Ruining ex-mate's wedding - Chapter 4

Lavina–POV

"Archer," I whispered. He turned his gaze to me, his face filled with concern, but his eyes darted around, scanning our surroundings. "What are you doing out here so late?" I inquired.

"Who was that man who tried to attack you?" Archer's voice was filled with a protective edge.

"I don't know," I admitted. As Archer reached out to help me up, my legs wavered. The sudden magic attack had taken me by surprise, and it felt like the assailant's magic had drained my power. Sensing my struggle, Archer swiftly lifted me and carried me inside the house. He gently laid me on the couch, then shut the door behind him. Moments later, he returned with a glass of water, placing it gently in my hands.

"You still haven't answered my question," I said, looking into his eyes.

Archer's gaze shifted to my neck, examining it closely. A deep frown marred his features. "I came here late at night because I was worried about you. I got word from Alice," he began, sitting beside me. "She mentioned that your ex-mate sent you a wedding invitation." My gaze drifted away from Archer, the painful topic too fresh to discuss.

"I'm alive, in case you were wondering," I responded, my voice tinged with sarcasm. "Thank you for arriving just in time to save me, or perhaps…" My voice faded, the weight of the moment hanging heavily between us. I felt the warmth of Archer's hand as it enveloped mine, and I turned to meet his gaze, finding comfort in his presence.

"Do you want me to teach that jerk a lesson?" He asked, his face etched with seriousness. "How about we ruin his perfect day?" I couldn't help but sigh at his suggestions, but it was clear Archer was itching to act. Why shouldn't we ruin his wedding? After all, he betrayed me, got his secretary pregnant, and hid it from everyone. To make matters worse, he dared to make me feel guilty for not bearing his child, painting me as a pathetic one in the eyes of others.

"What do you have in mind?" I finally asked, curious and a bit amused.

Archer's smirk widened, clearly pleased with my willingness. "First, you must dress up like the bombshell you are, and I'll accompany you to the wedding. As for the rest of the plan, I'll fill you in when we meet in three days." He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. But before leaving, he cast a magical barrier around me for protection. The door closed behind him, leaving me with a faint tingling sensation on my forehead, where his lips had met my skin. Shaking off the unexpected flood of emotions, I headed to bed. I didn't feel defeated or pathetic for the first time.

*****

The next three days flew by. I had reported the mysterious attacker from that night to the Dragon Shifter Realm Office, hoping they could identify the assailant and uncover who had sent him. While wrapping up work, I stepped outside and saw Archer waiting for me, a welcoming smile on his face. "We need to go shopping. The wedding is tomorrow," he said, holding the car door open for me. Without hesitation, I slid into the seat. More than ever, I was determined to find the perfect dress and perhaps even undergo a mini makeover.

"Here, have some latte; it'll lift your spirits," Archer said, handing me the warm cup. I looked at him, surprised by how well he knew my tastes. With a smile, I took a sip, and the comforting taste instantly brightened my mood. We then headed into the dress boutique and later enjoyed some pampering at the spa. By evening, Archer dropped me off at my place, reminding me to get a good night's rest.

The following day, I awoke with a sense of purpose. I wasn't overwhelmed by sadness; instead, I felt invigorated, as if I was gearing up for a mission. I slipped into my chosen attire and admired the floor-length, form-fitting gown in the mirror. Its deep shade of emerald green symbolized both envy and elegance. The dress clung to my body, accentuating my form and offering a soft touch against my skin. The off-shoulder design and a slit on the left added a hint of allure without being too forward. At the back, an intricate lace-up detail added a touch of vintage charm. The dress sparkled subtly with every movement, thanks to the tiny sequins embedded in the fabric. To complete the look, I chose minimalist jewelry strappy stilettos and carried an air of confidence.

Stepping out of my room, I checked my phone and noticed a text from Archer saying he was waiting in the parking area.

The elevator doors opened to the parking lot, and as I stepped out, Archer looked up from his phone. He seemed utterly spellbound by my appearance for a moment, and his intense gaze sent warmth coursing through me. As much as I hated to admit it, I still felt a pull towards Archer even after all these five years. But I reminded myself: he's engaged, and some boundaries shouldn't be crossed.

"You look breathtaking," Archer murmured, drawing near so his breath brushed against my neck. Instinctively, I stepped back, reminding myself of the boundaries between us.

"You clean up well yourself," I replied, offering a compliment. Instead of Archer's usual cocky smirk – the one that said he was well aware of his good looks – his face displayed an emotion I couldn't quite place.

"Before we attend Keenan's wedding, I need to be sure this won't jeopardize your engagement," I said. "With so many shifters present, what if rumors start circulating about us?"

Archer let out a sigh. "Don't fret about my situation. I can handle any complications that arise. Trust me, Lavina," he reassured, easing my worries. We got into the car, with Archer sliding behind the wheel. As we neared the wedding venue, my nerves began to fray. The thought of facing Keenan and potentially losing my temper was daunting. Sensing my tension, Archer gently placed his warm hand over mine, drawing my attention to his comforting emerald eyes.

"Take a deep breath," he instructed. I obeyed. Archer held my hand securely as we entered the wedding reception. The hum of conversations dimmed as all eyes turned to us. Keenan, who was speaking to his bride, Veronica, paused. Veronica's eyes narrowed upon seeing me, clearly irritated. The feel of Archer's hand resting on the small of my back gave me a reassuring sense of protection. I stood tall, feeling confident and unbroken. The years spent being wedded to Keenan had diminished my self-worth. But now, with every step I took, I was reminded of the confident, strong-willed woman I once was long before my union with Keenan.

"Congratulations," I greeted, my voice steady.

Keenan, taken aback by my presence, replied husky, "You came."

"You invited me, and unlike some, I don't turn down invitations out of spite. I'm not cold-hearted and dishonest. You know how forgiving I am," I stated, my words dripping with subtle rebuke. Keenan seemed taken aback by my composed demeanor, and Veronica looked distinctly uncomfortable, her eyes darting away in embarrassment.

Keenan, recovering quickly, retorted, "Isn't it ironic? You're here with a man who's always wanted you in his bed."

Archer intervened, his voice filled with sincerity, "I wish she had chosen me over you. Any man would go to great lengths to have her as his wife." I resisted the urge to look at him, fearing the intensity of emotion I might find in his eyes.

Just as Keenan was about to retort, something I anticipated with dread, Archer's hand wrapped around my arm, gently leading me away from the confrontation and effectively cutting off any chance for Keenan to respond. "Wait for the main event, sweetheart," Archer whispered into my ear, his words hinting at something planned.

As the scene continued, Keenan and Veronica moved to cut their wedding cake. Instead of being showered in flowers or applause, a bucket of red paint was unexpectedly dumped on them. My eyes widened in shock. But that wasn't all; black feathers rained down on the humiliated couple following the paint. Keenan's outraged scream echoed throughout the venue. While many guests looked on in astonishment, others could barely conceal their amusement, hiding smiles behind their hands. A part of me enjoyed witnessing Keenan's humiliation, especially with his parents watching, unable to do anything but share in their son's embarrassment.

"Archer, was this your doing?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. His lips curled into a knowing smile.

"You planted the idea in my head. I recall that night at the bar when you mentioned wanting to humiliate Keenan," Archer replied, his words warming my heart.

"I appreciate your help," I expressed with gratitude.

"Don't mention it. During the wolf plague that struck our pack, your healing abilities saved many, including me," Archer reminisced. "You don't need to weep a man who never truly valued you. Think of it as an escape from a toxic relationship you were tethered to." His words, sharp with insight, made me pause.

"You're right. Seeing Keenan now, I realize I spent five years being miserable over such a shallow man," I admitted, my voice filled with newfound clarity. As Keenan and Veronica were ushered towards the changing rooms amidst a flurry of whispers and gossip, I continued, "It's time for me to move on and rebuild my life. I refuse to shed any more tears over that man." Archer seemed deep in thought as I began heading towards the parking lot. He looked up, offering a faint smile.

"Why the somber look?" I inquired.

"I recently met the woman I'm supposed to get engaged to," he revealed.

"You'll adjust. Maybe you'll even grow to love your fiancée. Speaking of which, what's her name?" My curiosity got the better of me.

"Her name's Eden," Archer responded. Then, after a pause, he added, "But how can I truly love another when I still feel this undeniable pull towards you?"