Chapter29 I didnt say anything . Why would you think Im angry ? I felt my fingers turned icy . Antonio suddenly felt like a stranger . Wed navigated his decade long entrepreneurial journey together , side by- side . Now , I was reduced to nothing more than a means to end . Antonio roared , What do you mean by that ? Shes your sister ! Why cant you show her some concern ? Swallowing the ache in my chest , I took a deep breath . Shes not my sister . Shes the bastard child of a mistress . His face contorted with rage , Grace ! How dare you speak to Stella like that ! Apologize to her right now ! No wonder your own parents abandoned you ! No wonder no one likes you . Youre repulsive ! Hed actually used my deepest insecurities against me . My fathers affair and my mothers subsequent departure had left me feeling unwanted . Chapter29 I remembered Antonio rushing to my defense whenever he heard my parents arguing next door . Grace , hed soothed , you are the best girl in the world . Even if no one else wants you , Ill always love you . I had believed him . Growing up , Id envisioned building a happy family with him , working tirelessly to contribute financially . But every time Id mentioned marriage , hed frowned . Now I understood why . Hed never loved me . Tears welled in my eyes as I turned away . Antonios eyes flickered . He seemed to realize hed gone too far , I rushed home today and neglected you . Its okay . You wont have the opportunity to neglect me again , I replied , my voice glacial . As I turned to leave , a message from my mom arrived . She had booked my flight . The departure date was in two weeks , the day of our wedding . The countdown to my wedding had become the countdown to my escape . Iquietly discarded the wedding decorations and anything that reminded me of us . The next day , Antonio called . Grace , are you awake ? I bought your favorite borscht . I have to go into the office for an emergency , so well need to reschedule the wedding photos . I was too harsh last night . I apologize . He seemed surprised by my ready agreement . Lots of people get married without a wedding , he added awkwardly , We dont need one either . I understand , I said slowly . This wedding would have no certificate , no photos , no officiant , and no bride . After the call , I focused on work , determined to put Antonio behind me . I submitted my resignation and arranged a farewell gathering with close colleagues . In the following days , I contacted my friends , informing them of the cancalled wedding . Their response were tinged with awkwardness , Honestly , one admitted , we all suspected you two would break upeventually .