After They Killed My Grandmother, I Canceled My Wedding

For fifteen days, the Moretti family used its full power to keep my grandmother locked in that damp, cold dungeon.When I was finally allowed to see her, she suffered a heart attack and crumpled to the stone floor.I screamed for the guards to get the family doctor, but they deliberately took their time, and my grandmother's breath and pulse grew weaker and weaker."Chloe, Grandma didn't steal anything. I saw Serena drop that cross into the champagne tower… I saw it with my own eyes.""You need to get Vincent to come here. I'll explain it to him in person. I can't let you suffer because of me…"My grandmother was drawing her last breaths, but her hand clutched mine so tightly her knuckles turned white.Tears streamed down my face as I grabbed my phone and frantically dialed his number.After what felt like an eternity of desperate, unanswered rings, he finally picked up, his voice thick with irritation."I'm busy running the family business and planning a wedding, and what about you? Y

Two days later, at the morgue of a small church in the suburbs, I collected my grandmother's ashes.As I bent to sign the papers, Vincent's call came through."Where are you? We had a dress fitting scheduled today. Why didn't you show up?"I lowered my gaze, watching the staff carefully place the urn in a transport box. I was about to refuse.But Vincent didn't give me a chance to speak and hung up."Text me the address. I'll send a car."I didn't send it.But less than half an hour after I left the church, a fleet of black cars pulled up at the entrance.To my surprise, Vincent himself stepped out of the lead armored car.He loosened the tie of his bespoke suit and gestured toward me with his chin."I was out of line the other day. No matter how busy I am with family business, I should have gone to see your grandmother.""Even if you think her hands weren't clean, she's still the woman who raised you. I get that."I frowned."Once we're married, she'll be your family too. And she woul

I had barely used any force, but Serena cried out and collapsed onto the cashmere rug.The brooch clattered onto the marble floor.She looked up at Vincent, her expression wounded."Vincent, I was just trying to help you with an accessory. Isn't Chloe being a little unreasonable?""Besides, I bought this myself. I already gave up on the diamond cross. Is she really going to fight me over a brooch now?"Vincent's face was grim. "Chloe, apologize to her!""I let you have your way at the church today. Now you will apologize to Serena. Immediately."I stood straight, tilting my head back to look at him."Why should I? That was a gift from my grandmother. It's a family heirloom she wanted me to wear when I married you!"Vincent was stunned for a second, then scoffed."If you're going to lie, at least make it believable. Your grandmother was just a poor old woman from the slums. If she had an antique of this quality, would she have needed to steal from the family?""Apologize!"I couldn't be

When Vincent saw the coordinates on the burial order under the car's headlights, the numbers became daggers in his heart.Wasn't this the same suburban address his network had found Chloe had gone to alone just days ago?Vincent slammed his foot on the accelerator, driving like a madman toward the South District cemetery.The cemetery's iron gates were already locked for the night.He ignored the slum's rules, pulled his gun, and shot the lock to pieces.He ignored the terrified screams of the old groundskeeper and grabbed the man by the collar, his eyes a terrifying shade of red."Chloe… Tell me, has Chloe been here…"He pulled a wad of cash from his coat and slapped it on the table.With trembling hands, the old man opened a worn-out register.His finger stopped on a page, and he shakily pushed the book toward the mafia boss."Sir, a Miss Chloe… she did come by about a week ago. She buried her grandmother's ashes herself."Chloe's neat, reserved handwriting was there in black and whi

"Vincent, what kind of sick joke is this? Even if you want me to wear Chloe's dress, I can't wear this… this piece of garbage.""Besides, you would never prepare a dress like this for your bride."A cold sneer appeared on Vincent's lips."You destroyed it with your own two hands. Are you telling me you don't want to wear it now?""If you won't wear it, get out. The wedding is over."He actually turned as if to leave.Serena grabbed his arm in panic."I'll wear it!""I'm willing to wear it, Vincent. Please, don't go."Vincent stopped and gestured with his eyes for her to change, right there, in front of everyone.The color drained from Serena's face.But she had to marry him. She had her reasons.If she didn't seize this chance to rise today, she would lose her footing in the family completely.Under the watchful eyes of all the guests, she tremblingly took off her own pristine, high-end gown and put on the one she had personally ruined.The hem was stained with dried muck. She gritted