Chapter 8
“What if I insist?“[]
I stepped out from behind Scarlettd repeated my words, louder this time.
But as I walked toward Richard, he instinctively stepped back.]
Who knows what was going through his mind.[]
The tension between us was thick–until Lola showed up.
With a whole crowd of wedding guests behind her.
Traditionally, the “wedding night teasing” is left to the younger guys.
But the sudden escape of the groom and Lola had drawn in even the older crowd, still drinking out front.
Now, the crème de la crème of New York’s elite had all packed into this tiny courtyard.[]
“Scarlett, why are you making him upset again?”
know you hate me, but today is my wedding too.“]]
“Even if you can’t stand me, at least don’t cause a scene for Richard’s sake.”
“Please, Scarlett, let us have this moment.“]
Lola’s big teary eyes stared at me, pleading like some helpless little damsel out of a romance novel.]]
Too bad she picked the wrong audience.
I ignored her and turned to get back into the waiting limo.[]
But then Lola suddenly dropped to her knees, sobbing in front of everyone.[]
“Scarlett, I’m begging you, please don’t ruin this!“]]
The bride, kneeling publicly? Even Richard flinched. So did most of the guests.]
“This Scarlett Monroe is really something else.“[]
“Thinks she still owns the crown or something?”
“Seriously, who crashes a wedding and makes the bride kneel? That’s twisted.“[]
“No wonder Richard wants to annul their engagement. I’d run too.”
“0
Lola’s tearful gaze shimmered for a second–just enough to catch a flash of smugness.[]
She was playing the victim perfectly.[]
But what she didn’t expect was…
The next moment, those people speaking up for her were shut down–fast.[]
“Watch your mouth!“]
“You have no clue what you’re talking about!“]
“Zip it, now!“]
A wave of stern rebukes came from the older crowd.[]
Lola’s expression froze.[]
Someone tried to protest.]
“Why are you yelling at me? What’s wrong with speaking the truth?“}]
“Scarlett crashed the ceremony–she’s obviously in the wrong!“}
An elder finally stepped forward, explaining:
Do you even know who Scarlett Monroe’s father 157“)
Chapter 8
Someone scoffed.
“Yeah, General Monroe. Big deal.“]]
“Big deal? You kids really are clueless.”
“Scarlett’s grandfather was a founding general–fought alongside President Hamilton during the Reformation.“[]
“He died on the battlefield, a hero.”
“Her father, General William Monroe, served twenty years guarding the northern border.“]
“Not a single defeat.“[]
“A family of patriots and warriors, every one of them decorated by the White House.”
“Only reason you haven’t heard much lately is because General Monroe hasn’t been back to D.C. in years.”
“But make no mistake–this family still commands respect.”
The younger ones went pale, especially those who’d just trashed my name.
They dropped their heads and said nothing.
The speaker nodded in approval.[]
He didn’t say the last part out loud-
:.0
Even Richard, the so–called Prince of the East Coast, would be wise to tread carefully.[]
If I could’ve heard his thoughts right then, I would’ve answered them for him.[]
Richard thought I’d tolerate his disrespect because I once loved him.
He figured I’d swallow my pride for his sake.
But he was wrong.
0
I’m a Monroe. And Monroe women don’t bow to anyone.[]
That’s what truly shocked him in that moment.[]
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Richard had heard every word.[]
His fists clenched so tight, his knuckles turned white.[]
Caught between fear of my father and the urge to save face.
He regretted making the wedding such a public spectacle.
And even more, regretted inviting half of New York’s power elite.[]
He finally spoke, voice dry and cracked.[]
“Scarlett, 1-”
But before he could finish, Lola tugged on his sleeve.[]
“Your Highness, I know I’m not worthy of you… Please let me apologize to Scarlett.“]
She released his arm and crawled toward me.
“Scarlett, it’s all my fault.“[]
“I’ll give up the title of bride–just please forgive Richard.“[]
Lola really was made for the stage.
Every move oozed delicate heartbreak.[]
Even Richard, who’d been fuming moments before, softened a little.[]
“Scarlett, come on… have some mercy.“]
His nerve was still unbelievable.[]
I smiled coldly and reached down, lifting Lola’s chin gently.[]
“You’re beautiful. Even I have to admit it.“]
My gaze slid down her face and locked on her twitching eyes.]
“But you made one mistake.“]
“I’m not sparing you because I’m scared.“]
“I just don’t like touching filth “[]
That word–filth–hit hard.]
Both Lola and Richard’s faces turned grim.]
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?“]
Richard snapped, losing his cool]
Lola’s face twisted in shock, then melted into pathetic sorrow.[]
“I may have been an escort, but I’m still pure! I’ve only ever been with Richard!“]
“Scarlett, are you trying to drive me to suicide?“]
I let go of her and glanced at Monroe.
She handed me a fresh silk handkerchief
I slowly wiped the spot where I’d touched Lola]
“Lola, real name Yvonne Brooks.”
“From Newark, age nineteen ”
Grew up poor.”
sold to a brothel by her father at seven. Stage name: Rose.”
Chapter 9
“Started taking clients at sixteen.”
“Bought out at seventeen by some mystery tycoon.“]
“Rebranded at nineteen as New Jersey’s top courtesan–Lola.“]]
“Did I miss anything?”
Lola turned ghost white.]]
Then, in a panic, she threw herself at Richard, grabbing his pant leg.]]
“Richard! You know I’m clean.“]
“That night–that night–you saw the blood. You know I’m telling the truth!“]
Gasps rippled through the crowd.[]
A former bride accusing the new one of being dirty.[]
The new bride shouting intimate details in front of a hundred people.
Even in the history books, this would be a first.]
The once–glorious prince of the East Coast…
Now officially a punchline.[]
Richard turned green.
He knew what was at stake.[]
He couldn’t let her reputation fall–not without taking himself down too.
And so, through gritted teeth, he muttered:[]
“She’s… she’s a virgin.“]]
He looked like he’d just swallowed glass.
His palm bled from how hard he’d clenched his fists.
AL
Twenty–five years of royal upbringing, and now
this-
Forced to vouch for his mistress’s “purity” in public.[]
Lola’s eyes gleamed with triumph.[]
“Scarlett, now you believe me, right?“]}]
“Thank God Richard stood up for me.‘
“Otherwise, I’d have to hang myself just to prove I was clean.“[]
“You’re so cruel, Scarlett.“]
The crowd started murmuring again.]]
“She really went too far. For a woman, reputation is everything.“]
“Yeah… if Richard hadn’t spoken up, that poor girl…“]
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, huh?“[]
Monroe couldn’t take it anymore. []
Her eyes narrowed, voice booming.
“Shut it, Lola! My lady would never lie like that–don’t you dare slander her!“}]
“You speak one more word, and I swear I’ll-“]
“What? Threaten my bride?“]]
Richard stepped forward, voice low and cold.]
Chapter 9
He could handle insults from me–barely.
But a servant going off? That was too much.[]
Monroe hesitated, then looked at me.]
I stepped in.[]
“That’s enough. I don’t argue with the irrelevant.”
“Let’s go home.”
With that, I turned to leave.
If I was just disappointed in Richard before,
Now I was utterly disgusted.]
Seeing I was really walking away, Richard panicked.]
He lunged forward and grabbed my hand.[]
“No–you can’t go!”
Scarlett’s face went rigid, but she didn’t move.
No one wanted to escalate in front of everyone.
The moment froze.
Richard seemed to think he’d regained some control.
“Scarlett, I told you–after this month, you’re still my bride.“]]
But then-
A deep voice boomed from the edge of the crowd.[]
“No need for that, Your Highness. A Monroe doesn’t need to marry up.”
My eyes burned.[
All my composure shattered.[]
“Dad!”
