LOGINDillon had never paid Mia for her work, so my family gave her far more than her usual fee as a thank-you.It had been incredibly difficult to book someone as sought-after as Mia, and we weren't about to let what happened cost her financially.The story spread quickly. Public opinion turned against the Garrity family, and their business empire began to crumble.Beth became the target of online outrage as well, and her family was dragged into the scandal. Her mother had never held much influence within the family, and to protect the family's reputation, Beth's father cast both of them out.He did it to protect his own reputation.They ended up in a small house on the outskirts. Broke and accustomed to a life of luxury, they had no idea how to start over.Beth tried borrowing money from friends, but everyone kept their distance.With nowhere else to go, she turned to gambling.She lost every cent she had left and walked away with a mountain of debt. After that, she spent her days hiding f
Canceling the wedding also ended the alliance between the Greene and Garrity families. We withdrew every resource we had given them.At home, Zara raged that we'd gone too far.She even came to my father's office in person, accompanied by her second-in-command, hoping to change his mind.In my father's office, she ranted, "This is just a disagreement between two young people. Why drag both families into it?"You're the Don of the Greene family. Are you really taking a lovers' quarrel this seriously? Are you really willing to jeopardize two families over a canceled wedding? Isn't that a little childish?"My father didn't even look up. "I think you've misunderstood something."I gave your family access to our arms supply network. I also let you use our healthcare business to launder your money."I did it because my daughter loved your son. She doesn't love him anymore, so I have no reason to keep supporting your family.""Fine, that's true. But ending the partnership will hurt your famil
The whispers throughout the church grew louder by the second.Zara tried to defend herself, stumbling over her words, but there was no talking over the crowd.I picked up the microphone again. "This is why I'm canceling the wedding. Thank you all for coming today. I'm sorry your trip was for nothing."I set the microphone down. My father walked over and rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder."You did the right thing," he said with a proud smile. "Leave the rest to me. Go home and get some rest."I nodded and smiled back.The wedding was over, and a crushing weight lifted from my chest. My mother took my arm and led me out. We had to pass right by Dillon.I didn't spare him a single glance.He called my name. "Monica."His voice cracked. Once, that alone would have made me turn around and forgive him.But not today. Dillon and I were over. Completely.I learned later that Dillon stood there watching me leave, his eyes turning redder by the second. He opened his mouth, but no words cam
Dillon's expression changed instantly. Desperate to save his pride, he forced a smile. "Monica... aren't you going to walk down the aisle with me?"I know the decorations were a little over the top before, but maybe this simpler look is better. Without all the flowers, the church actually looks nice."Let's just get through the ceremony."He cautiously reached for my arm.I turned and shot him a cold look. His hand immediately fell away, left hanging awkwardly at his side.I stood at the end of the aisle and looked at my father.He stepped forward and said, "That was the plan, but you took away her makeup artist.""We hired that artist. We paid to fly her here because we wanted our daughter to have the wedding she deserved. What gave you the right to take her away? You ignored Monica's feelings. You've humiliated my daughter again and again. And you still think you deserve to marry her?"Zara cut in, "This is between Dillon and Monica. We shouldn't interfere. Besides, I already explain
I looked at Beth in silence, my gaze sharp enough to make her flinch.She instinctively stepped back.After collecting herself, tears streamed down her face. She turned toward Dillon's mother before looking back at me."This is all my fault. If it weren't for me..."She lowered her head and repeated the same line. "Monica, if you're upset, you can hit me..."I slapped her across the face. The crack rang out sharp and clean."Fine," I said. "You told me to."Beth froze. One hand flew to her burning cheek. When she finally looked at me, she let out a piercing scream.She had never imagined I would actually slap her in front of everyone."But I'm not done yet," I said.Dillon exploded and yanked Beth behind him. "What the hell are you doing! Why would you hit her? None of this is Beth's fault!"What kind of scene are you making? Do you have any idea what today is? Do you even realize—"I slapped Dillon across the face."No, I don't!"My voice cracked like thunder. Dillon stared at me in s
My father already knew what I was about to do. "All right," he said. "I'll go speak to the priest. Leave everything to me. I'll explain it to the guests."His words gave me a sense of safety. No matter what happened, he would always catch me when I fell.My mother called Mia. "If they still won't let you come, just stay where you are. Stick to our agreement. Unless we give the word, you don't need to do anyone else's hair or makeup."The videographer kept the camera rolling as the bridal suite came back to life.While everyone rushed around me, Dillon called several times. I ignored every one of them. I slipped out of my wedding gown, changed into a simple dress, and made myself presentable.I looked at my reflection. Light makeup. A neat, understated hairstyle. I had dreamed about this day for so long.Dillon and I first met at an underground fight club, where we were both trying to sign the same fighter. Handsome, charismatic, and impossibly generous, he paid a fortune to buy the fig







