Jilted at the Altar, Chosen by the Heir

4: 4

Mom lasted three days in the hospital before she refused to stay any longer and insisted on going home.

I coaxed her patiently, over and over, and finally she said, "It's three thousand a day in here. The Winfields aren't what we used to be. We have to economize."

"You may have a thousand faults, but you're still my own flesh and blood. Your father and I have to plan for your future."

"You can't marry Ronnie Harding now, so we'll have to look lower."

"We need to set aside a nest egg for you, so you won't be pushed around."

Hearing her think of me in every single word, the tears I'd held back for so long spilled over.

"Mom, don't worry. None of this was my fault, and I'll make everyone see that!"

She sighed and shook her head. "Rose, why won't you own up to what you've done? Carrying on like this…"

I bit down on the soft inside of my cheek.

My fury at Ronnie and Christina burned to the very top.

The two of them were in love and wanted to marry. Fine. But why trample me to do it? Why trample the Winfields?

What had I ever done to them?

I was going to make them pay.

I brought Mom back home to the Winfields and started gathering evidence, but either the two of them really were as clean as they claimed or they'd hidden it too well, because I couldn't find a shred of proof that anything was going on between them.

Then I thought of the argument in the bridal prep room. I went to pull the security footage, only to be told the equipment had malfunctioned. That day's recording hadn't been saved.

My teeth itched with the hate of it, but there was nothing I could do.

And just when I was at a complete loss, Christina showed up at my door, asking to borrow my wedding gown.

"Rose, you can't marry him anyway. And your wedding shoes are already my size, so why not give me the matching gown too, and let me and Ronnie have our happiness?"

"Fine."

Christina's whole face went slack with surprise. Clearly she hadn't expected me to agree.

I ran my fingers over the delicate embroidery on the gown and laid out my condition. "The Hardings stop their attacks on Winfield business."

"Fine. I'll do my best to talk Uncle Colin into it."

Christina smiled, sweet and radiant, and gathered up my gown to leave.

At the door she turned back. "Rose, the wedding reception is tomorrow. Will you come?"

"We'd both really love to have your blessing."

I dug my nails into my palm to keep the anger down.

I was about to refuse when my phone buzzed with a message. I looked down, read it, and the corner of my mouth lifted. I told Christina, and I meant every word, "Sure."

"I'll make sure your wedding is one you'll never forget."