He Gambled Away Our Bonding Ceremony and Now He’s Begging for It Back Chapter 04

He Gambled Away Our Bonding Ceremony and Now He’s Begging for It Back Chapter 04

Bianca beamed and pointed toward the gift table in the corner.

“You and Mr. Hart came all this way. Please, take some chocolates back with you. Premium brand. Custom ordered. Share them with the neighbors. At least the trip won’t be wasted.”

My mother pulled her hand back like she’d been burned.

My father ripped the corsage from his chest and slammed it onto the table.

“We’re poor.”

“But not so poor we trade our daughter’s ceremony for chocolate.”

Bianca’s eyes went red immediately.

“Mr. Hart. I was only trying to be nice.”

Aldric stepped in front of her without hesitation.

“Enough. Bianca was being thoughtful. Don’t take it out on her.”

My father held his gaze.

“When you first asked for our blessing, I said no. You knelt in front of us and swore you’d never let Iris suffer.”

Aldric looked away.

My father didn’t press. He turned, wiped my tears with rough, gentle hands. His voice sounded decades older.

“Iris. I chose wrong for you. This mate isn’t worth it. We’re taking you home.”

The tears finally broke loose.

An entire hall of people telling me to swallow it.

Only my parents, humiliated and barely able to look anyone in the eye, still stood in front of me.

I pulled off my veil. Took a hand in each of mine.

“Okay.”

“Let’s go home.”

Behind me, Aldric let out a cold laugh.

“Since she insists on leaving, let’s bet again.”

Bianca perked up immediately.

“I bet Iris comes back within three days. With her parents. To apologize.”

Aldric stared at my back. His voice was certain.

“Won’t take three days.”

“She’ll fold tonight. We have our registration appointment at the Elder Hall.”

“She misses this one; who knows when the next slot is.”

Bianca smiled. “And the stakes?”

“If she doesn’t apologize to me by tonight, the future home is yours.”

“Deal.”

Their laughter followed me out.

Even then, my leaving was still just a game to them.

I didn’t look back.

Outside the venue, my father asked quietly, “Sweetheart. Any regrets?”

I glanced at the welcome sign. Aldric and Bianca’s names printed side by side.

Then I squeezed my parents’ hands.

“My only regret is not seeing it sooner.”

And I wasn’t done. I still had a gift for Aldric. He loved bets. Let’s see if he could afford to lose this one.

As the moon rose, my phone lit up with a reminder:

[Your bonding registration is scheduled for 8:00 PM today. Please arrive with your mate on time.]

Aldric sent a screenshot of the appointment.

“I’m giving you an out. Show up before eight. I’ll forgive today’s drama. We register at the Elder Hall. Then I’ll give you a new ceremony.”

He followed it with a voice message.

“But first you apologize to my parents. And Bianca. You and your parents humiliated her in public today. She cried for hours. If you sincerely own up, this all goes away.”

I typed two words: [Sure thing.]

I’d be there right on time.

The group chat went quiet for a few seconds.

Then Aldric tagged Bianca:

[I win. She’s ready to apologize.]

Bianca sent an eyeroll emoji:

[Fine. You won]

[When you two go on your honeymoon, I’ll suffer through being the third wheel.]

Aldric posted a new flight booking. Added passenger:

[Already got your ticket.]

My honeymoon. The one I’d been dreaming about. Another prize on their betting table.

At 8:15 PM, I walked into the Elder Hall, deep in the forest.

Aldric stood at the entrance. His face relaxed when he saw me.

“Good. You came.”

“My parents and Bianca are waiting at the hotel. After the registration, I’ll go with you to apologize.”

He held out his hand.

“Papers.”

I didn’t move.

Two officers stepped out from behind me.

“Aldric Whitmore? You’ve been reported for unauthorized use of a private account. Illegal transfer of 680,000. Come with us.”