Chapter 14
Matt’s statement wasn’t believed by the Ellery family Mr. Ellery frowned, his eyes filled with disapproval.
“Who else would she go to? With her personality, she doesn’t have a single friend in Washington. She’s always been a disgrace–Tarver once decord enough to show in public. And now she’s caused this goddamn mess.”
Mrs. Ellery jumped in. Her words dripping with contempt that anyone overhearing would think she was discussing a sworn enemy rather than her own daughter.
“With that pathetic, crawling attitude of hers, what else has she ever done besides leech off Tiffany? Matt, I know you’re soft hearted, but don’t waste it on someone like her.”
Tiffany leaned against her mother, staring directly at Matt with a forced smile that couldn’t mask the calculation in her eyes.
She didn’t understand why Matt was suddenly defending Sylvia, but she knew she had to do something before Matt’s feelings truly shifted.
“Matt, marriage isn’t a game. My sister had agreed to marry Edwin, how could she throw a childish tantrum on her wedding day? If you know where she is, please tell us. We can’t just let her continue this ridiculous behavior.”
Watching the three of them united against Sylvia, Matt felt stunned.
Were these people really Sylvia’s family? Their daughter had disappeared without a trace, and not one of them showed concern for her safety–only criticism. The most shocking part was that he’d never noticed her embarassing status before.
Had Sylvia really grown up in this environment for over twenty years? How much hurt must she have endured?
He didn’t know, but at this moment, he refused to be their accomplice any longer.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ellery, I truly don’t know where Sylvia is right now. But there is something I’d like to discuss with you.”
When all eyes turned to him, he cleared his throat and delivered the statement he’d been preparing.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ellery, I want to break off my engagement with Tiffany.”
That single sentence froze everyone in the room. No one had expected that Matt–who had once desperately broken his engagement with Sylvia to marry Tiffany instead–would suddenly propose ending it.
After a moment of shock, Tiffany’s eyes immediately filled with tears.
She was completely bewildered–he’d only been gone for a short while, and came back with this announcement? Instinctively, she blamed everything on the one person who wasn’t even there.
“Matt, did my sister say something to you? I-”
Before she could finish, Matt cut her off, his brow furrowed in confusion. “If I recall correctly, I just told you that Sylvia never came to see me. Besides, even if she had, what could she possibly have said to me?”
Matt’s aggressive tone created a stark contrast with Tiffany’s pale lips and tear–filled eyes. Unable to bear seeing their favorite daughter distressed, Mr. and Mrs. Ellery immediately moved to Tiffany’s side, comforting her with gentle words.
Matt’s parents, who had been silently observing the drama, finally processed what their son had just declared. They quickly tried to smooth things
over.
“What nonsense are you talking about? That’s not something you joke about–marriage isn’t something you can just walk away. Right, Matt? Apologize to the Ellerys right now. And Tiffany–look at her, you freaked her out!”
Hearing Mrs. Kingsley’s words, Mr. and Mrs Ellery’s expressions softened slightly, though they couldn’t help but scoff when recalling Matt’s earlier
comment.
“That Sylvia–when has anything good ever come out of her mouth? She’s either making excuses or trying to steal from Tiffany all along. Never acted like a proper older sister.”
The complaints from Mr. and Mrs. Ellery continued one after another, but Matt tuned them out completely. Each word only reinforced how ridiculous
21.02
Money Heals What Love Destroys
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Chapter 14
this whole situation was.
No wonder Sylvia had chosen to leave on her own. With parents like these, a sister like that, and a flanes like Edwin–who wouldn’t want to scrape
This was for the best. Wherever she was, he hoped Sylvia would shine on her own.
