Chapter 2

As soon as he said it, the relatives sensed something wrong and started finding excuses to leave.

The once-lively pickup scene was now just my parents and me.

"The venue is urging us. You have the back seat now. Can we go?"

Salvatore rolled down the window, his tone a挑衅ing question.

In those few minutes, Elena had already taken photos and posted multiple updates.

"Rode the wedding car with Salvatore today. Wedding cars are so nice. Didn't get enough."

Under it, a photo of her sitting next to Salvatore.

Likes and comments poured in.

"Elena, are you and Salvatore finally getting married? I knew it. You two are perfect."

"I thought Salvatore was really marrying that stiff Victoria. Scared me. It's Elena. I'm relieved."

Countless congratulations slapped me across the face.

Salvatore was meticulous. If anyone said something wrong in front of him, he'd correct it on the spot.

But he liked Elena's post.

"Victoria, want Dad to sit with you?"

My father took my hand and whispered.

I'd been involved with Salvatore's family for seven years. Everyone knew how much I loved him.

Our family statuses were worlds apart. After the family feud ended, I clawed my way up.

To seize a partnership, I downed nine shots of liquor without a sound.

To get into his family business, I started as the lowest assistant.

It took five years to climb from assistant to chief secretary, standing by his side.

Our first fight was the day Elena joined.

He said he kept business and personal separate. But Elena walked right into the position I'd spent five years climbing to.

After that, we cold-warred for half a month. It fizzled out.

My father disagreed with the marriage when he heard.

I threw tantrums for two years and didn't go home.

After that, he was extra careful about any topic involving Salvatore.

Last night, while preparing my dowry, my father—stubborn his whole life—lowered his head when the lights went out.

"Whatever you decide from now on, Dad supports you. Just don't stop coming home."

But now, Dad, I don't want to marry him.

I ripped off my veil and threw it on the ground. "Salvatore, take your people and go. I'm not marrying you."

"Victoria, playing hard to get doesn't work on me. You'd better think before you say that again."

Salvatore got out of the car, his face dark.

"You've been with me seven years. The wedding is half done. What's the difference between you and a woman who failed at a family alliance? Who would dare want you?"

He said it in front of my parents without changing expression.

The sky darkened. A fine rain began to fall.

Seeing Salvatore get out, Elena pushed the door and followed.

"Victoria, aren't you just upset that I'm too close to Salvatore?"

"If you give him a way out today and finish the wedding, I'll resign tomorrow, abort the baby, and leave this city."

Baby?

The word shot through me like electricity. I couldn't move.

Elena curled up in Salvatore's arms like a wildcat, hand on her belly, deliberately emphasizing "pregnant."

"When did the baby happen?"

I bit my teeth. The white gloves on my hands were already crumpled.

Salvatore's face was dark. "Don't listen to Elena. Get in the car now. If you mind Elena, I'll send her away tomorrow."

My tears fell without my knowing.

My father stepped in front of me, stern.

"Our Victoria is so sincere with you. You're always tangled up with other women. Is that fair to her?"

My father only took one step, but Salvatore instinctively shielded Elena's belly and pulled her into his arms.

I laughed bitterly and looked up at Salvatore. "Salvatore, you're really bad at lying."

"Send her away? Where? To the high-end apartment in the west city to wait for the birth?"

My question silenced him.