"Did you hear that? The groom is not here," someone whispered to another.
"I always thought there was something wrong with their relationship, but not once did I think the groom would leave his bride for another woman."
"This is truly embarrassing. I bet her heart is shattered after hearing this."
"It's such a shame."
Whispers of pity continued to echo in the church while Delfina held her flowers, her veil covering her face, silently hoping it could hide how ashamed and hurt she was.
Just two minutes ago, right before she was about to exchange her vows with her fiancé, he left her because her stepsister had gotten into an accident.
He left her on their wedding day, at the altar, just because her stepsister had landed in the hospital.
Delfina tried to cry. It was only normal to cry in a situation like this. Even though she didn't ask, his actions were loud and clear.
Her fingers clutched the flowers in her hands. She was supposed to throw them once they were officially married to the female guests. But now, she was holding onto them for dear life.
"What are you still standing there for? Your sister is at the hospital. Don't you want to go see her?" her mother asked.
Her neck swiveled as she glanced at the woman, who looked furious with her.
"Aren't you listening to your mother?!" Her father roared, everyone staring at her as if she were a fool who should be smiling like an idiot after her soon-to-be husband left her at the altar where she was supposed to be married just two minutes ago.
"Leave her. Let's go. I'm worried about Navira," her mother said.
Without saying another word, the older couple left the church.
This gave the guests even more to gossip about.
"Her parents left her as well? This is truly sad."
"I never thought they would treat her this way. I always thought she was the Delamontes' favorite daughter. Is it because she was adopted?"
"That still doesn't give them an excuse to humiliate her like this."
"I think she deserves everything that's happening to her. I heard Filippo used to be Navira's boyfriend before Delfina seduced him with her body and asked her father to arrange their marriage. It's a good thing he didn't marry that shameless woman."
All heads turned to the woman who said those words, and she merely shrugged as if she didn't just add fuel to the fire.
Delfina released a sigh.
If the woman's words hurt her, she didn't show it.
"Let's go." She heard a feminine voice say. It was Valentina, her closest friend, urging her.
They stepped out of the church while the stares continued to follow Delfina, no matter how fast she tried to walk.
Once they got to the car, Delfina suddenly stopped.
"I want to go to the hospital," she said. "I want to see her." Her fists were clenched.
"Delfina…"
"You go… I'm sure Marco is already waiting for you. It's late too."
Valentina stared at her friend. Being left alone at the altar was every bride's nightmare, and now she was going to see the person who caused it.
"Alright… take care." They shared a quick hug before departing in their separate cars.
Delfina quickly gathered herself before driving toward the hospital.
It was already 9 p.m. By the time she arrived, it was clocking 9: 20 p.m.
She parked quickly, ready to step out, when she saw familiar figures leaving the hospital. It was her parents, shaking hands with Filippo, exchanging a few words with wide smiles before they departed.
Then her gaze landed on Navira, who was wearing a smile bright enough to turn night into day. Her arms were securely wrapped around Filippo's waist as if letting go for even a second would make him disappear.
Her parents left in their car while Filippo and Navira remained at the entrance, hugging each other intimately.
The tears Delfina hadn't shed when he left her alone at the altar suddenly streamed down her cheeks. Her fists clenched tighter around the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white.
She had done everything to be the perfect woman for him, only for him to humiliate her at their wedding and choose her stepsister instead.
Delfina's vision blurred, and she quickly wiped her face clean.
When she saw Filippo and Navira making out, she finally lost it.
She ignited the engine and drove toward them at full speed.
Meanwhile, Filippo was busy kissing Navira passionately when he heard the sound of a car approaching rapidly.
He quickly pushed Navira out of the way, a deep frown on his face. The car screeched to a stop.
"Are you alright?" Filippo asked, scanning Navira to make sure she hadn't been injured by the speeding car.
"I'm fine," she replied softly, her voice melting Filippo's heart.
His gaze softened as his shoulders dropped in relief.
After confirming she was unharmed, Filippo walked over and banged on the heavily tinted window in rage, almost breaking it.
"Are you blind? Didn't you see people on this path? What if someone had gotten hurt?!" He demanded.
The window slowly rolled down, revealing Delfina's tear-stricken face, her eyes red with rage, hurt and disappointment.
Both Filippo and Navira paled.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice calmer this time. "Shouldn't you be at home?"
Delfina couldn't help but scoff.
"So this is how you're going to repay me for everything, Filippo?" He didn't reply. She had much more to say, but she feared she would completely break down if she opened her mouth again.
She glanced at Navira, who refused to meet her eyes, disappointment written all over her face.
Without another word, Delfina sped off.
"Filippo, this is not good. Delfina knows now. Our plan is ruined," Navira said, her hands trembling.
"Don't worry. I'll handle her," he assured her. "It's high time she found out. Besides, she's not useful to us anymore."