Ch. The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 57 The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 57

Chapter 5 

Jessica sat in front of the vanity mirror, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. 

“Jessica, you look so beautiful today, even more radiant than the bride!” the administrative director fawned, handing her the bridal brooch while his eyes roamed over her body. 

“Of course.” Jessica showed off the 14-carat pink diamond on her finger. “Ryan specially bought this for me. It’s worth much more than Emily’s cheap wedding ring.” 

Ryan’s friends gathered around her, grinning as they flattered. 

“Jessica, you’ve always been the sister-in-law in our hearts. Once you successfully marry into the Mitchell family, you’ll have to get Ryan to invest more in our businesses!” 

“Exactly! Ryan is finally marrying the right person!” 

Jessica smiled smugly. 

She stood up, smoothed her dress, and walked out of the dressing room with her head held high. 

But when she stepped into the banquet hall, she found only a few guests remaining. 

“Where’s the groom?” she frowned, looking around but seeing no sign of Ryan. 

Principal Thompson looked conflicted. “Ms. Brooks, Principal Mitchell just received a call and went to the 

hospital. He asked me to wait here and tell Ms. Carter when she returns.” 

“He… went to the hospital for what?” Jessica’s voice trembled uncontrollably. 

Principal Thompson replied, “His mother woke up. It’s truly a miracle-a coma patient for three years, and 

she actually woke up.” 

Jessica’s smile instantly froze. 

Ryan rushed to the hospital room as fast as he could. 

“Mom!” His voice was hoarse, his eyes red-rimmed. “You’re finally awake…” 

Margaret’s gaze fell on him, slightly startled. “Ryan, why are you wearing a groom’s suit?” 

Ryan opened his mouth, then said quietly, “Today is my wedding.” 

Margaret’s face turned ugly. “I don’t approve of you marrying Jessica Brooks. Nothing you say will change my mind.” 

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as he explained, “Mom, you’ve been unconscious for three years. I’m marrying Emily.” 

Margaret’s eyes lit up, a smile spreading across her face. 

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Emily was someone she had sponsored since childhood. The girl was grateful and often made her favorite 

pecan cookies. 

Academically, she had always been a source of pride. “Where’s Emily? Why didn’t she come?” 

Ryan’s throat tightened, not knowing how to answer. 

Margaret looked through photos from the wedding venue, her expression growing serious. “Why is Jessica 

Brooks wearing a wedding dress?” 

Ryan was silent for a moment, then finally spoke with difficulty, “Mom, Jessica did save you after all. She 

said she wanted to be a bridesmaid once, and I couldn’t refuse. It made Emily uncomfortable…” 

Margaret swept the flower bouquet off the bedside table, her voice choked with emotion. “Foolish! Ryan, 

you’ve been deceived! In that car accident, it was Jessica Brooks who hit me!” 

Ryan was thunderstruck, his entire body freezing in place. 

“That’s impossible…” he murmured. “Jessica clearly said…” 

Margaret laughed coldly. “She said? You believe everything she says? Do you know she forged her 

credentials to get into the school? Do you know about her inappropriate relationship with the board 

chairman at her previous school?” 

Ryan’s mind buzzed as countless fragmented memories suddenly connected. 

Only Margaret and Jessica’s cars were on the road during the accident timeframe, but he hadn’t paid 

attention. 

When he had a fever, Emily stayed up all night with him during his IV treatment. 

But when he woke up in the morning, it was Jessica who threw herself into his arms. 

When Emily was falsely accused by parents of seducing male students, Jessica was there fanning the 

flames. 

I 

“I need to find Emily.” Ryan suddenly stood up. “Mom, I have to find her.” 

Ryan burst into his home to find it pitch black. 

“Emily?” He fumbled for the light switch. The living room was empty. 

On the coffee table, aside from a divorce agreement, Emily had left him nothing. 

Ryan’s hands trembled as he flipped to the last page-both he and Emily had already signed! 

Ryan suddenly felt dizzy, staggering as he gripped the sofa, his gaze sweeping over this once-warm home. 

Emily’s beloved pothos plant was gone. 

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The small round table on the balcony where she prepared lessons was empty, and even her favorite couple’s bear slippers had disappeared. 

He rushed frantically into the bedroom. 

Her clothes, never many to begin with, were gone from the closet. 

But the dresser was covered with all the jewelry he’d given her, clearly showing she despised everything he’d 

sent. 

“No, impossible.” Ryan collapsed onto the bed. 

His phone suddenly rang, and he practically lunged to answer, “Is this Emily?” 

“Ryan, it’s me.” Steve’s voice came through.