“Is it something at work? Are you trying to protect me by pushing me away? Tell me. Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together.”
Hearing her speak up for me so earnestly, the guests began to side with her.
They looked at me with increasing disappointment.
“Miguel,” her father finally spoke up. “I may be retired and out of the business world, but I still carry some weight.”
“We’re all family. If something’s wrong, you should say it. Don’t bottle it up.”
Even Veronica's parents chose to believe in me. After all, I was the son-in-law they had hand-picked.
But I didn’t care about any of them.
Without a glance around, I shoved Veronica off me.
My voice was cold. “It’s simple. I don’t love you anymore.”
A dead silence ensued.
“...What?” Veronica froze.
Tears began to well up at the corners of her eyes.
“I said—I don’t love you anymore,” I repeated. “Did you hear me clearly this time?”
I stepped past her, ready to leave.
“Stop right there!”
Dariel grabbed me by the collar and yelled, “Enough with this nonsense! Even as her assistant, I can’t stand watching this anymore!”
“Have you forgotten how hard you chased after her for three whole years?”
“And it took another six just to finally walk down the aisle with her!”
“Have you forgotten what you said at your wedding? To hold her hand and grow old together. To never leave her.”
“And your kid is already one year old! Do you want him to grow up in a broken home?”
Watching him defend her so passionately, I smirked and said with a mocking tone, “Why are you so worked up? What—don’t tell me... you have feelings for her?”
“Anyone with a conscience would be disgusted by a thankless bastard like you.” Dariel clapped back. His tone was growing even more arrogant.
“You came from nothing, and yet Veronica didn’t look down on you. She even arranged a job for you in her family's company.”
“If it weren’t for the Campbell family, would you be living the good life you have now? Would you even be sitting in the president’s chair?”
Smack!
I slapped him across the face without hesitation.
“You’re just an assistant. Know your place and keep your mouth shut.”
Seeing him hurt, Veronica instantly panicked.
“Miguel, are you insane?! What gives you the right to hit Dariel?”
She shoved me aside and hurried to help Dariel off the ground. Her eyes were full of concern.
“He deserved it,” I said flatly, clenching my fists, utterly unapologetic.