Chapter 36
He actually said that!
Sonya wasn’t sure whether to be angry or amused. She put her hands in her pockets, remained silent for a moment, then nodded.“I can give it up, but tell me why I should.”
Julian Jennings ran a hand through his hair.“Sonya, I know you can’t let go of our eight years together. You hate me for leaving you, for Seraphina taking me. But I told you, even if Seraphina and I marry, you can stay with me. You don’t need to do this.”
“Stop!” Sonya interrupted.“Julian Jennings, I’m getting married. On the same day as you. How many times do I have to tell you before you believe me?”
Julian Jennings scoffed.“You’re ridiculous!”
Sonya took a deep breath.“Give me a reason why I should give up the dress. If you can’t, move aside. I’m leaving.”
“Whatever Seraphina wants, she gets.”
“That’s not a reason to steal things.”
“Name your price. I’ll buy it.”
“It’s not for sale.”
“Your parents‘ house…”
“Don’t mention my parents‘ house again!” Sonya snapped. She looked at him coldly.“Demolish it. Do whatever you want. I don’t care!”
She wouldn’t be threatened by him anymore!
“Falling in love with you was a mistake. I’m just paying for it!”
Julian Jennings stared at Sonya, suddenly realizing he’d completely lost her. Not because he let go, but because she’d left him.
“I… I won’t…”
He tried to speak when his phone rang–Seraphina West. He glanced at Sonya and answered.
“Shall we look at wedding venues now?”
“Didn’t we book the island wedding? The castle? You want a castle wedding?” Julian Jennings subconsciously glanced at Sonya.
Sonya understood immediately. She loved castle weddings and had mentioned it to Julian Jennings more than once. Seraphina West learned about Sonya’s preference from Julian Jennings and chose a castle venue to spite her.
*See? I stole your boyfriend of eight years and your dream wedding!*
After hanging up, Julian Jennings said softly, “We’re going to see wedding venues. Think about what I said.”
He strode out. Sonya gave the saleswoman further instructions and followed. Mr. Givens was waiting outside.
“Ms. Ella, Mr. Sullivan wants me to
“Okay.”
11:30
take you to choose a wedding venue.”
29.0%
Chapter 36
An hour later, they arrived at a castle outside New York. A vast lawn stretched before a gray stone castle with a domed roof. It wasn’t an ancient castle; it was a former winery that had been renovated.
A young woman in uniform greeted them; a wedding planner,
“Ms. Ella, I’m Michael Bill.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Where shall we start? The lawn or inside the castle?”
“Let’s go through it all.”
“Good.”
Sonya saw Julian Jennings’s black Maybach parked near the entrance. She realized they were also considering this venue. It was one of the best venues in New York.
Inside, Sonya discovered there were two castles–one facing the entrance, the other set back slightly. The one facing the entrance was grander.
Henry had booked the main castle. As they approached, they saw another planner leading Julian Jennings and Seraphina West out. Sonya ducked behind Michael Bill, so they didn’t see her.
The main castle had a large chapel, a banquet hall (usable for receptions or outdoor events), guest rooms on the second floor, and an observation deck on the third.
Michael
Bill presented their proposal and offered to make
adjustments.
A staff member approached Michael Bill and whispered something. Michael Bill looked at Sonya hesitantly.
“What’s wrong?” Sonya asked.
Michael Bill hesitated.“Another couple wants to get married on the same day as you and Mr. Sullivan, but they prefer this castle.”
“So?”
“They’ve paid a deposit.”
Sonya looked at Michael Bill, puzzled.“But we booked it!”
“We haven’t finalized which castle. We were going to decide today. The other couple has powerful connections and spoke directly to the owner…”
Sonya went to the window and saw Julian Jennings and Seraphina West looking at the castle, hand–in–hand.
She texted Henry: I like this castle, but someone paid a deposit.
It was midnight in Henry’s time zone, but he replied quickly.
“Whatever you like is yours.”
་་
It was domineering, but Sonya found it sweet. Even if they ended up in the other castle, she’d be happy.
“We need to revise the proposal,” Michael Bill said apologetically.
“Okay.”
“I can do it here, but it will take time.”
1:30
29.0%
Chapter 36
“Take your time. I’m not in a hurry,” Sonya said, watching Julian Jennings and Seraphina West strolling across the lawn, silhouetted against the setting sun.
They were waiting for her to leave so they could take over. They probably enjoyed taking things. from others.
Olivorddenly, a staff member ran towards them. Julian Jennings’s face turned furious, and Seraphina West’s eyes welled up. They both looked towards Sonya…
