Chapter 18：Checkmate

"You look really gorgeous!" Scarlett said to Cassie. "And again I'm really sorry about-you know," she apologized, her voice full of regret.

"Don't worry about it, it's forgotten. At least you will get to see payback in action," Cassie gave her a small smile.

"I wish I could take it back...All of it..." Scarlett dashed away the tears from her eyes.

"You lost your baby so you lost more than I did," Cassie placed a hand on her shoulder. Although she was betrayed, Scarlett got the brunt of it.

"I know we can never be close friends again but just know that I will always value your friendship...and I'm glad that you forgave me," Scarlett said.

"Yeah...I don't think I will be able to trust you again..sorry," Cassie replied. "Maybe with time..?"

"Can I have a minute with the blushing bride?" Ethan stood at the door, taking in Cassie's appearance. crammed his hands into his pockets and stared at the floor, obviously in deep thought.

"Sure," Scarlett replied as she gave Ethan an appreciative look. "He's hot! Well done Cass!" She whispered to Cassie before walking out.

Cassie looked stunning in a nude crepe & lace detailed wedding gown, designed with a beautiful illusion neckline adorned with lace appliques finished off with a narrow crepe belt. Her hair was swept to the side and held back with a diamond-studded hair-clip.

"You look breathtaking.. ." Ethan stepped forward and continued to stare. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

"Well, fortunately, Kace isn't here," Ethan leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips, "And I get to kiss the bride..." he kissed her again.

"Ethan-stop! Someone might see us," Cassie pushed him away.

"Okay..later then..." he stopped at the door, "You look beautiful and remember that you don't have to go through with this-we can stop at anytime okay?"

"I know but I want to," Cassie said.

"I love you," Ethan blew her a kiss and left her alone with her thoughts.

Her father walked her down the aisle and he handed her over to Kace. Kace couldn't stop smiling and Cassie looked radiant. The marriage official started the ceremony.

"This is the best day of my life!" she whispered with excitement.

"Me too honey, I can't wait to make you my wife!" Kace whispered back.

"Dearly beloved we are gathered here to join-" the official started to say.

"Sorry..hold that thought.." Ethan called out from the back of the chapel. He strode purposefully to the front as everyone started murmuring. He looked dashing in his suit and some women openly ogled him.

"Hunter! What is the meaning of this?!" Kace shouted, his face contorted with anger.

"You will know soon enough," Ethan replied coolly

"Security! Get this man out of here! He was not invited to my wedding and he's certainly not welcome!" Kace sneered as Ethan made his way to the front.

"About that..." Cassie cut in. "I invited him."

Some of the guests gasped and the room was abuzz with voices. Kace and Ethan continued to have a face-off oblivious to what was going on around them. Let's just say if looks could kill one of them would have dropped dead by now. Ethan suddenly broke into a smile and stepped forward.

"If you will excuse me? I would hate to keep my lovely bride waiting," Ethan took Cassie by the hand and led her to the podium.

"How dare you walk in here and try and ruin my wedding day??!" Kace exploded. "Cassie what has gotten into you?!" He grabbed her by the arm and turned her around.

She looked at him with a mixture of pity and contempt, like he had lost his mind. Like he had gone off his rocker. This was not happening...it was all a bad dream...It was just a bad dream...he would wake up soon...He had better wake up soon...

"Listen, Miles, I don't take too kindly to people who man-handle my woman," Ethan pushed him aside. "Are you okay sweetheart?" he asked Cassie, concerned.

"Maybe it's time for us to spell it out for him?" Cassie sighed.

"You think so, my love?" Ethan responded. "I thought he would have caught on by now..but he seems like a slow learner so go ahead," he urged.

"Listen Kace your game is up," Cassie turned to face him. "I know everything-you see I'm not so naive..."

"Cassie, honey...whatever do you mean?" Kace looked around like a caged animal.

"I know that you impregnated Scarlett-and Victoria... and then forced them into terminating the pregnancies," Cassie seethed.

"Victoria lied! It wasn't even mine! We only did it once and I was drunk!" Kace cried out.

Everyone gasped and Cassie shook her head; the man had no shame. He didn't even realize that he had just confessed in front of all the guests.

"What about all the money you've been embezzling from your parent's companies?" Ethan challenged.

"Kace-is that true?" Kace's father asked, shocked.

"Look dad-I can explain-" Kace stuttered.

"How about you take your family drama outside? I have vows that need to be made and a bride that needs to be thoroughly kissed," Ethan said as he winked at Cassie.

Kace's family members left in a huff and he chased after them, throwing explanations after them. Cassie and Ethan turned to each other with knowing smiles.

"Mission accomplished Mr. Hunter," Cassie said.

"Not quite yet sweetheart...we still have to seal this deal. I'm not letting you get away this time." Ethan replied. "You may continue my good man," Ethan nodded at the marriage official.

"Are you sure?" The official asked, confused.

"I've never been more certain of anything in my life," Ethan said as he held Cassie's delicate hands.

"We should have done this sooner. But a wise man once told me that good things come to those who wait," Cassie smiled.

"Oh, it's coming alright..." Ethan winked at her

"Shall we begin?" the official started the ceremony all over again without any further interruptions.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," he said with finality. "You may kiss your bride."

Ethan kissed Cassie until the official blushed.

After the reception, they said their goodbyes and left for their honeymoon.

"So Mrs Hunter, are you ready to go on honeymoon? I have a surprise for you!" Ethan said as he swept her off her feet and carried her out of the hotel, to the waiting limo.

"As long as it's on some abandoned island with the man I love then I'll be happy," Cassie joked.

"Well, if you really must know...I bought that island and it's officially ours," he laughed as he placed her in the car.

"Really babe?" Cassie giggled.

"You should see what I've done with the place...actually let's just get there," Ethan scooped Cassie onto his lap and kissed her.

"I can't wait to get back to where it all started Mr Hunter," she put her arms around his neck.

"Neither can I sweetheart, neither can I," Ethan said before he silenced her with a kiss.

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