The Day Everything Changed

"Caitlyn, I'm just trying to make it up to you," Levi said gravely. "I was wrong to abandon you at the wedding, and Gina's right. No matter what, I publicly announced you as Mrs. Robbins, so I need to take responsibility. Otherwise, your life will be harder from here on out."

"So, this was Gina's idea too?" I stared at him.

Levi nodded. "Gina's just looking out for you. You should know—"

"Enough!" I cut him off. "How interesting that the mighty CEO of Robbins Corporation takes orders from a young girl. If you really feel guilty, Levi, just stay away from me, okay?"

Levi frowned. "Why are you holding a grudge against her? That day at the wedding—"

I snapped, "Don't mention the wedding! My mom died that day, and it's a painful memory I'll carry forever. I'll never forgive you! All I'm asking is for some distance between us. Can't we just part ways peacefully? And thankfully, we never filed our marriage license, or we'd be dealing with a divorce now!"

I was actually grateful that Gina had fought so hard against getting the paperwork done. She was afraid that if I officially became Levi's wife, it would be harder to get rid of me.

Meanwhile, Levi's expression darkened, but I did not care. I tried to grab the urn, but Levi held it firmly.

"Fine. You can leave after the funeral."

Unable to argue further, I dropped to my knees. Levi froze at the sight.

I pleaded, "I'm begging you, please let me go. My mom wouldn't want her death to be used this way. She wouldn't want some grand funeral orchestrated by you. She was my mother, and mine alone!"

"Please, Levi!" I begged. "After donating bone marrow twice over the past few years, please just let me have this!"

My head was spinning. I had not had any time to recover from the bone marrow donation before coming here. As my strength drained away, I noticed Levi's expression softening, but then his phone rang.

I glimpsed Gina's name on his screen and felt a surge of dread. After the call, his resolve seemed to return stronger than ever.

He stated firmly, "It's decided. Caitlyn, get some rest. I'll handle the arrangements."

Then, he handed the urn to his assistant and practically dragged me to his car, ignoring my protests as he drove us back to his mansion. As soon as we arrived, Gina rushed out to meet us.

"Caitlyn, you're finally back! I told Levi we must honor your mother properly, so I'll personally handle the funeral, okay?"

Her words made me so dizzy with anger that I stumbled, breaking into a cold sweat. I shouted, "Levi, why are you humiliating me like this? What did I do to deserve this treatment?"

I crouched down, shaking and sweating, while Gina burst into tears. "Are you blaming me? I didn't want this either!"

Levi was irritated. "Enough, Caitlyn! Gina's sick but still trying to make things right for you. Stop making a scene!"

For a moment, I considered ending it all. "Are you only willing to let me go if I died, Levi? Is that what you want?"

I looked up at him wearily, my gaze unfocused.

Levi looked shocked, and for a brief second, I saw something like panic flash in his eyes.