Chapter 16
Chapter 16:
The internet exploded with chatter, and every discussion pointed back to Paige.
“With everything that’s gone down, I’m starting to think the bride swap wasn’t just sudden—it was strategic. Maybe the Evans family uncovered something sketchy about Paige and needed a quick replacement, so they threw Elliana in p>
“Exactly! What other reason would the Evans family have to dump the most talked-about socialite and have Cole marry someone no one’s even heard of? Cole’s not an idiot—he must’ve had a good reason p>
“Whatever’s happening, I just want to hear Paige’s side. I’ve supported her for years—she should at least get the chance to tell her story p>
“Just yesterday, Paige had her wedding snatched away. She went live late at night, crying her heart out and garnering the sympathy of her millions of fans, who all went on the attack against Elliana. Now, with Paige’s mom’s drama hitting the news, maybe Paige will go live again to explain everything p>
“Still holding out for Paige to say something p>
Kiara kept scrolling, but the deeper she went, the more anxious she got. Her nerves were completely shot. Paige still had diehard fans in her corner, but their voices were starting to drown in a sea of backlash. Her title as the city’s reigning socialite wasn’t exactly secure anymore.
Across town, Elliana sat with her phone in hand, quietly scanning the chaos unfold. All the drama swirling around had conveniently shifted focus away from the Evans family, and the hate aimed at her was finally cooling off. To be honest, she was more than a little pleased with how it was turning out.
She never expected to take Paige down with one move, but she could see the cracks forming. Rebuilding that picture-perfect image? Paige was in for a long, messy climb.
Cole smirked as he looked her way. “You used one disaster to distract the public. That’s some next-level strategy. Honey, should I hand over the PR department to you p>
Giving him a sharp glare, Elliana replied, “I don’t have time for your jokes. I’ve got actual work to do. Later p>
With that, she simply spun on her heel and walked away without a glance back.
As she disappeared into the distance, Cole’s lips tugged into a grin. That fiery spark of hers? He was definitely into it.
Before he could follow her, a trembling voice rang out from behind. “Cole p>
Tears still clinging to her lashes, Paige rushed toward him. Her gaze was drenched in sorrow, hesitation, and something that resembled love. After barely sleeping the night before, she looked completely worn out.
“I understand you were forced to marry Elliana,” Paige said, her voice trembling. “I’m not angry—I just… I miss you more than I can explain p>
This vulnerable persona had always drawn sympathy and admiration from men—it was exactly how she had gained such a huge fanbase and so many admirers. But to Cole, it came off as theatrical and irritating. The amusement on his face disappeared instantly.
Though they had technically been engaged for years, Cole had never made any effort to connect with Paige. Whenever they bumped into each other, he’d ignore her completely without saying a word. In truth, they were practically strangers.
The few times they crossed paths, Paige had tried so hard—always smiling, always eager. But Cole’s indifference chipped away at her confidence, turning her from bubbly to cautious in the blink of an eye.
Paige pressed on. “None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for Elliana. She spiked my mom’s drink to humiliate her in front of everyone. Now I’m stuck in the fallout, and my reputation’s gone to hell. I don’t understand why Elliana acted like this. My mom and I treated her nicely, but she’s always been jealous. Of my looks, my grades, everything. She keeps taking things from me—now even you. Please, Cole, stay away from her. She’s dangerous. If she’d turn on her mother, what makes you think she wouldn’t turn on you too p>
Cole had tuned Paige out at first, tired of the same low trick. But the moment she twisted her words into venom against Elliana, something inside him stirred—sharp and hot. He nearly cut her off right there.
Just as Cole opened his mouth to respond, Elliana reappeared in the hallway. With a smirk tugging at his lips, he bit back what he was about to say.
Oblivious to Elliana’s approach and mistaking Cole’s smile for a sign of affection, Paige’s heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, she dove into his arms. “I’ll wait as long as it takes, Cole. Forever, if I have to p>
But before Paige could even settle into the moment, a slim hand shot between them and tore Cole from her grasp.
Thrown off balance, Paige stumbled forward and crashed ungracefully to the floor. Sharp pain lit up her knees, but the fear of being caught in such a humiliating pose sent her scrambling upright. The idea of her fall going viral made her stomach turn.
Paige spun around and finally caught sight of Elliana. Her entire body went stiff. Her thoughts scrambled to catch up. Elliana had drunk the coffee laced with the drug and should have been unconscious by now, trapped in a room…
By several men. So how on earth was Elliana just standing there, calm and unharmed, like nothing had ever happened?
Paige had lingered behind, waiting eagerly for Elliana’s collapse. Instead, her carefully laid trap had completely unraveled before her eyes.
Elliana wasted no time. She glided forward, looped her arm around Cole’s, and delivered her line like a knife dipped in honey. “Following in your mom’s footsteps, are we? Must be hereditary—this obsession with other women’s husbands p>
“You—how dare you!” At the mention of her mother’s shame, heat rushed to Paige’s cheeks. “That was low, Elliana! You’re the one who stole Cole from me. He was supposed to be mine p>
With a smug tilt of her lips, Elliana smiled. “I didn’t steal anything. Fate handed me a husband, and I intend to keep him. So don’t set your sights on my husband—he’s not falling for your tricks. The Evans family has standards, Paige. And Cole doesn’t trade loyalty for drama.” Then, Elliana looked up at Cole, eyes glinting with confidence. “Right, darling p>