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Love Against All Odds
Love Against All Odds
Author: Little Langdon

Chapter 1

Author: Little Langdon
The emcee finished reading the vows on stage, but the groom never stepped forward.

The guests murmured among themselves.

I realized—this was yet another setup to humiliate me.

Sure enough, in the audience, Rowan Remington idly toyed with the ring in his hand before turning to my half-sister, Lisa Hamilton, with a smile.

“Didn’t you say weddings are tedious and dull? Two people recite vows, exchange rings, and it’s over.

“Today, I’ll show you a single’s wedding. Interesting, isn’t it?”

My elder half-brother, Miles, immediately caught on and raised the microphone. “The wedding is on hold!” he announced loudly.

Then, my childhood friend, Nathan Keller, shouted, “Tessa! Look over here.”

A water balloon came crashing down from above. Even though I reacted quickly and tried to dodge it, it still caught me off guard.

Water dripped from my soaked hair, strands clinging to my face. Droplets slid from my dress, darkening the fabric.

I clenched the sides of my skirt tightly.

Only then did Lisa finally let out a laugh.

Rowan strolled over, feigning concern, though his voice betrayed his true feelings.

“What’s wrong, Tessa? Not happy?”

Rowan turned and playfully punched Nathan in the arm. “You really went all out, huh? Did it ever cross your mind that Tessa is the bride today?”

For a brief moment, I thought he had finally realized the joke had gone too far.

But then, he handed me the ring—still in its box—the very one meant for my finger.

“Didn’t you want to get married? To be a bride?” He smirked. “I’m making it happen for you. I even got the emcee, the groomsmen, and the guests to show up.”

I met his gaze with an icy glare. He scoffed.

“What’s with that look? You didn’t actually think I was going to marry you, did you? I was just helping you fulfill your wish—I never said I’d be the groom.”

Then, as if offering some thoughtful advice, he added, “Hold on to that wedding ring. Wouldn’t want to lose it now. Otherwise, your groom won’t have a ring to put on your finger.”

“Oh—wait.” He chuckled. “There isn’t even a groom at this wedding.”

Nathan made no effort to hide the mockery in his voice. “No way! A wedding without a groom?

“But I have to say, Tessa looks more than ready to get married. Just look at her—so dressed up for the occasion!”

His words instantly turned every gaze toward me and my drenched wedding gown clinging to my body.

In the past, I would have swallowed my tears and begged Rowan in a whisper not to humiliate me like this in front of everyone.

But now, I simply wiped the water from my face, careful not to smudge my makeup.

In a calm voice, I thanked them instead.

“Thank you all for walking me through this rehearsal. I was a little nervous before, but I feel much better now. The real wedding should go even more smoothly.”

Rowan froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“Are you really this stupid, or are you just pretending? Do you still think I’m going to marry you?

“Can’t you see? This was all just to make Lisa laugh!

“A woman who throws herself at a man only cheapens herself.”

His smirk was laced with ridicule, not even bothering to hide his amusement.

He didn’t care how much his words could hurt me.

Related chapters

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 2

    Lisa and the others laughed heartily. My heart felt like it was being wrung tightly, over and over again. I had known for a while that Rowan, Miles, and Nathan had planned to humiliate me. A few days earlier, Rowan had called me. “Don’t you want to get married, Tessa? To be a bride? The venue is set just as you chose it. See you there.” My heart had skipped a beat then. He knew me too well—he knew how much I longed for marriage. After my mother passed away, I lived with my grandmother. Now, she is gravely ill. Her only wish is to see me married, to witness my happiness before she leaves this world. I had booked the wedding venue long ago, begging Rowan countless times to marry me—even if it was just a farce of a ceremony to put my grandmother’s mind at ease. That one phone call had thrown me into turmoil. I had wanted to talk to Miles about it in his study. But instead, I accidentally overheard them enthusiastically discussing how to orchestrate this idea of a cruel

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 3

    Miles sneered in agreement. “Tessa, even if you’re embarrassed, there’s no need to lie. “Besides, do you think I wouldn’t know if anyone actually wanted to marry you?” His words sent a wave of laughter rippling through the crowd. Everyone had seen how I had spent years chasing after Rowan. It was a fact no one could deny. Nathan pretended to think for a moment before smirking. “Could it be that she’s just trying to make Rowan jealous?” “That’s such a pathetic trick, Tessa. Don’t you think it’s ridiculous?” Lisa gently tried to stop them, then turned to me with a look of concern. “Tessa, this whole thing was just a little joke to cheer me up. You playing along with them really means a lot to me. “I also know you’ve liked Rowan for a long time, but love is a two-way street… “A girl should know her worth. Father is watching from the audience, along with so many guests. You shouldn’t keep making a scene.” Her voice was soft, her tone soothing, but every word painted me

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 4

    "Tessa, you really will do anything to protect that pitiful shred of dignity, won’t you? "If you’re that desperate to get married, why not just pick a man from the crowd?" Rowan suggested with feigned kindness, but I knew better. He wanted to humiliate me further, to make sure I had no way to walk away from this unscathed. In the next moment, he grabbed the microphone and turned to the guests. "Everyone, we have a special announcement! The esteemed eldest daughter of the Hamiltons, Tessa, is now accepting suitors—right here, right now! "As long as you’re a man, you’re welcome to sign up. If anyone’s interested, we can hold the wedding on the spot. "Any takers? Our dear Miss Tessa is nothing if not devoted—she’s been chasing after me for years, utterly relentless in her pursuit." …The crowd buzzed with murmurs, and some even pulled out their phones to record the spectacle. Heat crept up my face as I bit my lip in embarrassment. Yes, I had chased after Rowan for years

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 5

    A deep, resonant voice spoke from right behind me. I turned my head and saw Draco. He was wearing a white suit that matched mine, and a single flower was pinned to his chest. Steadying me, he gently patted my shoulder in reassurance. "Why are you all wet? Go change into another dress," he said, his voice calm and composed. "I think the mermaid gown from yesterday suits you better." Then, he leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm here." His presence anchored me, and I slowly regained my composure. Rowan, frozen for a moment then suddenly let out a mocking chuckle. "You really outdid yourself this time, Tessa. You even managed to get Mr. Dali to play along!" Draco stepped in front of me, placing himself between Rowan and me. "Are you a friend of Tessa’s?" His tone was polite but cold. "If so, you're welcome to stay and witness our union." I bent down to pick up my marriage certificate, which had fallen to the ground in the commotion. Dirt smudges sta

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 6

    I was sure no one had ever said such words to me before. My eyes instantly grew red, and I was unexpectedly moved by the depth of emotion and sincerity in Draco’s gaze. Even though we had only met a few days ago, it felt as if I had known him for much longer. But I told myself he was just saying these things for their benefit—to stand up for me. I didn’t dare take them too seriously.…My father’s attitude shifted dramatically. He clasped Darco’s hand with an overly friendly smile, but Draco coolly withdrew his hand and led me toward my grandmother instead. She beamed with joy, gripping both our hands tightly. “You must be so happy, Tessa,” she said warmly. Draco knelt on one knee beside her, listening patiently as she spoke at length, without the slightest hint of impatience. The guests, now convinced, offered their blessings. “The bride and groom are a perfect match— so handsome and beautiful!” “Who was it earlier, making a fool of themselves trying to set her up fo

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 7

    "I was happy because I was finally getting married but not because it was to you."…I fixed my gaze on Rowan and enunciated each word. A wounded expression flashed across his face. His body swayed slightly as he muttered under his breath, “Impossible… How could you marry someone else?” Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and shouted, “Do you remember what you once said, Tessa? You told me you wanted to marry me, that you wanted to be my wife! How could you marry someone else now? “Tell me this is all a lie. Tell me you did this just to deceive me!” Draco moved swiftly and pried Rowan’s hand off mine with ease. His voice was calm but firm. “Tessa is my wife now. I would appreciate it if you don’t touch her again.” I looked at Rowan and couldn’t help but laugh. What was this supposed to be? Back then, when I begged him to marry me, he called me annoying, accused me of clinging to him, and even said I wasn’t worth a fraction of Lisa’s attention. But now that I had truly move

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 8

    "I never saw you again after that," Draco said, his voice tinged with sadness. After my mother fell ill and passed away, my father took me back, and I lost all contact with Draco. "You have no idea how long I searched for you," he said, feigning exasperation. "And yet, you heartless thing— you completely forgot about me." …Draco tapped my forehead lightly with his fingers, grumbling in mock annoyance. Yet, something about the gesture felt oddly familiar. "I'm sorry, Draco," I apologized sincerely. He locked eyes with me and said with quiet seriousness, "Still calling me Draco? Didn’t we get married today? What should you be calling me?" My face instantly flushed crimson. He pulled me into his arms and burst into laughter, choosing not to tease me further. Life with Draco was peaceful and full of joy. He never played games with my emotions, and never left me second-guessing. Only then did I realize—this was what a healthy relationship was supposed to feel like. But

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 9

    Whether Lisa truly had depression no longer mattered. Miles followed behind me in silence. I remember when I first returned to the Hamiltons’ family home—timid and terrified of the dark. Back then, Miles would stand guard outside my bedroom door with a small wooden sword, waiting until I had fallen asleep before finally resting himself. He once told me he would protect me forever. Yet, in the end, he still took part in the schemes that humiliated me. “I’m sorry, Tessa…” His voice was heavy with regret. “I just thought that since Lisa had depression, she needed more care than you did. “I never realized how much I was hurting you.” His head hung low, like a child caught in wrongdoing. But I could never forget how just to make Lisa smile, he had repeatedly turned me into a joke. On Lisa’s birthday, they had deliberately placed a balloon filled with flammable gas right beside me. The balloon exploded, burning my long hair—the hair I had grown for ten years—into a ch

Latest chapter

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 9

    Whether Lisa truly had depression no longer mattered. Miles followed behind me in silence. I remember when I first returned to the Hamiltons’ family home—timid and terrified of the dark. Back then, Miles would stand guard outside my bedroom door with a small wooden sword, waiting until I had fallen asleep before finally resting himself. He once told me he would protect me forever. Yet, in the end, he still took part in the schemes that humiliated me. “I’m sorry, Tessa…” His voice was heavy with regret. “I just thought that since Lisa had depression, she needed more care than you did. “I never realized how much I was hurting you.” His head hung low, like a child caught in wrongdoing. But I could never forget how just to make Lisa smile, he had repeatedly turned me into a joke. On Lisa’s birthday, they had deliberately placed a balloon filled with flammable gas right beside me. The balloon exploded, burning my long hair—the hair I had grown for ten years—into a ch

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 8

    "I never saw you again after that," Draco said, his voice tinged with sadness. After my mother fell ill and passed away, my father took me back, and I lost all contact with Draco. "You have no idea how long I searched for you," he said, feigning exasperation. "And yet, you heartless thing— you completely forgot about me." …Draco tapped my forehead lightly with his fingers, grumbling in mock annoyance. Yet, something about the gesture felt oddly familiar. "I'm sorry, Draco," I apologized sincerely. He locked eyes with me and said with quiet seriousness, "Still calling me Draco? Didn’t we get married today? What should you be calling me?" My face instantly flushed crimson. He pulled me into his arms and burst into laughter, choosing not to tease me further. Life with Draco was peaceful and full of joy. He never played games with my emotions, and never left me second-guessing. Only then did I realize—this was what a healthy relationship was supposed to feel like. But

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 7

    "I was happy because I was finally getting married but not because it was to you."…I fixed my gaze on Rowan and enunciated each word. A wounded expression flashed across his face. His body swayed slightly as he muttered under his breath, “Impossible… How could you marry someone else?” Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and shouted, “Do you remember what you once said, Tessa? You told me you wanted to marry me, that you wanted to be my wife! How could you marry someone else now? “Tell me this is all a lie. Tell me you did this just to deceive me!” Draco moved swiftly and pried Rowan’s hand off mine with ease. His voice was calm but firm. “Tessa is my wife now. I would appreciate it if you don’t touch her again.” I looked at Rowan and couldn’t help but laugh. What was this supposed to be? Back then, when I begged him to marry me, he called me annoying, accused me of clinging to him, and even said I wasn’t worth a fraction of Lisa’s attention. But now that I had truly move

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 6

    I was sure no one had ever said such words to me before. My eyes instantly grew red, and I was unexpectedly moved by the depth of emotion and sincerity in Draco’s gaze. Even though we had only met a few days ago, it felt as if I had known him for much longer. But I told myself he was just saying these things for their benefit—to stand up for me. I didn’t dare take them too seriously.…My father’s attitude shifted dramatically. He clasped Darco’s hand with an overly friendly smile, but Draco coolly withdrew his hand and led me toward my grandmother instead. She beamed with joy, gripping both our hands tightly. “You must be so happy, Tessa,” she said warmly. Draco knelt on one knee beside her, listening patiently as she spoke at length, without the slightest hint of impatience. The guests, now convinced, offered their blessings. “The bride and groom are a perfect match— so handsome and beautiful!” “Who was it earlier, making a fool of themselves trying to set her up fo

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 5

    A deep, resonant voice spoke from right behind me. I turned my head and saw Draco. He was wearing a white suit that matched mine, and a single flower was pinned to his chest. Steadying me, he gently patted my shoulder in reassurance. "Why are you all wet? Go change into another dress," he said, his voice calm and composed. "I think the mermaid gown from yesterday suits you better." Then, he leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm here." His presence anchored me, and I slowly regained my composure. Rowan, frozen for a moment then suddenly let out a mocking chuckle. "You really outdid yourself this time, Tessa. You even managed to get Mr. Dali to play along!" Draco stepped in front of me, placing himself between Rowan and me. "Are you a friend of Tessa’s?" His tone was polite but cold. "If so, you're welcome to stay and witness our union." I bent down to pick up my marriage certificate, which had fallen to the ground in the commotion. Dirt smudges sta

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 4

    "Tessa, you really will do anything to protect that pitiful shred of dignity, won’t you? "If you’re that desperate to get married, why not just pick a man from the crowd?" Rowan suggested with feigned kindness, but I knew better. He wanted to humiliate me further, to make sure I had no way to walk away from this unscathed. In the next moment, he grabbed the microphone and turned to the guests. "Everyone, we have a special announcement! The esteemed eldest daughter of the Hamiltons, Tessa, is now accepting suitors—right here, right now! "As long as you’re a man, you’re welcome to sign up. If anyone’s interested, we can hold the wedding on the spot. "Any takers? Our dear Miss Tessa is nothing if not devoted—she’s been chasing after me for years, utterly relentless in her pursuit." …The crowd buzzed with murmurs, and some even pulled out their phones to record the spectacle. Heat crept up my face as I bit my lip in embarrassment. Yes, I had chased after Rowan for years

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 3

    Miles sneered in agreement. “Tessa, even if you’re embarrassed, there’s no need to lie. “Besides, do you think I wouldn’t know if anyone actually wanted to marry you?” His words sent a wave of laughter rippling through the crowd. Everyone had seen how I had spent years chasing after Rowan. It was a fact no one could deny. Nathan pretended to think for a moment before smirking. “Could it be that she’s just trying to make Rowan jealous?” “That’s such a pathetic trick, Tessa. Don’t you think it’s ridiculous?” Lisa gently tried to stop them, then turned to me with a look of concern. “Tessa, this whole thing was just a little joke to cheer me up. You playing along with them really means a lot to me. “I also know you’ve liked Rowan for a long time, but love is a two-way street… “A girl should know her worth. Father is watching from the audience, along with so many guests. You shouldn’t keep making a scene.” Her voice was soft, her tone soothing, but every word painted me

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 2

    Lisa and the others laughed heartily. My heart felt like it was being wrung tightly, over and over again. I had known for a while that Rowan, Miles, and Nathan had planned to humiliate me. A few days earlier, Rowan had called me. “Don’t you want to get married, Tessa? To be a bride? The venue is set just as you chose it. See you there.” My heart had skipped a beat then. He knew me too well—he knew how much I longed for marriage. After my mother passed away, I lived with my grandmother. Now, she is gravely ill. Her only wish is to see me married, to witness my happiness before she leaves this world. I had booked the wedding venue long ago, begging Rowan countless times to marry me—even if it was just a farce of a ceremony to put my grandmother’s mind at ease. That one phone call had thrown me into turmoil. I had wanted to talk to Miles about it in his study. But instead, I accidentally overheard them enthusiastically discussing how to orchestrate this idea of a cruel

  • Love Against All Odds   Chapter 1

    The emcee finished reading the vows on stage, but the groom never stepped forward. The guests murmured among themselves. I realized—this was yet another setup to humiliate me. Sure enough, in the audience, Rowan Remington idly toyed with the ring in his hand before turning to my half-sister, Lisa Hamilton, with a smile. “Didn’t you say weddings are tedious and dull? Two people recite vows, exchange rings, and it’s over. “Today, I’ll show you a single’s wedding. Interesting, isn’t it?” My elder half-brother, Miles, immediately caught on and raised the microphone. “The wedding is on hold!” he announced loudly. Then, my childhood friend, Nathan Keller, shouted, “Tessa! Look over here.” A water balloon came crashing down from above. Even though I reacted quickly and tried to dodge it, it still caught me off guard. Water dripped from my soaked hair, strands clinging to my face. Droplets slid from my dress, darkening the fabric. I clenched the sides of my skirt tightly.

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