Wife Or Mistress? The Shocking Truth About My Marriage - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

"What if I insist?"
I stepped out from behind Scarlettd repeated my words, louder this time.
But as I walked toward Richard, he instinctively stepped back.
Who knows what was going through his mind.
The tension between us was thick—until Lola showed up.
With a whole crowd of wedding guests behind her.
Traditionally, the "wedding night teasing" is left to the younger guys.
But the sudden escape of the groom and Lola had drawn in even the older crowd, still drinking out front.
Now, the crème de la crème of New York's elite had all packed into this tiny courtyard.
"Scarlett, why are you making him upset again?"
"I know you hate me, but today is my wedding too."
"Even if you can't stand me, at least don't cause a scene for Richard's sake."
"Please, Scarlett, let us have this moment."
Lola's big teary eyes stared at me, pleading like some helpless little damsel out of a romance novel.
Too bad she picked the wrong audience.
I ignored her and turned to get back into the waiting limo.
But then Lola suddenly dropped to her knees, sobbing in front of everyone.
"Scarlett, I'm begging you, please don't ruin this!"
The bride, kneeling publicly? Even Richard flinched. So did most of the guests.
"This Scarlett Monroe is really something else."
"Thinks she still owns the crown or something?"
"Seriously, who crashes a wedding and makes the bride kneel? That's twisted."
"No wonder Richard wants to annul their engagement. I'd run too."
Lola's tearful gaze shimmered for a second—just enough to catch a flash of smugness.
She was playing the victim perfectly.
But what she didn't expect was...
The next moment, those people speaking up for her were shut down—fast.
"Watch your mouth!"
"You have no clue what you're talking about!"
"Zip it, now!"
A wave of stern rebukes came from the older crowd.
Lola's expression froze.
Someone tried to protest.
"Why are you yelling at me? What's wrong with speaking the truth?"
"Scarlett crashed the ceremony—she's obviously in the wrong!"
An elder finally stepped forward, explaining:
"Do you even know who Scarlett Monroe's father is?"
Someone scoffed.
"Yeah, General Monroe. Big deal."
"Big deal? You kids really are clueless."
"Scarlett's grandfather was a founding general—fought alongside President Hamilton during the Reformation."
"He died on the battlefield, a hero."
"Her father, General William Monroe, served twenty years guarding the northern border."
"Not a single defeat."
"A family of patriots and warriors, every one of them decorated by the White House."
"Only reason you haven't heard much lately is because General Monroe hasn't been back to D.C. in years."
"But make no mistake—this family still commands respect."
The younger ones went pale, especially those who'd just trashed my name.
They dropped their heads and said nothing.
The speaker nodded in approval.
He didn't say the last part out loud—
Even Richard, the so-called Prince of the East Coast, would be wise to tread carefully.
If I could've heard his thoughts right then, I would've answered them for him.
Richard thought I'd tolerate his disrespect because I once loved him.
He figured I'd swallow my pride for his sake.
But he was wrong.
I'm a Monroe. And Monroe women don't bow to anyone.
That's what truly shocked him in that moment.