Chapter 96 - 98
Landen POV
I stand on the elevated platform, a round dais with my arms outstretched like a king soaking in the adoration of his people. Two tailors flurry around me to ensure nothing is out of place. Draped in pristine white—a custom-tailored shirt, pressed trousers, and designer shoes—I keep my eyes fixed on the standing mirror, where my father’s reflection paces behind me in his own immaculate ensemble.
"Luciano told me what you said—and you will apologize," he commands, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. "Not just for this offense, but for every slight since she entered your lives."
"Does it even matter?" I counter, my tone biting. "In less than twenty-four hours, she’ll be out of it."
My words hang in the air for only a moment before he explodes into motion, yanking me backward with a force that seems inhuman, spinning me around until his iron grip clamps onto the back of my neck. His eyes, searing with unrestrained fury, bore into mine, pinning me in place as a jolt of fear ripples through me.
"It does matter." His voice a storm rumbling just below the surface. "It matters how you’ve disrespected her, and it matters even more what will happen to you if it continues. My dealings with the Du Ponts are merely just beginning. And as for her, she’ll be free of you soon enough. But until then, you will treat her with the respect she deserves—and with the kindness that’s undeserved by you. Do we understand each other?" His grip tightens, sending a flash of pain across my face before I manage to choke out a reply.
"Yes, sir."
Satisfied, he releases me with a shove, and I stumble back, my pride crumbling alongside my footing.
"Good," he says, his tone hard as steel. "Things are going to change. I’ve failed both you and Vance since your mother passed, allowing you both to grow weak in ways I should have prevented. I take responsibility for enabling your behavior, but at least Vance is trying to make something of himself. You should consider doing the same."
"Since when have you cared?" I blurt. "About either of us? When Vance had his... episodes and was admitted to a facility. Twice. You weren’t there! The night I tried to take my own life—you weren’t there, but Vance was. So don’t you dare call him weak when he was strong enough to build me up whilst he crumbled. And where were you throughout all of that? You weren’t just absent. You were apathetic, so don’t come here with your fucking high horse. Talking about some shit because you know nothing. Because what I’m trying to be is anything but like you."
For once, he doesn’t have a sharp retort—no verbal blade to cut me down and leave my spirit shredded. His silence feels almost remorseful as he takes a cautious step toward me, but I back away, shaking my head. My breath comes in uneven bursts as I turn and leave the room, heat rising under my skin until it feels like the very air around me is ablaze.
I descend to the second landing, brushing past caterers and coordinators, their chatter and movements a blur against my turmoil. The preparations for the wedding, set to take place in the sprawling botanical gardens of my grandfather’s estate, seem like a cruel parody of joy.