Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 20

Cynthia studied the man sitting at the edge of her bed, searching his face for some flicker of the warmth she'd once known, the tenderness from when they were in love.

But there was nothing.

He wasn't the man he used to be.

"I'm fine. The doctor said my ankle's not a big deal—it won't affect the wedding plans at all."

She had arranged everything down to the smallest detail. Nothing would be allowed to delay her.

Just fourteen days left.

And then she'd be gone for good.

Benedict's brow furrowed, his expression grave, a trace of dissatisfaction lurking in his eyes.

"There's a lot to handle with the wedding. My mother's health isn't great, so she can't help much. You'll have to take care of everything yourself—I'm worried your body can't keep up."

He made it sound as if he was concerned for her, but Cynthia could see right through him. All she saw was the way he tried to shield another woman.

"Isn't what you're really worried about that Giselle will see us getting married and fall apart?"

Benedict fell silent, then spoke again, his voice sharper this time.

"Why are you bringing her up out of nowhere?"

"Then why did you bring her to the hospital with you?" Cynthia shot back.

Benedict's eyes flickered with guilt, but he quickly regained his usual composure.

"I told you before, I was here for my own—"

Cynthia cut him off. "Where's your medical report, then?"

He froze.

She let out a cold laugh, glanced at her phone for the time.

"At this hour, your results should be out, right? Who's your doctor? I want to see your report."

The room went silent.

She stared at the man beside her bed, her eyes heavy with scorn.

Just then, a knock broke the tension.

"That's enough."

"If you don't want to postpone the wedding, then we'll go ahead as planned. But don't take your anger out on someone who's done nothing wrong."

Giselle stood behind him, looking up at him with undisguised adoration.

"Mr. Shepard…"

Benedict turned to her. "Let me walk you out."

Giselle hesitated, glancing at Cynthia as if unsure.

"You should stay here with Cynthia."

Benedict paused in the doorway when he saw Cynthia watching him.

She didn't flinch, and he scowled, heading for the door.

Just as he reached it, Cynthia spoke, her voice calm but resolute.

"Benedict, don't think I have to marry you."