Shattered Bonds and New Chains

The wedding reception was still in full swing—laughter, clinking glasses, and music filling the air—but I didn’t give a damn.

I stomped across the ballroom, the alcohol warming my veins, fueling my anger. My dress dragged along the floor as I wove through the crowd, eyes locked on my father.

Peter.

He stood near the head table, talking to Rebekah’s husband, Leonardo, completely unaware of the storm heading his way.

Not for long.

I slammed my hand on the table in front of him. Hard.

The conversation halted. Leonardo arched a brow at me, but I ignored him.

My father’s face twisted in irritation. “What is the meaning of this stupid behavior—”

“Oh, please, spare me that sermon you’re about to give!” I snapped, raising a hand to silence him.

Gasps rippled through the guests. Heads turned. The music quieted.

“Are you marrying me off to Sebastian?!” I demanded, my voice ringing loud enough for the entire damn hall to hear.

My father’s face turned a dangerous shade of red.

“You stupid child,” he hissed, teeth gritted.

Before I could react, his fingers clamped around my wrist, dragging me through the crowd. I stumbled, trying to match his pace, yanking my gown up to keep from tripping.

More whispers. More stares.

I didn’t care.

I was too furious.

He shoved open the door to the wine room—the same room where Sebastian had stolen that damn kiss from me—and slammed it shut behind us.

For a second, I was relieved Sebastian wasn’t here.

Then my father whirled on me, rage dripping from every inch of him.

“I have had it with you!” he thundered. “You are a useless disgrace to this family! Every ungodly act you’ve committed—how long have you been throwing yourself around like some common whore?! I don’t even want to know! All I know is, you don’t belong in this family anymore. And if marrying you off is the only way to make you worth something, then that is EXACTLY what I will do!”

My breath hitched.

The words struck harder than any slap could.

My father—the man who was supposed to love me—looked at me like I was nothing.

Nothing but a burden.

The room blurred as tears stung my eyes.

“What have I ever done to you, Dad?” My voice cracked. “To deserve this much hatred? What did I ever do?!”

My chest heaved, sobs choking my words. “Is it too much to ask for trust? For love?”

His eyes were cold. Unforgiving.

“You are dirty,” he spat. “You don’t deserve to be my child. I hope Sebastian teaches you how to be a proper woman.”

Then he turned and walked out.

Just like that.

Like I meant nothing.

My knees buckled.

I might have collapsed if strong arms hadn’t caught me.

Warmth. A steady grip.

I felt fingers comb gently through my hair, a deep voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’m here. It’s okay.”

I clutched onto the fabric of his suit, sobbing against his chest.

Sebastian.

Of all people.

I should push him away. I should curse at him.

But I couldn’t.

I was too broken. Too lost.

So I let him hold me, let him whisper things I couldn’t process, let his touch ground me as I shattered in his arms.

What a fucking day.