Wrong Car, Right Groom

I wasn't the only one who saw that provocation Sonia had shot my way.

The Capo's daughter saw it too. She gritted her teeth and hissed, "I knew she did that on purpose!"

She glanced at me with disdain. "Leona, she stole your fiancé! Aren't you going to..."

But she stopped—she realized that when a man's heart was clouded, nothing you say would make a difference.

When I got home, I had barely sat down when Andy burst in. He grabbed my wrist, trying to drag me out. "You scared Sonia. You're going to apologize to her right now!"

Hearing that, I pulled my hand free and met his cold gaze. "I already told you, I didn't push her. Why should I apologize?"

"I only believe what I see. Don't make me angry, Leona."

With that, he pulled something from his pocket. My father's signet ring, representing his status in the Family.

It was my father's keepsake, engraved with his name and the date he died. When we got engaged, I gave Andy that ring. It represented my trust, my heart, and everything I had.

My heart sank.

"Are you threatening me with that?"

"It's not a threat," he said flatly. "If you apologize, things can go back to the way they were."

A bitter, broken laugh slipped out, tears rolling out of my eyes.

I had been so foolish. I handed over to him the thing that mattered most to me just so he could use it against me now. I quickly turned away, wiping my tears before he could see.

"Fine. I'll apologize. But after that, you give me the ring."

Andy seemed to hesitate, but finally nodded.

To help Sonia recover, Andy had just bought her a new villa.

When I went in, Sonia was curled up in the corner of Andy's bed. The moment she saw me, she started shaking like I was some kind of monster.

"I'm sorry." After I said that, I looked at Andy, waiting for him to keep his promise.

But he just stared at me coldly. "That didn't sound sincere. Bow to her."

I froze, the feeling of disbelief choking me.

Still, I turned and bowed deeply to Sonia, repeating, "I'm sorry."

Sonia made a show of trying to get out of bed to help me, but Andy stopped her. "She owes you this. Just stay put. The wedding's coming up, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

He wasn't even going to hide it anymore.

I straightened my back and didn't look at him. I went straight for his suit pocket, snatching my father's ring and gripping it tight as I walked away.

He called my name, but I never looked back.

After that day, we never saw each other again... Not until the wedding.

Right before I got in the wedding car, I received a "thoughtful" message from Andy.

"No matter what happens, don't panic. Wait for me to come get you. Stay put."

I didn't reply.

According to their plans, the two bridal cars would switch in the tunnel.

About an hour later, I could feel the route change.

Andy's plan was working perfectly.

My car pulled into Jason's estate, stopping in front of a lawn covered in roses. Someone opened the car door, and I gathered up my dress and stepped out.

A ripple of shock ran through the crowd.

"Wait, isn't Sonia supposed to be the bride? Why is it someone else?"

"Who is she? What gives her the right to stand there in a wedding dress?"

"She must be another desperate woman who wants to marry Jason... I've seen it a hundred times!"

I could feel all the stares. The doubt, the scorn, the sneers falling on me from every direction.

Just then, Jason made his move. Dressed in a sharp tailcoat, he walked toward me.

He didn't look the slightest bit bothered by the bride switch. In fact, I could see he was smiling faintly, as if he was amused.

"You don't look surprised at all," Jason said.

"You don't seem that shocked, either," I replied, forcing myself to stay calm.

His smile widened, sharp and captivating.

He turned to the stunned guests and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, there's nothing wrong with the bride. Leona Foster is indeed my bride!"

Before anyone could react, he dropped to one knee and held out a dazzling diamond ring.

He looked up at me, his eyes burning with such passion.

"Leona, will you marry me?"

I looked him straight in the eyes and slowly gave my answer.