After Being Betrayed at the Wedding, the Tycoon Backs Me Up

Chapter 1-----My Dying Sister Stole My Wedding I have been imagining the moment I would walk down the aisle in my wedding gown toward the man I loved so vividly that even in my dreams, I could not suppress a smile. I’ve waited for six years for this day. From nineteen to twenty-five, I dreamt of marrying him. And that day will finally arrive. But in the blink of an eye, that beautiful dream was shattered. "Audrey, Mr. Nelson came by the atelier this morning and took the wedding dress. Did he bring it home?" My assistant, Birdie, sounded puzzled over the phone. Still groggy from sleep, I frowned. "Theodore took my dress?" "Yes. You didn’t know?" "I’ll check with him." After hanging up, I’ve snapped out of my grogginess but I still could not understand why Theodore would take the dress so early. *Our home was already packed with wedding preparations - where would he even put it?* I had planned to collect it right before the ceremony. He didn’t answer my first call. When he finally called back, I went straight to the point: "Theo, did you take my wedding dress?" "Yes." His voice sounded hoarse and tired. "Is there something wrong?" I asked, concerned. After a pause, he replied calmly but coldly: "Audrey, we need to cancel the wedding." My ears buzzed as my mind went blank. "Why?" "Alyssa has late-stage cancer. The doctors say she only has about three months left." For a brief moment, I almost thought it was karma finally catching up to that horrible girl. "What does it have to do with our wedding?" "Her final wish is to marry me. She wants to die without regrets." Before I could respond, he continued, "I know this is too much to ask, but she's dying. Can't you find some compassion for her?" I was so shocked I almost laughed at how ridiculous this was. After a long silence, I asked, "Theodore, do you even hear what you're saying?" Theodore's voice was firm, "Yes, I know what I’m talking about, Audrey. I'm going to marry Alyssa to fulfill her final wish. I know this is unfair to you, so as compensation, I'm willing to transfer 50% of the company shares that I own to you. I hope you can think this over." My entire body went numb. "And if I refuse?" I asked. I could tell that Theodore's patience was wearing thin. "Audrey, can't you show some basic human kindness? Alyssa is your sister. She's dying, and you can’t even grant this tiny wish of hers?" *What twisted logic was this?* I couldn't help my bitter retort, "If you care so much about her, why don't you follow her to the grave after she dies?" "You—" My words left him speechless. After a tense silence, he changed tactics: "I've already brought the wedding dress to the hospital. Alyssa's about your size so it'll fit her perfectly." Before I could respond, a familiar voice called out in the background, "Theodore! Alyssa's awake!" "I'll be right there," he answered urgently, then hurriedly said to me, "Audrey, I need your answer soon." The call disconnected before I could reply. When had Theodore and Alyssa grown so close? Was it when she first rolled up her sleeve to donate blood for him? Or when she cooked for him that first time? Or perhaps when eighteen-year-old Alyssa had boldly declared in front of everyone, “The only man I'll ever love is Theodore. If I can't marry him, I'd rather die!” Despite our public declaration of marriage at that time, her dramatic proclamation only earned cheers for her "bravery”. *But Theodore—if these are your reasons for marrying her now, then what was the meaning of all my years of devotion?* I thought to myself. *I was the one who donated my rare blood that matched yours for five years until you fully recovered*. *When you were weak, I was the one who took care of you by your bedside. I was the one who spent countless sleepless nights by your side when you were hospitalized!* *And now, just because Alyssa is dying, you'd betray me like that without hesitation? And because of that, you're calling off our carefully planned wed to marry her instead?* I forced my tears back. That bastard was not worth my tears. The abuse and humiliation I endured in the Shaw family had taught me one truth: Tears would get me nowhere. The only thing that could get things done was action. I picked up my phone and called the bastard back: "Theodore, I'll surrender my place as the bride on one condition. I want all the shares of the company. If you agree, come back tonight to sign the papers."