Chapter 36
He actually said that!
Sonya wasn’t sure whether to be angry or amused. She slipped her hands into 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 get married, you can still 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 say it before you believe me?”
Julian scoffed. “You’re being ridiculous!”
Sonya took a deep breath. “Give me one good reason why I should give up the dress. If you can’t, step aside. I’m leaving.”
“Whatever Seraphina wants, she gets.”
“That’s not a reason to take what isn’t yours.”
“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 shot him a cold look. “Demolish it. Do whatever you want. I don’t care!”
She refused to be threatened by him anymore.
“Falling in love with you was a mistake. I’m just paying the price for it.”
Julian stared at her, suddenly realizing he had lost her completely. Not because he let go, but because she had walked away.
“I… I won’t…”
He tried to speak when his phone rang—Seraphina West. He glanced at Sonya before answering.
“Shall we look at wedding venues now?”
“Didn’t we already book the island wedding? Or… do you want a castle wedding?” Julian subconsciously glanced at Sonya.
Sonya instantly understood. She had always loved castle weddings and had told Julian about it more than once. Seraphina must have learned about it through him and deliberately chosen a castle just to spite her.
See? I stole your boyfriend of eight years and your dream wedding!
After hanging up, Julian said softly, “We’re going to check out some wedding venues. Think about what I said.”
He turned and walked out. Sonya gave the saleswoman some final instructions before following. Outside, Mr. Givens was already waiting.
“Ms. Ella, Mr. Sullivan asked me to—”
“Okay.”
An hour later, they arrived at a castle just outside New York. A vast lawn stretched before a gray stone castle with a domed roof. It wasn’t an ancient castle but a former winery that had been beautifully renovated.
A young woman in uniform greeted them. She was a wedding planner.
“Ms. Ella, I’m Michael Bill.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Where would you like to start? The lawn or inside the castle?”
“Let’s tour the entire place.”
“Sounds good.”
Sonya noticed a black Maybach parked near the entrance. It was Julian’s. So, they were considering this venue too. It was one of the most sought-after locations in New York.
Inside, Sonya realized there were actually two castles—one facing the entrance and another set slightly back. The one at the front was grander.
Henry had booked the main castle. As they approached, another planner was leading Julian and Seraphina out. Sonya instinctively stepped behind Michael Bill to avoid being seen.
The main castle featured a large chapel, a banquet hall that could be used for receptions or outdoor events, guest rooms on the second floor, and an observation deck on the third.
Michael Bill presented their wedding proposal and offered to make any necessary adjustments.
Just then, a staff member whispered something to Michael Bill. He hesitated before looking at Sonya.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
Michael hesitated. “Another couple wants to get married on the same day as you and Mr. Sullivan. They prefer this castle.”
“So?”
“They’ve already paid a deposit.”
Sonya frowned. “But we booked it first.”
“We hadn’t finalized which castle. We were supposed to decide today. However, the other couple has strong connections and spoke directly with the owner…”
Sonya walked to the window and spotted Julian and Seraphina strolling across the lawn, hand in hand.
She quickly texted Henry: I like this castle, but someone already paid a deposit.
It was midnight in Henry’s time zone, but he responded almost instantly.
“Whatever you like is yours.”
His reply was domineering, yet strangely sweet. Even if they ended up with the other castle, she knew she’d still be happy.
“We need to adjust the proposal,” Michael Bill said apologetically.
“Take your time. I’m in no rush,” Sonya replied, her eyes drifting back to Julian and Seraphina, their figures silhouetted against the setting sun.
They were probably waiting for her to leave so they could take over. It seemed they enjoyed taking things that didn’t belong to them.
Suddenly, a staff member ran towards them. Julian’s expression darkened, and Seraphina’s eyes filled with tears. They both turned to look at Sonya…
