!"

The whispers grew into a roar, everyone pointing and gossiping, while Ana stood frozen. She had no idea where those photos came from. Scanning the crowd, she spotted Ruth smirking wickedly in the corner, and it all clicked.

Ruth had orchestrated the whole thing. She was out to destroy Ana's reputation.

Someone from the crowd shouted, "Why go through with this joke of a wedding? Get off the stage already! If I were the groom, I wouldn't have shown either."

Standing there, Ana clenched her fists tight. What had she ever done to deserve this? Why did Jalen's family treat her like garbage? Her quiet endurance had only made them bolder.

In that moment, rage boiled up inside her—toward everyone who had shoved her into this spotlight. She suddenly snatched the microphone from the emcee, facing the crowd. "The wedding is happening."

If they wanted a spectacle, she'd give them one.

She was about to go on when the doors burst open. A tall, commanding figure strode up the aisle, microphone in hand, making his way toward her.

"Sorry I'm late." Dazed, she watched him approach, the lights revealing his face. In that instant, Ana was stunned speechless.

How could it be him?

As he stopped right beside her, the crowd erupted in shock.

Because the man on that stage was none other than Desmond Spencer—the one person whose influence no one in this city could match.

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."

Ana scrambled out of the car, flustered and off-balance. In her rush, the heel of her shoe snagged the hem of her wedding dress, sending her stumbling straight into Desmond Spencer's arms.

Desmond's amused voice rumbled above her, laced with teasing. "If you wanted me to hold you, all you had to do was ask. No need to throw yourself at me."

"I didn't mean to! It's this stupid dress..."

"Then lose it."

He guided her inside, and it finally clicked—he'd brought her here to change. That wedding gown was beyond extra: flashy and impossible to move in. Ditching it made total sense.

"Mr. Spencer, about the dress…"

"Toss it."

"But it's brand new, and it cost a fortune," Ana muttered under her breath, thinking Desmond had no clue about money. The thing was straight-up lavish—throwing it away? Such a waste.

"It's his, and I couldn't care less," Desmond said flatly, dumping the dress into a trash bin without so much as a blink.

Catching the look on his face, Ana clamped her mouth shut. But his motives? She couldn't wrap her head around them.

Desmond had Ana change into something that actually fit before they headed out to grab a meal, completely unaware that back at the Ryan household, all hell was breaking loose.

At the hotel, Ruth Ryan was drowning. She was handling the mess solo, personally ushering out guests, having lost count of how many times she'd had to apologize. In a brief lull, she called Jalen's father, Edward Ryan, phone pressed to her ear so tight her knuckles went white.

"This is your idea of 'everything's going to be fine'? Do you have any clue what Ana Spencer just pulled?"

Edward was at the hospital, chewing out his son Jalen, who had flat-out refused to show at the wedding—choosing instead to hover by Elodie Ford's bedside, the girl still deep in a coma.

"What happened now?"

"During the ceremony, Ana bailed with some other guy. This is the girl you swore up and down was perfect? Now everyone's saying our son got dumped at the altar, and how does that make our family look?"

"What are you talking about?" Edward was floored. Ana wouldn't do that—he'd watched her grow up; she wasn't one to go off the rails.

"I'm bringing Jalen over. Right now."

He hung up, and Jalen immediately pushed back. "I'm not going with you. If you want to fix this mess, handle it yourself."

"You wanted a wedding? Well, that ship has sailed. Thanks to you, Ana left with someone else. Are you just gonna let your mother deal with the fallout alone? Are you trying to drive us all over the edge?"

"What did you just say?"

Jalen couldn't process it—Ana, running off with another man? Especially when she'd always seemed so desperate to marry him.

When they got to the wedding venue, now dead quiet and stripped of any celebration, the reality smacked Jalen right in the face.

Ruth was a wreck, a pounding headache hammering at her temples. But spotting her husband and son, a sliver of relief cut through the chaos.

"Everyone's gone. Our family's gonna be infamous after this. By tomorrow, the whole city will know our son got left in the dust by his own fiancée."

"Mom, what actually went down?"

Ruth waved him off, too furious to form words, and jabbed a finger toward the videos circulating online.

The story had exploded everywhere—no way to reel it back. The whole disaster had gone viral, practically public domain at this point.

"I told you ages ago, Ana Spencer was bad news. But did you listen? No. And now you're stuck cleaning up this train wreck. Maybe now you'll finally see what kind of girl she really is."

Edward still held firm. "Ana wouldn't do something this reckless."

"She left with another man. That's a fact, not me making stuff up." Ruth was too livid to go on, rubbing her temples like she could scrub the whole thing away.

Jalen watched the entire video, his jaw set, face darkening by the second. His fist slammed against the table, cracking the wood.

He couldn't believe it. Of all people, it was Desmond Spencer.

Since when did Desmond even know Ana?

The comments under the video only poured gasoline on his rage. Online, plenty were already piling on: Jalen was the one who'd messed up, Desmond was hot and successful, and Ana had totally made the right call.

Plenty called Jalen a deadbeat, said he didn't hold a candle to Desmond, and cheered Ana on for her gutsy move.

Blinded by fury, Jalen smashed his phone to bits.

Clenching his fists, teeth grinding, he growled, "Ana Spencer... you've got some nerve."

Meanwhile, Ana sneezed as she clutched the keys to her new apartment, wondering if someone was trash-talking her behind her back.

"You're seriously gonna live here?" Desmond's voice dripped with disdain as he eyed the tiny, cozy attic room Ana had picked. It had a certain charm, warm and snug—but to him, it felt like a shoebox.

"It's perfect! I can swing the rent, and once I grab a few essentials, it'll be home."

Desmond had offered to set her up somewhere, but Ana shut it down. They barely knew each other, and Ana wasn't about to start mooching off anyone.

"I've already put you through enough for one day. It's getting late—I'm not gonna hold you up any longer."

"So you just wanna use me and toss me aside?"

"After everything that's gone down today... at least give me some time to breathe and get my head straight."

She figured he'd push back. But to her surprise, he nodded without a fight.

"Take your time. Think about our future."

As he walked out, those parting words lodged themselves in Ana's brain and wouldn't leave.

For seven years, she'd been the one doing all the giving. The thought of someone actually being kind to her—for real—felt surreal.

She could hardly believe her luck had flipped.

Closing the door and drinking in her new space, a deep breath finally escaped her. After years of leaning on others, she was finally free. No more going back to the Ryan family. From here on out, she'd start fresh.

This little place was hers—tiny, but safe. It already felt like a hug.

Downstairs, inside the black Phantom, Desmond's face settled back into its usual stone-cold mask.

"Mr. Spencer, are you for real about Miss Spencer?" Reuben, Desmond's assistant, asked, careful with every word.

Desmond let out a cold laugh. "Watching Jalen Ryan crash and burn? That's its own reward, don't you think? It's pretty damn entertaining." He picked up a folder—Ana Spencer's name front and center.

After that night, he'd dug into Ana's background and stumbled right into her connection to Jalen.

Desmond had hatched his plan the second he saw the opportunity. He knew Jalen's character inside out—selfish to the core, never once thinking about anyone but himself.

Reuben pressed, "Isn't there an easier way to go after Jalen?"

Leaning back into the leather seat, Desmond smirked. "You don't get it. It's the thrill of the game. Jalen struts around like he's untouchable. I'm gonna strip him of everything, piece by piece. Tell me that isn't the definition of fun."

He glanced at a photo of Ana, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "In a twisted way, we're both casualties. Tonight, we're heading to the Lodge."

Reuben could tell—Desmond's mood was unusually light today.

But still, worry gnawed at him. The scars from years ago still haunted Desmond, a knot in his chest that time had never managed to untie.

For years, Desmond had kept to himself, unable to shake the past. He'd sworn back then he'd never make peace with Jalen Ryan.