Chapter 167
+15 BONUS
Chapter 167
But the neckline had been torn, and the women causing the scene were deliberately ruining what should have been Elena’s perfect moment.
“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my voice cutting through the argument.
Everyone turned toward me at once.
“Mom! You’re finally here!” Aria’s face was flushed with anger. “You won’t believe what they did! They came in and as soon as they saw Aunt Elena, they rushed over and tore her wedding dress!”
The instigator looked at me with open hostility. “Because Elena doesn’t deserve to wear this dress or
enter the Mercer family,” she declared. “She’s not worthy of my brother.”
I immediately understood who this woman was–David Mercer’s sister, Queenie Mercer. Elena had mentioned her before, explaining how this woman despised her and constantly created trouble.
Seeing Elena’s pale face, I moved protectively in front of her, squaring off against Queenie.
“Who are you to decide who’s worthy?” I challenged, my voice deceptively calm. “Does your opinion represent your brother’s? Should we call him right now so he can tell you himself whether Elena is worthy or not?”
I stepped closer, my eyes narrowed. “Deliberately damaging your future sister–in–law’s wedding dress? With manners like that, I’d say you’re the one who doesn’t belong in a prestigious family like the Mercers!
”
My barrage of words left no room for mercy. I saw Queenie’s face turn from arrogant to mortified, and she clapped with satisfaction.
“Mom, you’re absolutely right!” Aria cheered. “If I were her, I’d be too embarrassed to even claim I was part of the Mercer family. It would be an insult to the name!”
Queenie looked like she might explode from rage. “Who do you think you are? You have no business interfering here!”
I gave a contemptuous laugh. “Is there a rule in this mall against speaking our minds? If there is, please have management put up a sign, I will gladly comply.”
“That’s enough,” Elena interrupted softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “I’ve already tried on the dress. There’s no reason to stay here any longer. Let’s go.”
I knew Elena was avoiding conflict with her future in–laws for David’s sister.
With her wedding approaching, she didn’t want to force him to choose sides. Despite her gentle exterior, Elena had always been steel inside. If not for that consideration, she would never back down.
1/3
Chapter 167
+15 BONUS
Understanding her position, I nodded. “Alright, go change your clothes first.”
“Stop right there!” Queenie blocked Elena’s path, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor. “Did I say you could leave?”
Elena’s elegant eyebrows drew together. “Queenie, the dress is already torn. I’m not going to argue with you anymore. Let’s just go our separate ways.”
“What do you want from us?” I added.
“What do I want? I want your friends to apologize to me, of course!” Queenie declared.
Elena looked incredulous. “Excuse me?”
Queenie smirked, her pretty face twisted with malice. “I said, I want your friends to apologize to me.”
“Queenie, you’re being ridiculous!” Elena protested.
“How is this ridiculous?” Queenie crossed her arms, looking down her nose at us. “They insulted me, which is an insult to the Mercer family. Asking for an apology is me being lenient.”
“Why should we apologize?“Elena was practically vibrating with outrage. “You’re the one who destroyed my wedding dress! You’re the one who should be apologizing! This is completely absurd!”
Queenie fixed her gaze on Elena. “Elena, do you understand what will happen if she doesn’t apologize? If I go home and tell my mother about this, she’ll make sure you regret it.”
Her voice dropped to a threatening purr. “You still want to marry my brother? If I have anything to say about it, that door will be forever closed to you. Believe me?”
Elena stared at that smirking face, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to control her
anger.
“Go ahead and tell whoever you want,” Elena finally said, her voice steady and strong. “I’ll face whatever comes. But if you think I’m going to let my friends apologize to you-” she borrowed Queenie’s own words – “don’t even dream about it!”
Elena’s words seemed to come from the depths of her soul, and I was moved by her strength. This seemingly gentle woman had always used her fiercest side to protect us.
In her heart, Queenie could mistreat her all she wanted–she could endure it–but Elena would never allow anyone to bully her friends. We were her line in the sand, and no one was allowed to cross it.
I felt a lump form in my throat.
“Elena, stop it,“I said, “You’re making me want to cry.”
Meanwhile, Queenie looked like she might choke on her own rage. “Elena, you worthless bitch! How dare
2/3
Chapter 167
you speak to me like that!”
+15 BONUS
