Chapter 78: Worn Shoes
"Matteo!" Charles hissed, stepping forward only to be held back by Horace’s cane.
"Is there a reason for your change of heart?" Horace calmly asked. He was no longer wearing a warm smile, and instead, his expression was that of a cold-cutting and ruthless businessman on the prowl for the best interest.
"I never had a change of heart," Matteo replied, finally tearing his gaze away to meet Horace’s straight-on. "I never agreed to marry Emmeline. Time and time again, I’ve expressed that Amelia is the woman who will be my wife."
He didn’t falter and instead continued, "The engagement was agreed upon between our families. It could’ve been Aiden that Emmeline married, but he wasn’t her choice. In this case, Emmeline isn’t my choice." He looked at Amelia when he spoke the next sentence. "Amelia has been recognized as a Hawthorne heiress. In that case, even if I married her, there should be no difference."
With his words, Horace looked thoughtful. He nodded, looking at Amelia.
"And what about you?" Horace asked. "Do you share the same sentiments as the young man?"
At the same time, Emmeline finally couldn’t take it anymore. She charged forward, tears welling in her eyes.
"Matteo, how could you say that?" she wailed, catching the attention of a few other onlookers nearby. They originally hadn’t been completely listening in, but after the commotion Emmeline made, they couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
Emmeline turned to Amelia, and her eyes swept down her entire body. From the exquisite hairstyle and makeup, all the way to the stunningly glittery dress, Amelia looked every inch like an aristocrat who deserved to stand by their side, shoulder to shoulder. However, Emmeline didn’t want her here― not when Amelia’s presence would mean that everything would forevermore be changed for Emmeline.