His brows furrowed, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes. "Your mom was already in poor health. I arranged for her hospitalization and I was the one who deleted the video. What else is there to explain? Didn’t you already figure everything out? No matter what happened before, that doesn’t justify you raising your hand against your own sister!"
"Hazel, apologize! Or I’ll call right now and cancel all of your mother’s remaining treatments!" Edward’s furious shout drew the attention of several onlookers.
This neighborhood housed some of the most powerful families in the capital and now they had gathered to watch the drama unfold.
I laughed, but tears slipped from my eyes despite myself. "Cancel the treatment? Go ahead! Cancel it! I don’t need your fake kindness anymore. In fact, I never did!"
As soon as I finished speaking, Florence reached out, clinging to Edward’s shoulder. "Hazel, no matter how angry you are, you can’t joke about Mom’s health like this! I know you blame me. It was my fault for causing a scene at the funeral and I owe you an apology. But today, I really just wanted to make things right with Mom. I never meant any harm… Why would you do something so cruel to me?"
She turned to Edward and said, “Edward, since my sister hates me so much, we should stop contacting each other from now on. I don’t want to put you in a difficult position…"
My nails dug deep into my palms, piercing the skin and blood dripped silently to the ground.
Watching the two of them walk away together, I knew that it was over. Three years of love turned to ashes in an instant.
I pulled out my phone and sent him a message. [The wedding is canceled]
Five hours later, he finally replied, offering an explanation. [Florence is still my sister-in-law by name and she’s managing several key company projects. What happened today could negatively impact the Thornton Family. Asking you to apologize was just a strategic move, an act for outsiders. Don’t overthink it.]
[Once I finish treating Florence’s wounds, I’ll take you to pick out your wedding dress, okay? Don’t say things in anger. Mom would be heartbroken. Her last wish was to see your wedding.]
But I knew this wasn’t an act for outsiders. It was a performance for me. For three years, he had meticulously played the role of a devoted partner.
Now, it was time for the curtain to fall.