CHAPTER 700: CHAPTER 700: HAYDEN CRAWFORD AND SERENA STERLING’S GRAND WEDDING

As the wedding day drew closer, Melody Ashworth grew more complacent, calling Consort Willow, "Mother Consort, everything is going smoothly now. I’m going to marry Hayden Crawford, and when I expose his true identity, I’ll be the queen, respected by all."

Melody Ashworth never forgot her mission; she was destined to be a queen.

Consort Willow paused briefly and cautiously said, "Melody, I feel like everything is going too smoothly, which makes me uneasy. How has Hayden been treating you lately? You must tell Mother Consort honestly."

Melody blushed slightly, responding shyly, "Mother Consort, Hayden has been treating me very well lately."

"Really?"

"Of course, we’re practically living together. Several times I’ve even woken up in his arms."

Melody’s implication was clear; she and Hayden had shared intimate moments numerous times—such things couldn’t be faked.

Consort Willow quickly smiled, "Melody, that puts my mind at ease."

"Mother Consort, we still have Cherie under control. I’ve tightly gripped Hayden’s heart. After the wedding, we’ll get rid of Serena Sterling and Cherie together, eliminating any future threats!" Melody’s eyes glinted with a malicious resolve.

Consort Willow nodded, "I think the same. Melody, just focus on becoming Hayden Crawford’s bride!"

...

In a blink of an eye, the wedding day arrived.

This grand wedding was held at The Louis Estate, with signs for the groom and bride hung in the banquet hall—Groom: Hayden Crawford, Bride: Serena Sterling.

Melody was momentarily stunned upon seeing these signs; today was supposed to be her wedding with Hayden Crawford, yet the bride’s sign bore Serena Sterling’s name.

Everyone knew today was Hayden Crawford and Serena Sterling’s wedding!

Serena Sterling was about to become Mrs. Crawford!

It was only then that Melody realized she had always been a shadow of Serena Sterling, a deeply unsettling realization, like she was merely attending their grand wedding.

Melody quickly dismissed these odd thoughts; she had just awoken in Hayden’s arms this morning—his tenderness couldn’t be a lie.

Someone like Hayden Crawford wouldn’t be intimate with a woman he didn’t like.

Melody entered the bride’s dressing room and donned the bespoke wedding dress from the Fringed Palace.

The wedding dress was adorned with flowers and diamonds. The makeup artist exclaimed, "Wow, Miss Sterling, you look absolutely stunning, the most beautiful bride in the world tonight."

Melody twirled in front of the mirror, holding up her dress, and the flower-and-diamond-embellished gown made her look as noble and beautiful as a blooming peony—truly breathtaking.

Today was the day of her grand wedding with Hayden Crawford; she was going to marry him and become Mrs. Crawford!

Melody smiled triumphantly, finally getting her way.

She was the one who smiled last.

She had won.

Serena Sterling was defeated by her.

Ha.

Haha.

Just then, the makeup artist exclaimed excitedly, "Miss Sterling, look, Mr. Crawford is here, the groom has arrived!"

Melody stood at the window, slyly lifting the curtain with her finger. Outside was a sea of flowers, and Hayden Crawford’s tall, handsome figure immediately came into view.

Today, Hayden wore a handmade black suit, perfectly pressed without a crease, with his neatly cut hair styled upward in a side part, revealing his sharply defined features—he was breathtakingly handsome.

A few executives were speaking with him, but with one hand in his pocket, he listened with an aloof elegance and an air of cold and untouchable nobility.

Melody’s eyes were filled with deep admiration for this cold, aloof, noble, and overwhelmingly powerful man; she had fallen for him at first sight.

Today, she finally walked by his side.

She became the woman of the king.

Melody sighed with relief just as Hayden lifted his gaze, those deep, narrow eyes looking over at her.

When their eyes met, Melody felt shy, while Hayden seemed cold and indifferent.

Melody’s heart skipped a beat; why was Hayden looking at her so coldly when he was so tender this morning?

In the blink of an eye, Hayden seemed like a different person.

Was it just her imagination?

Then someone entered, "Bride, the auspicious time has arrived, you can go now."

Melody dismissed her doubts, feeling she was overthinking.

Hayden was treating her well now, and Cherie was still under their control, and Serena wouldn’t dare cause trouble. Everything was proceeding smoothly according to plan. Today, she just needed to beautifully marry Hayden, making all women in the world envious.

Besides, Hayden was naturally so cold and heartless; it was perfectly normal.

Melody smiled perfectly, "Alright, I’m coming."

She walked out.

Just then, a melodious ringtone sounded; Melody had received a call.

Unfortunately, she had already left, leaving her phone behind.

On the phone’s screen, the word "Consort" flashed—Consort Willow was calling.

With no answer, Consort Willow called a second, third time... It must’ve been something very important and urgent she needed to convey to Melody.

However, Melody was destined not to receive this call, and the melodious ringtone echoed in the empty dressing room again and again.

...

Melody arrived at the wedding, surrounded immediately by socialites and noblewomen who nearly sang her praises to the heavens,

"The bride looks truly beautiful today."

"The bride is now a woman of great fortune, marrying into the world’s top financial family, becoming the first lady. The bride must lift us up in the future."

Melody smiled, feeling she owned the world at that moment. Just then, she spotted Hayden and quickly approached, "Hayden..."

She tried to take Hayden’s strong arm.

But Hayden avoided her, not allowing any contact.

Melody’s hand froze awkwardly in mid-air, infinitely embarrassed.

This scene was noticed by all the socialites and noblewomen, whose expressions changed as they whispered to each other,

"What’s going on, Mr. Crawford wouldn’t let the bride touch him?"

"I noticed Mr. Crawford isn’t smiling at all today; he seems unhappy."

Melody was utterly bewildered, clueless about what Hayden was doing. With everyone watching, he had caused her to lose face and be unable to recover.

"Hayden," Melody quickly forced out an awkward smile, "I think the time is right, the wedding can start."

Melody had a vague sense of foreboding and was urging the wedding on.