Chapter 3

"Still throwing a fit?"

The next afternoon, Gideon pushed open my bedroom door.

I was taking down a photo of the two of us from the wall and tossing it into a cardboard box.

He walked over and dropped a glittering diamond necklace on my vanity.

"I was a little hot-headed last night. Take this. Wear it at the wedding."

I glanced at the necklace and swept it into a drawer.

I'd throw it in the trash after he left. I didn't need his late-game apologies.

Gideon's eyes fell on my dark brown hair.

He suddenly smiled and reached out to touch it, but I turned my head, dodging his hand.

"Actually, the dark color suits you better," he said, pulling his hand back and leaning casually against the desk. "My mother always said your old blonde hair was too flashy. This color... it's more understated. More fitting for our world."

I stopped packing the box.

"So, you knew Ryn was going to throw paint on me and ruin my dress, didn't you?"

Gideon froze for a second, then gave me a placating smile. "I just saw her mixing the paint... but Briony, a Mafia family doesn't need a delicate flower. I thought a little shock would help toughen you up."

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Why didn't you stop her?" I stared into his eyes. "You knew I waited six months for that couture gown! It was one-of-a-kind. It's ruined, and it can't be replaced!"

"It's just a dress. I can get you a new one," Gideon said with a shrug. "I thought this would be more exciting. Briony, you're always so calm. I prefer it when you lose control."

So, me crying in anger, shaking in fear, being laughed at by everyone...

To him, it was just interesting.

"Gideon!" Ryn's voice came from the doorway.

She sauntered in, saw the empty jewelry box on the vanity, and pouted. "You got her another gift? You didn't even get me something this expensive when I helped you delete her investment data!"

The room went dead silent.

Gideon's face changed instantly. "Ryn! Shut up!" he hissed.

But it was too late.

I stood frozen, the blood draining from my body.

Last winter. The family's core fund—the one I managed. Key data had mysteriously vanished overnight.

The family lost nearly ten million dollars.

For a week, I couldn't sleep. I was so consumed with guilt I was losing my hair in clumps.

And what did Gideon do back then?

He stood outside my door every day, comforting me, holding me, telling me he'd help me carry the burden, that he had my back.

It turned out he was the one who handed them the knife.

"You told Ryn to do it?" My voice was a whisper.

Gideon looked away, yanking at his tie in frustration. "I just mentioned it offhand. How was I supposed to know she'd actually do it? Besides, didn't I cover the loss for you?"

"You covered it?" I laughed, a bitter, broken sound. "You owed me that!"

"Briony!" Gideon snapped, his embarrassment turning to anger. "Are you really going to dredge up this old grudge? You're far too vindictive!"

I looked at the face I had loved for seven years.

Once, when Ryn had bullied me under the guise of a "joke," he would hold me tight and whisper, "I'm here now. I swear I'll never let you be treated like this again."

Now, he'd broken that promise.

He had become one of them.

"I'm done bringing it up," I said with a smile.

There was no point in settling scores with someone who would soon be dead to me.

Gideon visibly relaxed.

He reached out to hug me.

"That's more like it."

"Don't worry, I promise it will never happen again."

At three in the afternoon, the wedding planner knocked on my door.

"Miss Briony, here is the final schedule for tomorrow's wedding. Please confirm."

I took the sheet, glanced at it, and signed my name.

"No changes," I said, handing it back.

I wasn't going to cancel the wedding.

Tomorrow, all the heads of New York's underworld would be gathered in one place.

I would give them the wedding of the century—with a missing bride. A gift, from me to my dear family and my wonderful fiancé.

Just like all the "gifts" Ryn had given me over the years.