It was Joey.
Like a man possessed, he called her repeatedly, bombarding her with messages:
[I was wrong, Gigi. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me and give me another chance?
[Don’t marry Dominic, okay? You don’t really love him. You’re just doing this to spite me, aren’t you?
[Did you forget your promise to me all those years ago–that you would marry me and become my bride?]
Reading his messages one by one, Margot felt utterly incredulous.
Beside her, Dominic glanced at the screen but remained unfazed, finding Joey’s behavior oddly absurd.
1/3
Chapter 20
+15 BONUS
From what Margot had shared, the two of them had once been mutually fond of each other, though neither had confessed their
feelings. Joey must have cared for her.
Yet the moment Maisie entered the picture, his affections wavered, gradually leaning toward her instead.
Now that Margot was about to get married, he suddenly appeared full of regret, desperately apologizing and trying to win her
back.
What, Dominic wondered, did Joey truly see Margot as? And how did he perceive Maisie?
Margot had pondered the same question for a long time.
In the past, she couldn’t comprehend why people could be so fickle. But now, having seen through the true nature of the
Johansons and Joey, she spoke softly yet decisively.
“I might share the Johanson blood, but I was always just a daughter–someone destined to marry out of the family. Even though
they showered me with affection when I was young, once I reached adulthood, they began to see me as an outsider.
“Then Maisie appeared, two years younger than me. She filled the ‘daughter‘ role I vacated.
“She flattered them endlessly, and with Charles already fond of her, they saw her as someone who would marry into the family.
Naturally, they started favoring her more openly.
“As for Joey, maybe he truly loved me, and maybe he also loved Maisie. But in the end, the person he loves most is himself.
“He believed I’d always stay in place, waiting for him. At the same time, he thought Maisie would choose him over Charles
without hesitation.
“He basked in the thrill of being chased by two women, swaying back and forth without consequence.
“Now that he’s been left empty–handed, he’s unwilling to accept it. That’s why he’s come back, playing this act of deep remorse and undying love.”
Her words cut through the truth with sharp precision but Dominic remained silent.
When she turned, she saw Dominic engrossed in texting Alfred.
[Double the security for tomorrow’s wedding] his message read.
“He believed I’d always stay in place, waiting for him. At the same time, he thought Maisie would choose him over Charles
without hesitation.
“He basked in the thrill of being chased by two women, swaying back and forth without consequence.
“Now that he’s been left empty–handed, he’s unwilling to accept it. That’s why he’s come back, playing this act of deep remorse and undying love.”
Her words cut through the truth with sharp precision but Dominic remained silent.
When she turned, she saw Dominic engrossed in texting Alfred.
[Double the security for tomorrow’s wedding] his message read.
[If anyone causes trouble, no matter who they are, have them removed immediately.]
