Chapter 5

Back at the hotel, Valentina’s message arrived.

[Liam, you’ve been very naughty lately. Don’t blame me for being so cruel to you.]

[For Julian and my wedding, I still want you as best man. Repent properly, and we can go back to how things were.]

I gave a self-mocking laugh and switched off my phone.

Two days later, Valentina had someone deliver an incredibly valuable watch.

"It's Julian's birthday today. You'll present this gift from yourself as an apology."

I frowned, intending to toss it aside.

But Valentina’s tone admitted no refusal.

Suddenly, a sense of resignation washed over me.

This is the last time, Valentina.

After this, I won't owe you anything more.

Julian's birthday party was lavish.

I put down the gift, about to leave, when Julian, smiling, grabbed my arm.

I frowned, a warning flashing in my eyes. "Let go of me!"

Julian leaned closer, a glint of cunning in his eyes.

Suddenly, a bracelet in his hand fell to the floor, and he let out a piercing cry.

"Liam Hayes! I know you hate me, but you can't deliberately smash the memento my mother left me!"

His cry quickly drew everyone's attention.

Valentina walked over, her expression displeased. "What's going on?"

Julian's eyes brimmed with tears as he choked out, "My love, this was my mother’s dying wish, meant for her future daughter-in-law. I was going to give it to you today, but Liam saw it, snatched it, threw it on the ground, and then intentionally stomped on it twice!"

I folded my arms, my voice cold. "Are you done acting? We can just check the security footage to see if I broke it. Your feigned sincerity is sickening."

The words had barely left my lips when Valentina slapped me hard across the face.

"Liam Hayes, are you truly not putting me in my place?!"

Julian's eyes were red-rimmed. He crouched down, his hands trembling as he picked up the bracelet.

Valentina's face was ruthless, and she raised her hand to strike me again.

This time, however, I caught her wrist directly, forcefully pushing her hand away.

"I'm telling you again, it wasn't me!"

Valentina hadn't expected me to resist. She stared at me in disbelief.

After a long moment, she curved her lips, her eyes filled with a malicious, triumphant smile, and slowly spoke.

"Right, because you’re the son of a rapist, you grew up without a mother's love, that's why you're so jealous of someone else's mother leaving them something."

"Liam Hayes, you're as inhumane as your rapist father. It serves you right that your mother didn't love you and died early!"

A wave of shocked murmurs swept through the room.

Disgusted glances stabbed at me like knives.

My mind went blank. The deepest, most hidden wound in my heart was brutally ripped open in public, laid bare in its most wretched form.

I stumbled a few steps, barely managing to keep my balance.

Valentina watched me like a victor, her gaze tearing at my heart repeatedly until it was a bloody mess.

These were things I had only told her after completely opening myself up.

I was afraid she would despise me.

But back then, Valentina had just cupped my face, gently kissing away my tears, her voice tender and resolute.

"Liam, it's not your fault. From now on, I'll be the one to love you."

Remembering those words, the pain was almost unbearable.

Valentina had personally severed the last thread of affection between us.

My face was ashen. I forced a smile at her.

"Valentina Rossi, you win. From now on, I owe you nothing."

With that, I pushed through the crowd, stumbling out the door.

A flicker of panic crossed Valentina's eyes, but ultimately, she chose to comfort Julian.

I returned to the hotel and deleted everything on my phone related to Valentina.

From now on, we were strangers.

The day before the wedding, Valentina sent someone to deliver a best man's suit.

I merely scoffed, throwing it directly into the trash can.

In my closet hung a luxurious groom's tuxedo.

On the wedding day, Valentina anxiously watched the door, waiting for my appearance.

Her assistant, sweat beading on his forehead, carefully spoke.

"Ms. Rossi, Mr. Hayes... he's also getting married today."

Valentina's bouquet crashed to the floor with a thud. Meanwhile, my own wedding was just beginning.

Just as we were about to exchange rings, a breathless figure burst into the wedding hall.

"Liam Hayes, I forbid you to marry her!"

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on her.