Steven staggered to his feet and shot Jaxon a scornful look as he saw his hand resting protectively on me.
“Lucia, really? You bring some random guy here to play your bodyguard?” Steven spat. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. But this little tantrum of yours is completely out of line.”%
Nellie stood nearby, pretending to be concerned. “Lucia, please… ask him to leave. You’re being reckless! Mr. Grant’s going to be upset!” Seriously? Steven cheated first. Had a whole child with someone else. But now I’m the one treated like some immature kid?
I clenched my fists, my eyes locked on Steven. “Oh, fuck off. I let the cheating slide out of respect for the fact that you once saved my mom. I didn’t make a scene with your family–but don’t think for a second that means I don’t care.”
Steven gave a smug smile and pulled Nellie into his arms like she was some kind of prize. “I’ll make this simple, Lucia. You’ve got one chance. Accept Nellie and let’s move forward. We get married, we live our lives.”
He added, “Or–we end it. For good. And you stay out of mine.”}
Steven really thought I was still that same person who used to follow him around like a lost puppy. That he could snap his fingers and I’d come running.
But Jaxon kept his arm around me. “Mr. Grant, don’t flatter yourself. The Browns and the Harts already sent out our wedding invitations.” Steven froze. He whipped out his phone and opened his family group chat. Messages were pouring in–everyone was asking what had happened to our wedding.
Shock flickered across his face as he looked back at me. “Lucia… you..”}
I turned to the bridal consultant and gestured toward Steven. “He’ll be covering the damages to the dress. Since, clearly, he has too much time on his hands—and even less self–awareness.”
I’d lost all interest in the fitting. Quietly, I changed out of the gown and walked out of the boutique with Jaxon at my side.
Steven chased after us.
He grabbed my arm, jaw clenched. “Lucia, who said you could just switch grooms overnight? You’ve been with him this whole time, haven’t you?”
I yanked my arm free and slapped him hard.
“Steven, I’m not like you. I still have dignity–and a moral compass,” my voice was cold.}
As soon as I got in the car, Steven started calling nonstop. I blocked his number. I didn’t want to see or hear from him again.
But the next day, he showed up at my family’s house, dragging his mother and Nellie along with him.
Since my mom passed away, it’s just been me and my grandmother living there. Grandma has dementia. She forgets most things now… except one: that Steven once saved her daughter’s life.
So when Steven told her I was leaving him for someone else, she flew into a rage. She picked up her cane and started hitting me.
Nellie stood by, pretending to be distraught while pouring fuel on the fire. “Lucia, Mr. Grant loves you so much. You two were together for five years. You really think it’s fair to just walk away like that?“?
Steven’s mother cut in, full of contempt. “She’s right. My son wanting to marry you was the best thing that ever happened to you. Don’t be ungrateful. You’re pushing thirty–do you think men are lining up for women like you?”
She scoffed. “You’ve been with Steven for five years. What decent man wants someone who’s already been used up?“>
My temples throbbed with anger. I could barely stay calm.
Steven knew my grandmother was sick. He knew this would confuse and upset her. And still–he brought them here to manipulate my grandma.2
He’s cruel on a level I didn’t think possible.
Seeing me glare, Steven gave me that smug “I’m being reasonable” tone.
“I know you’re still mad about Nel. So here–fine. After we get married, she can live somewhere else. I’ll only see the kid once a week. That work for you?”
Before I could respond, Grandma furrowed her brow. “Kid? What kid?“}
Nellie beamed. “Oh, Grandma! I had Mr. Grant’s baby.“W
Steven’s mother squeezed Grandma’s hand gently and smiled. “Don’t worry, Grandma. They’re all my grandchildren. Once Lucia gives us a son too, I’ll love him just the same.”
