Chapter 12
That had been over two months ago. So, all this me–way before the wedding–Eleanor had already made up her mind to leave. The realization hit Aaron like a knife to the chest, and the crushing pain made it hard for him to stay on his feet.
He asked, “Why? Why would you do this to me? Why didn’t you tell me anything?”
But instead of backing down, Eleanor finally let out everything she had buried inside. “And what about you? Why did you treat me the way you did?
“Did you think I’d know nothing just because I was overseas? You paraded Alina around like she belonged next to you. What, did you think I was too naive to notice? You cared about her so much–liked her so much. Why didn’t you just break up with me?
“Why did you keep me around while you were off with someone else? You cheated first. Her baby’s five months along, and you’re mad I ran away from the wedding? What right do you have to question me?”
Each word struck like a hammer, loud and sharp, silencing everyone around them.
Aaron had never thought she had known this whole time. Guilt, panic, and regret surged up and drowned him all at once. He scrambled to the car window, stammering like a man
unraveling.
“No! Nora, let me explain–I–I didn’t know she was pregnant. She only found out during a company checkup. Grandma knew before I did, and it was her idea to keep the baby, not mine. I just ”
Even now, he was trying to pin the blame on everyone but himself. Eleanor had finally had enough. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and cut him off cold.
“Right. It’s always someone else’s fault. The three canceled projects with Mr. Powell, the 13 people laid off from the marketing department, that 300–million–dollar bid at the auction, the kiss in the hallway, the umbrella you held over her in the rain, the alcohol you handed me instead of her… None of that had anything to do with you, right?”
Aaron was rendered speechless. He just stood there in a daze, eyes blank and completely lost.
Off to the side, Margaret stepped in, unable to watch her grandson fall apart. She rushed forward protectively, her voice sharp and loaded with blame.
She snapped, “Eleanor, you know how much Aaron loved you all these years! He wanted to marry you two years ago, but you kept rejecting him to chase your dancing career!
“When he tried to propose, you ran off to another country. He got drunk and made a mistake with Lina, and now you’re blaming him for everything? He’s felt guilty this whole time!
“He wouldn’t even acknowledge the child because he was afraid of losing you! He’s always
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loved you–deeply! And yet you ran away at the wedding and humiliated the Fords in front of everyone! Don’t you feel even a little ashamed?”
Leon’s expression turned ice–cold. “Nora was only 21 two years ago. She had a dream to chase -how is that a crime? Sure, the Fords are one of the most powerful families in Drakemont, but marrying into your family isn’t exactly a step up for her. So what if she rejected a few proposals?
“If Aaron couldn’t keep it in his pants, that’s his fault. Don’t go blaming Nora. What, you think she poured the alcohol down your precious grandson’s throat?
“He’s expecting a child with another woman, yet he still proposed to Nora. That’s not love- that’s deception. A wedding built on lies and manipulation deserves to be crashed. And she did the right thing by running. What are you gonna do about it?”
His words landed like a slap, and Margaret’s face darkened with fury. She pointed a trembling finger at him, sputtering, “Y–Y–You-”
However, she couldn’t come up with a single word to argue back.
Leon let out a cold chuckle, then gave both of them a sharp glance before closing the window. He stepped on the gas, and the sudden roar of the engine sent everyone scrambling to get out of the way.
The car shot past the gates and into the driveway. With a metallic clang, the iron gates slammed shut behind them.
Leon tossed the
mess outside. The to his butler, Carl Reynolds, and told him to get someone to clean up!
mess outside. Then, he walked around to Eleanor’s side, opened the door, and, under the
furious stares still burning holes into them from behind, took her hand and led her straight into the house.
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Chapter 13
