Marco shook his head, his expression firm. "I just can’t see you as someone I’d want as a wife."
Before I could fully process his words, Enzo snatched the microphone from Marco. "Even though you didn’t choose me, I was relieved. But if you had chosen me, I’m sorry, but we don’t want you, Elena."
The whispers grew louder, echoing painfully in my ears.
"Oh my God, this is humiliating.”
“How embarrassing for her."
“The brothers rejected her.”
I felt an unbearable ache in my chest as if every comment was a stab to my heart. I took a step back, the humiliation suffocating, making it hard to breathe. I started to hyperventilate, desperately gasping for air.
And then, suddenly, someone unexpected appeared at my party.
"I'm sorry I'm late."
All eyes shifted to the person who had just entered. The moment she arrived, Marco and Enzo's faces lit up with excitement, both of them clearly thrilled by her presence. But as soon as I saw her face, a surge of intense anger rose within me.
I knew, without a doubt, that she was the reason the Rossi brothers' loyalty had slipped away from me.
“Clara.”
"You!" I shouted, unable to hold back the fury building in my chest.
Clara had always been charming, the kind of beauty that caught everyone’s attention without even trying. She was the daughter of the Rossi family’s powerful business partner, the Vanguard Group.
As the sole heiress, she carried the allure of prestige and influence, a fact she knew how to use to her advantage. Though she seemed sweet on the surface, I’d seen the subtle ways she manipulated those around her, drawing them in with her pretty smiles and quiet words. It was no wonder that both Marco and Enzo had developed feelings for her, but I saw through her facade—and knew the scheming mind behind it.
I’d noticed how their attitude changed, how their loyalty and faith in me faded. It was as if they were always angry with me, making me feel less important, even though I was the daughter of Don Salvatore—a powerful name throughout the city.
They had abandoned the loyalty owed to my blood, to me… all because of Clara.
I marched straight toward her, ignoring the shocked and curious stares of everyone around. Gripping my gown to keep from tripping, I stormed down the stage until I stood face-to-face with her. I jabbed my finger at her, my voice sharp with accusation.
“Why did you even come to my birthday party? You weren’t invited!”