Chapter 17 - Happily Ever After, or Not?

                                    

                                          
Hazel's POV
Gasps echoed through the room as shock rippled across everyone's faces. Kayden's smile vanished in an instant as he stared at me, dumbfounded.
"I have no intention of spending my life with a liar," I remarked bitterly, meeting Kayden's gaze squarely. With a disgusted expression, I withdrew my hands from his grasp.
"Haze..." he murmured, visibly stunned, reaching out to hold my hand. I recoiled, pushing his hand away, and hurried off, gathering the hem of my gown as I went.
"Hazel!" Kayden's voice echoed behind me, but I ignored him and quickened my steps.
Sliding into the car, I immediately instructed my driver to speed off.
"Hazel! Hazel!" Kayden's cries grew louder as he sprinted towards the car, but the engine roared to life before he could catch up.
A smirk played across my lips as I leaned back in the seat, satisfied with myself.
Good bye, Kayden Mathhews.
Kayden POV
As the doors parted, and my radiant bride began her journey down the aisle beside her father, she stole my breath away. She was breathtaking in her wedding gown. I offered her an adoring smile as I watched, utterly captivated. Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of emotions swirling within me—nervousness and overwhelming love. My heart raced with anticipation.
"Take care of my daughter," her father, Tristan, said firmly as he placed Hazel's hand in mine.
"I promise." I affirmed with a nod, squeezing my bride's hand as I offered her a bright smile. Her father approached his emotional wife, casting a tender glance our way.
Drawing in deep breaths, I attempted to steady my nerves as the officiant began speaking.
"Now Hazel and Kayden, please join hands and look at each other," the officiant instructed.
As Hazel turned to face me, I flashed her a wide smile and clasped her hands, unable to tear my gaze away from my stunning bride.
"Kayden Matthews, do you take Hazel Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant asked me.
"I do,"  I answered with joy, beaming at Hazel.
"Hazel Sullivan, do you take Kayden Matthews to be your lawfully wedded husband?" 
Hazel met my gaze in silence. Anticipation coursed through me as I flashed her a bright smile, eagerly awaiting her response. After a moment, she drew in a deep breath and spoke firmly. "I... don't."
Gasps filled the room, sending shockwaves through the crowd. My smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a bewildered expression as I stared at Hazel, utterly dumbfounded.
Did I hear right?
Did she say 'I don't'?
No, it is impossible. 
"I have no intention of spending my life with a liar," she spat, meeting my gaze with bitterness before yanking her hands away and shooting me a disgusted look.
"Haze..." I stammered, at a loss for words as my mind went blank. As I reached out to touch her hand, she angrily pushed mine away and hurried off, lifting the hem of her gown slightly.
"Hazel!" I called out desperately, once I regained my composure, but she continued to flee from me without looking back.
"Kayden..." Jayden's voice cut through the chaos, drawing my attention.