10%
As I sank to my knees before everyone, a wave of whispers swept through the hall like a gust of bitter wind.
“The rumors were true… Geneva really is the Weber Family’s dog. She does whatever they say. No dignity at all.“}
Their scornful voices echoed in my ears, but I didn’t flinch.”
Then came Marco’s voice, quiet but cutting through the noise like a blade.}
“Why are you doing this?“}
I kept my gaze lowered, the shadows in my heart surging violently beneath the surface. I struggled to contain them in front of him.”
“Why?” My lips curved into a brittle smile. “Didn’t you already know, Marco? I love Andrew. I love him so much that I’d die for him. If he asked for my eyes, I’d give them. If he asked me to kneel, I’d do it without hesitation–so long as I can be Mrs. Weber.“}]
Marco let out a laugh, but it trembled with heartbreak.
“You didn’t used to be like this, sister,” he said softly. “You were the one who taught me that dignity is more important than life.”
His voice cracked.§
“I’ve spent the last five years growing up overnight. I endured things no one my age should’ve faced. I fought and bled and suffered–just so I could take you away from this place and give you a better life.“}
“I never wanted power or wealth. My dream was to live a quiet life with you, like we used to… before all this. But now, I can barely see you -like you’re behind a wall I can’t tear down.“>
He reached out and pulled me up from the ground, desperation in his voice.
“Sister, please. Come with me. Andrew is nothing. Look at me–I love you a thousand times more than he ever could. In my world, there’s only you.”
Before he could say another word, I slapped him–hard. His face jerked to the side.
“Who do you think you are, saying that in front of him? I never want to see you again. Get out!“}
It was the first time I’d ever hit Marco. The first time I’d turned my fury on him so harshly. I watched, heart splintering, as a single tear slid down his cheek.
The madness inside me threatened to break free. Guilt gnawed at my insides, stealing my breath. Just then, Ellen rushed over and wrapped her arms around Marco.
“I told you–she’s not the same Geneva anymore! Please, let’s go… I beg you, Marco!”
She looked at me with trembling fear and dragged him back forcefully.
Andrew, watching with amused cruelty, stepped forward and pressed his foot against my bowed head, grinding it down.
“You heard your sister, stray dog. Get lost.”
That was the breaking point.}
I could scold Marco. No one else could.}
Marco shoved Ellen aside and, without warning, punched Andrew across the face. Blood burst from his lip as he stumbled back.
“You bastard! How dare you treat her like this?! I’ll kill you!“}
With a sharp snap of his fingers, Marco summoned his men. Dozens of them stormed through the banquet doors, weapons drawn, surrounding the hall. Guests screamed and dropped to the ground, begging for mercy.§
“Mr. Weber, calm down! We’re innocent!“>
Andrew wiped the blood from his lip and sneered. “You think the Weber Family is defenseless?“}
At his signal, armed guards from the Weber Family emerged from the shadows, weapons locked and ready. The room tensed, the air thick with the threat of violence. The standoff was complete.}
I remained on the ground, trembling. I couldn’t let Marco get involved in my vengeance. He had his future. He didn’t belong in this blood–stained world I had chosen.}
Back then, I was stubborn. I clung to Andrew and he exploited it–sending me on dangerous missions, forcing me to negotiate with criminals and extort ruthless debtors. As a woman, I suffered more than most. I endured every humiliation for the sake of the Weber Family.
Marco had been there–watching, enduring, hurting alongside me. And when he realized he couldn’t protect me, he turned his pain into ambition. He climbed from nothing to power, all for my sake.
For five years, I didn’t reach out. I couldn’t. I knew the price he paid just to stand where he was now. I couldn’t accept his devotion–not
anymore.
“Stop!” I shouted.”
Silence fell.
Every eye turned to me.
“Why are you doing this?” I looked at Marco, my voice shaking. “Why did you come here, ruin my wedding? Don’t you know I’ve been waiting for this day for ten years?“}
“I’ve done everything Andrew ever asked of me. For the sake of the Weber Family, I’ve risked my life again and again. Once upon a time… I loved him more than my own existence.”
I took a deep breath, forcing the next words out like poison.
2/2
47.6%
12:17 PM
“So please–stop disturbing my happiness. Leave me alone.“}]
“You’re annoying,” I snapped, my tone like a knife. “I regret ever bringing you home.“>
Marco’s eyes widened in disbelief, his pupils shrinking.”
Around us, the crowd murmured in shock.
I turned back toward Andrew and lowered myself again, kneeling with the obedience he always demanded.”
“I’ve given you everything. I’d even trade my eyes just to stay by your side.”!
“No matter how you treat me… I’ll always follow you.“}
Andrew stared at me, astonished, as if even he couldn’t believe how deeply I’d surrendered myself to him.
Then he threw back his head and laughed.
“Did you hear that, Marco?” he sneered. “Your sister worships me. If I tell her to die, she’d do it with a smile. She’s my loyal bitch.”
“And you thought you could take her away? She doesn’t want you. She belongs to me.“}
His laughter thundered through the hall, cruel and victorious.
And I still kneeling, still humbling myself–didn’t dare look up at Marco a
