Chapter 6
Just then, Daniel gently took my hand under the table, his voice steady and resolute. “I’ll respect every decision
Bianca makes. Whatever she wants, that’s
how it’ll be.”
The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me, and my heart fluttered unexpectedly. It was simple, yet it spoke volumes. I couldn’t help but smile just a little, feeling both reassured and strangely
elated.
Simon, ever quick to sense the energy shift, jumped in with a grin. “Exactly! My uncle’s right. Mom, Dad, don‘ t stress the details. Bianca and I have everything under control. You can just look forward to the wedding!”
The room fell silent for a moment as our parents exchanged surprised glances. It was clear they hadn‘ t anticipated such a bold proclamation, especially not from
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Simon.
Finally, my father’s patience wore thin.
His voice rose, sharp with irritation.
“We’re talking about Daniel’s wedding, Simon! And you keep butting in–what‘ s gotten into you?”
Simon, ever oblivious, shrugged casually, his expression carefree. “Wait, Uncle‘ s getting married too? That’s great! We could have one big wedding together. The Hughes family could really use a good celebration!”
My father’s brows furrowed, his irritation. rising. “What are you talking about?! Who’s getting married together? You‘ re not even close! It’s your uncle and Bianca who are getting married!” He shot Simon. a stern look. “You‘ re just a kid–stop making trouble!”
With that, my father raised his glass, a proud smile spreading across his face as he turned to me. “I honestly thought I’d
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never live to see my daughter get married. Bianca, this toast is for you!”
Simon froze. His eyes widened, blinking a few times in confusion before he stammered, “Wait… Dad… you mean who’s getting married? Who and who?”
Before my father could respond, Daniel calmly placed my hand on the table and turned to face Simon directly.
“It’s me and Bianca,” he said, his voice. steady and unyielding.
“No way! This is impossible!” Simon shot. up from his chair, his face twisted with disbelief. “That’s crazy!”
“Watch your mouth, kid!” my father snapped, his tone sharp. “What’s wrong with you? Causing a scene at a family dinner? Is this how you show respect to us?”
“If you keep acting like this, you can leave!” my father added, his patience stretched to its breaking point.
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Simon’s face paled, but he clenched his fists and sat back down, trying to regain some composure. The rest of the dinner continued with talk about the wedding plans between me and Daniel, though Simon’s eyes never left me.
Audrey, trying her best to catch his attention, made a few playful gestures, but Simon was too focused on me, his frustration written all over his face.
By the time the dinner wrapped up, I had completely forgotten my coat, and Daniel, ever the gentleman, turned right back around to grab it for me.
I waited by the door, but just as I was about to leave, Simon grabbed my arm, his grip tight. “Tell me, Bianca, why is your engagement with my uncle?!” His voice was desperate, his anger barely contained.
I pulled my arm free and shot back, “Why not?”
He grabbed my wrist again, harder this
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Chapter 6
time, his voice urgent. “Don’t mess with me, Bianca! You‘ re obsessed with me! How could you ever agree to marry someone else?!”
I couldn’t help but laugh, a small, bitter sound. “But as you can see, I am marrying someone else.” Then, I locked eyes with him, my expression steady. “Simon, I’ve been chasing after you for so long, and I’m tired. I don‘ t love you anymore.
I shook my head slowly. “Besides, you don‘ t love me either, right? So, please, Mr. Hughes, respect yourself and stop chasing me around.”
Simon‘ s expression shifted. His face went blank for a moment, then a flicker of pain crossed his eyes like something deep inside. him was cracking. “It’s not possible. You can‘ t not love me! We were…”
He stopped mid–sentence, and a softer look took over his face as if he were trying to soften me, to make me feel guilty.
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“Okay, Bianca, I get it,” he said, his voice dropping, almost pleading. “You don’t need to keep punishing me.”
His gaze softened even more, and for a second, it almost felt like he was reaching for something he thought he could fix.
“Alright, I’ll agree to everything. Our wedding outfits–everything will be exactly how you want it. We’ll pick out your favorite wedding dress, I promise.‘
Simon paused, then added, almost too quietly, “And even if Audrey and I get our marriage certificate, I swear I won’t bring her to our new home. I’ll make sure she doesn’t get in your way. Does that sound good?”
I stared at him, my mind racing, disbelief and shock creeping in. I couldn’t quite process what he was offering. Was he serious? Was this some twisted attempt to manipulate me back into his orbit, or did he actually think he could buy my forgiveness with promises of a perfect
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wedding?
The audacity of it all left me speechless, my mind swirling in a mess of confusion and anger. How could he be so deluded? Did he think I would fall for this–again?
