Chapter 121

Chapter 121
It felt more like a funeral than a wedding. The silence in the room was too deep and unnatural for a wedding. Only ten to twelve people stood scattered across the hall. They all were wearing expensive clothes and fake smiles. Those people included my parents, Violet's parents, and their very close relatives.
Every person present here knew it was just another transaction between two families, covered in the name of marriage.

Last night was one of the best nights of my life. I never wanted this day to come, but we don’t have everything in our control. In the morning, when I woke up, I found Serena sleeping peacefully in my arms.

For a good half hour, I kept staring at her beautiful features. It was her innocence and kind heart that made me fall for her, and I never doubted that.

God is punishing me for hurting His favourite child.

I wanted to wake her up with my sweet morning kisses, but I had to leave her alone in bed because I needed to keep my promise. The promise of marrying Violet.

My eyes drifted over the room without really seeing anyone. My father stood near the front, composed and satisfied. This was his victory. My mother sat beside him, hands folded in her lap, eyes lowered. She hadn’t looked at me properly even once. And Kayden… again, he was not here.

Now I genuinely wanted to know what exactly he was doing.

My attention shifted when Violet made her entry. She wasn’t wearing anything fancy because it was a private marriage and we were just going to sign papers. But she was dressed elegantly.

I shifted my gaze away from her as she walked toward me. My hands were clasped behind my back in a perfect posture. The black suit fits me like armor. It felt heavy and suffocating.

She felt slightly offended, when I didn't give the hand for support. Why shall I? Her best friend was there for it.

A deep silence spread in the environment as everyone waited for the lawyer.

He will be dead if he messes up anything.

After 5 minutes the lawyer entered with a thin folder in his hands. My eyes narrowed at it before lifting up at him. My eyebrows raised slightly and he nodded his head in confirmation.

I let out a soft sigh.

The lawyer placed the file in front of me. I picked up the pen and slowly opened the file. I kept my emotions neutral while reading it. The words were exactly the same I expected.

I took a little longer then expected. After a few minutes of patience, my father spoke, "what's taking you so long, Matteo. Just sign the papers already"

I glanced up at him. He was looking very impatient.

I cocked my head and placed the pen aside. My Father's eyebrows drew in confusion.

"I want Violet to go first" I said.

Violet was also taken aback by my words. She was looking pale and nervous.

I slid the file towards her. She looked up at her father who gestured her to go ahead. Slowly she picked up the pen and was about to sign the papers when I stepped her.

"Violet..." She stopped midway and looked up at me "don't you think you should read the papers first before signing them"

Her eyebrows drew in confusion. Her gaze moved back to the papers.

Mr. Pearson frowned. “Matteo, this is unnecessary—”

“I insist.”

The moment Violet started reading the papers, her eyes widened in shock. Her hands began to tremble.

“What is this?” she yelled at me, as if she didn’t already know.

“Don’t you think I should be the one asking you that?” My jaw tightened, my nostrils flaring slightly. “What is this, Violet?”

Mr. Pearson stepped forward and snatched the papers from her hands. His nerves strained as he read through them. When he looked up at me, his eyes burned with anger.

So he’s pretending.

I was sure he already knew everything. That was why he had agreed to let me deal with the Italian Don so easily. He just wanted his daughter married as soon as possible before the truth surfaced.

My father moved forward and asked for the file. Mr. Pearson hesitated, clenching the papers for a second, but he had no choice. The truth was coming out, one way or another.

All the guests stood frozen around us.

“What rubbish is this?” My father looked at me sharply. “What is this, Matteo?”

“Ask Violet,” I replied calmly. “Because I’m equally surprised.”

The air grew suffocating. I could see Violet struggling to breathe. She had never imagined the truth would come out like this.

“The day you invited me for dinner before leaving for Italy,” I said slowly, “I sensed something was off about Violet. She didn’t look like her usual self, which made me investigate.”

I paused, letting my words sink in.

“And this is what I found.”

Once again, the room held its breath.

My mother stepped forward and took the papers from my father’s trembling hands. Her gasp echoed through the hall.

“Violet…” her voice shook. “You’re pregnant?”

“And the child doesn’t belong to me,” I clarified coldly, just in case anyone tried to twist the narrative.

“No!” Violet screamed. “This isn’t true! This is a lie—someone has—”

“Oh really, Violet?” I cut her off sharply. “I knew you’d say that. That’s why I called the doctor as well.”

She swallowed hard, her face draining of color.

“Now tell me,” I continued calmly, “do you want the doctor to examine you here and expose everything?”

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Maybe I was harsh.

But they deserved it—for playing such a dirty game with me.

“So what, Matteo?” Violet’s mother snapped. “You’re acting as if she’s the first woman to get pregnant.”

“Her pregnancy isn’t my problem,” I replied evenly. “The lie is.”

The silence was so deep that every word echoed through the hall.

“You hid the truth from me and my family,” I continued. “And now you expect me to accept her?”

“Have you lost your mind?” Mr. Pearson thundered, stepping forward. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“Yes,” I met his gaze without flinching. “I do.”

“You cannot go back on your word,” he snarled. “You promised to marry Violet if I let you attend that meeting.”

“I said I would marry her if everything was right,” I shot back. “Do you really think I’d marry her knowing she’s carrying someone else’s child? Never.”

My father stood frozen, unable to react.

“Don’t forget,” Mr. Pearson warned, “I’m the one who can make you the King of the Underworld.”

I chuckled.

“Wake up, Mr. Pearson.” I smiled slowly. “The deal I finalized in Italy is in my name.”

His eyes widened in pure shock.

“You bastard,” he hissed. “You betrayed me!”

I laughed softly.

“That word doesn’t suit someone who framed me and sent me to jail on false charges.”

His brows knitted together.

“I just returned the favor,” I continued calmly. “Now sit back
and watch.”

I pulled off the tie he had insisted I wear, tossed it aside, and walked out.

It was time to claim what was truly mine.