Chapter 12

Melissa felt a wave of resentment, but bit her lip and forced a light smile. Her pale face betrayed none of her inner turmoil.

“I’m fine, really. It’s okay if no one stays. I can handle it. If you’re busy, please go. Don’t worry about me. I’m just… a little scared, that’s all.”

But even Marcelo, usually perceptive, missed her unspoken plea. He sighed in relief. “I’m glad you understand. We’ll be going then.”

He left briskly, Anthony already gone.

Melissa stomped her foot in frustration, feeling powerless.

Back in the ward, Stephanie, lying in bed, glanced toward the door several times, noticing only Melissa’s return.

“Stop looking for them, Mom. They had to leave,” Melissa said weakly, sitting beside the bed.

Stephanie looked at her with disappointment. “Didn’t you say we needed to keep them here today? Who knows if Emelie’s marriage is real or an act?”

Melissa checked the time. It was 4:00 pm; her anxiety began to ease.

“Don’t worry, Mom. Whether it’s real or fake, it’s too late now. If real, they won’t make it. If fake, they’ve been played. Eventually, they’ll fall out. At that point, I’ll choose between them. Don’t worry.”

Stephanie relaxed. “You’re right.” She looked at her wounds, feeling it had all been worth it.

The Horton brothers arrived home to an empty house. The cobblestone path outside was scattered with fragrant petals, creating an unexpectedly festive atmosphere.

Anthony’s heart skipped a beat; his face darkened.

“Emelie!” He rushed inside, abandoning his composure, frantically searching for her. The others followed.

Connor, red-eyed, nearly tore the house apart, shouting hoarsely, “Emelie, stop playing games! Don’t you want to get married? Let’s sign the papers now! You don’t need to wait!”

Marcelo, his usual smile masking icy eyes, stood before his parents. “Mom, Dad, where’s Emelie? Did you hide her to make us regret this? This isn’t funny. Stop indulging Emelie’s nonsense. Has she even decided whom she wants to marry? We need an answer.”

He laughed bitterly, trying to convince himself it was a joke.

Ezra and Kaitlyn were incredulous at their sons’ stubbornness. Ezra slapped Marcelo sharply. “You idiot!”

The once-pristine face was swollen. His fans would be heartbroken. Marcelo seemed unaffected, casually wiping blood from his mouth. “Dad, since you hit me, can you tell me where Emelie is?”

Anthony and Connor, having quietly appeared, waited for their parents’ response.

Kaitlyn scoffed, throwing her phone at them. “Well, if you’re so curious, why don’t you find out yourselves?”