All Chapters of One Ruined Night, One New Beginning: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

When I didn't budge, Sam leaned in, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "Don't forget that our business deal hinges on this marriage. If you make a mess of things now, it screws us both. Your grandfather is watching from above. You don't want to let him down, do you?"He knew my grandfather's dying wish was to secure this partnership and protect our family's legacy. That was why Sam was so smug, certain I'd swallow my pride no matter how far Candace pushed me.I clenched my fists, meeting his gaze with icy resolve. "The partnership was my grandfather's dream, but my dignity isn't your plaything."...I shoved past him, grabbed my clothes, and stormed into the bathroom. When I emerged, fully dressed, he was lounging on the couch, stubbing out a cigarette."Feeling better?" he asked, as if nothing had happened. "Get some sleep. We've got to visit your family tomorrow.""No need for that," I said, my mood too raw to engage. "This marriage is over. Pretend it never happened.

"As for Cathy," Sam said, "I'll smooth things over with her later."Utterly disappointed, I dragged myself upright, gripping the chair for support. "Sam, this is the last time I say your name. You and the Lombard family can do whatever you want. This marriage? It never happened. Let Candace be Mrs. Whitman. She's welcome to it."Without waiting for their responses, I staggered out of the room....The next morning, at 9:50 a.m., I stood outside City Hall.The sky hung heavy with gray clouds, mirroring the weight in my chest. I was about to call Fabio Schneider when a familiar car screeched to a stop in front of me.Sam, Candace, and my almost-mother-in-law stepped out, their faces smug."I knew you'd show," Sam said, smirking. "All that tough talk, but here you are, ready to make nice."He thought I had regretted my decision and came to register for our marriage. His mother, Vicky Whitman, crossed her arms and glared down her nose at me."Smart move," she snorted. "But let's b

Fabio had already arranged everything with City Hall, so the process was seamless.During the photo, he leaned close, whispering, "You sure about this?"I met his gaze, unwavering. "I was sure the moment I called you."The license was swiftly approved and stamped. Ten minutes later, we held the fresh marriage certificates. Seeing my name beside Fabio's lifted a weight I hadn't realized I was carrying."Any regrets?" he asked softly.I paused, shaking my head. "None. This is the best choice I've ever made."He chuckled, handing me one of the certificates. "Keep it safe, Mrs. Schneider."Hearing that title made my eyes sting. I was no longer that vulnerable girl, easily trampled. With Fabio by my side, I was someone new.Outside, Sam was still pinned by the bodyguards. Vicky and Candace wailed and cursed, their dignity in tatters.Sam froze, seeing the certificates in our hands. "You actually did it?"He broke free and rushed toward me, his eyes locked onto mine. "This is not r

I nodded. Technically, it was Candace who broke it, but Sam let her.Fabio placed the seal back in my hand, closing my fingers around it. "I don't want your shares. I've only ever wanted you."His gaze was so intense I had to look away....The Whitman family's fortunes crumbled further each day. Sam begged and pleaded, but nothing could salvage their business.In his desperation, he turned his anger on Candace, the starter of the whole mess. Her relentless provocations and her targeting of me had clouded his judgment and led to this catastrophe.He decided to confront her, but ever since she was kicked out of their house, she had disappeared without a trace, not even returning to her own place.Sam used all his connections to track her down and finally found her at a private clinic on the outskirts of the city.She was full of energy, haggling with the doctor. "Got another one of those cardiogenic anemia reports? I'm a bit short on cash. Can you cut me a deal?"The doctor wav

"I asked you to choose between her and me," I continued. "And you didn't hesitate. You picked her, pushed me aside, and let her humiliate me, over and over. You threw me away yourself."Sam froze, finally realizing I hadn't been naïve. I had just been waiting to see where he stood....He broke down, looking like a lost soul. Without another word, I took Fabio's arm and walked past him.I thought that was the end, but Sam wasn't done. In a final, desperate act, he obtained and leaked Fabio and my prenuptial agreement to the press.The headlines screamed:[Billionaire Marriage Exposed: Bride a Pawn in Revenge Plot!][Jilted Lover's Vengeance—Marriage as a Weapon!]Gossip swirled, painting me as a scheming manipulator who'd sold her marriage to spite her ex. Fabio shielded me, standing firm against the storm.At a press conference, he faced the barrage of questions with unshakable calm. He announced, "The agreement is real."The room went silent.He turned to me, his eyes warm