Chapter 115 - 117
I sent a DNA sample of my own and my father’s to a private lab for analysis. Finding out that Alden Du Pont isn’t my father isn’t as devastating as finding out that Colton Vacheron is. And that he likely knew, and still he...
The thought of twists my insides out.
I flinch at the burst of light, quickly rearranging my nerves like something that split into tiny pieces and scattered in every direction.
I stand poised before a corporate backdrop with the logo of the company sponsoring this gala imprinted over its entire tapestry. I smile blindly at the flashes of light from the throng of photographers jockeying for the most optimal angle. Reporters thrusting their microphones and hurling a flurry of questions at me that I choose to ignore. When I turn to move, Vance appears, implicitly impeding my path as I maintain my smile cordially, rotating to slip away to the other side. Then Landen materializes, both of them sporting black suits with gold filigree embroidered in the neckline and lapels of their suit jackets.
Closed in, they draw near to flank me. Cold dread coils around my spine as they each rope me towards them in a possessive pull—together. An arm seamlessly slung over my shoulders and another hooked around my hips intimately. This bold display sweeps up an intrigued uproar from reporters and photographers alike as their questions bellow their demands. People wanted to know what happened to the wedding and why had there been no media coverage over the ’glorious’ event.
"It’s no secret that there has been some tension between us three," Vance begins solemnly. "Rumours of infidelity and jealousy. And I have made a personal statement claiming that I was at peace with my brother and my former fiance. That was not entirely true."
At this point, I thought I would have a mastery over my emotions in the face of public scrutiny. However, the anger, outrage I feel burns cold like the too-swift rush of heat on chilled skin.
"I never meant to hurt my brother," Landen adds, manufacturing remorse and a guilt-ridden expression that elicits sympathetic looks from everyone. "I love him and I jeopardized that love for falling for someone I should’ve. Out of respect for my brother, I called off the wedding."
Cue the dramatic gasps—sharp intakes slice through the gathered crowd—there it is.
"What does this mean for all three of you?"