Chapter 10 Coward Ryan

"Abigail, face reality. Even if Ryan is still alive, he's alone now. How can he compare to the Kanes? How can he compare to Joel? All Joel needs is a single word, he doesn't even have to lift a finger, and countless second- and third-tier families will kill Ryan to please him." Linda sighed and said, "No matter how much you might still care for Ryan, just bury it at the bottom of your heart!" "But for the past three years, I've had nothing with Joel, and I haven't given any other man even the slightest chance. I've kept myself pure for Ryan because I still love him! I love him!" Abigail's eyes were red, and she lifted her head, speaking with a mix of stubbornness and pain, her voice hoarse. "Does it matter? Three years ago, when the Howells were in crisis, you and the Xander family stood by and did nothing. Ryan will never forgive you. You and he can't go back to the past," Linda continued, worried that her daughter would do something foolish. There were still things Linda hadn't told her daughter—like how, at the wedding, Joel had humiliated and insulted Ryan, verbally trampling on him, and yet Ryan hadn't even flinched. It was pathetic, like a cowardly turtle retreating into its shell. Linda couldn't accept it such a weak, cowardly man to get close to her daughter. Initially, she had feared that Ryan might cause a scene at the wedding, but now it was clear that was never going to happen. Ryan didn't have the courage. Because Ryan wasn't a concern anymore, all she needed to do was convince her daughter, it wouldn't be that difficult. Abigail's crying finally stopped, and she seemed a little dazed. "Abigail, do you want to save Ryan? If you do, the only way is to marry Joel. Then, as his wife, you can beg him to spare Ryan. Perhaps, with Joel's affection and obsession with you, he might agree. Otherwise, Ryan's life or death is nothing more than a matter of Joel's word." Linda continued, trying to reason with her using both her emotions and logic. Abigail's face turned pale again. But soon, she became determined. "Yes, I have to save Ryan! I will save him!" Abigail nodded firmly. She couldn't call off the wedding; otherwise, in his fury, Joel would make sure to kill Ryan. For Ryan's sake, she had to marry Joel. "That's the right choice," Linda said, breathing a sigh of relief. And time continued to pass. Soon, it was almost 12 o'clock. During that time, Logan's older brother and the others had all arrived. The wedding was about to begin. However, many people in the crowd seemed distracted, occasionally glancing toward Ryan, as if hoping he might cause a scene. The emcee had already taken charge of the proceedings, and the groom, Joel, was called up to the stage to speak. Joel stood tall, his posture straight and confident, his figure accentuated by the custom-tailored suit that made him look like a prince, handsome and elegant. He took the microphone, straightened his back, and said, "First, I'd like to welcome everyone. I'm truly honored, especially by the presence of the esteemed Mr. Riley and Mr. Solomon. Having you both here is a great honor for me and for the Kanes. Thank you." Joel bowed respectfully. Clap, clap, clap ... Applause erupted. "Of course, I'd also like to thank a special guest. With his witness, I believe my marriage with Abigail will be even happier." Joel continued, slightly tilting his head as he looked toward Ryan in the corner of the hall. A smug, triumphant smile played on Joel's lips. Clap, clap, clap ... The applause grew louder. After Joel finished speaking, the emcee took over, and the music began to play. The bride was about to make her entrance. With everyone's eyes on her, the bride, accompanied by her father, began her slow walk from the back hall. In the grand hall, gasps of admiration filled the air as people marveled at her beauty. She was indeed stunning. Her figure, her grace, her beauty—everything about her was top-tier. Ryan's gaze turned to Abigail. It seemed Abigail felt his stare, as she immediately caught sight of where he was sitting. Their eyes locked. In Abigail's gaze, there seemed to be a flood of emotions, while Ryan's expression remained eerily calm, as if he were staring at a stranger. There wasn't the slightest flicker of emotion in his eyes. Abigail's body trembled, her heart aching with an unbearable pain. "She still loves you," Cindy said softly. "Her eyes don't lie." "Really?" Ryan responded casually. "In fact, from what I know, Abigail has never stopped thinking about you over these past three years. Even though Joel has pursued her relentlessly, she hasn't been moved. The only reason she agreed to marry him this time is because the Kanes used a lot of underhanded tactics, forcing her into it." Cindy continued, her gaze locked on Ryan's, hoping to catch any hint of emotion from him. Unfortunately, there was still no emotion in Ryan's eyes. On stage, Joel gazed at Abigail with burning intensity. "Abigail, you look beautiful today," he said, his eyes fixed on her. But Abigail ignored him. Unable to help herself, her gaze instinctively shifted to the corner of the hall where Ryan sat, her focus entirely on him.