Introduction

I returned to Arizona after four years, happily engaged and hoping to invite my guardian, Marcus, to my wedding.

But I found a nightmare: Marcus was engaged to Chloe Davenport, my high school bully.

He instantly dismissed my wedding news as a "lie," blindly favoring Chloe as she systematically tormented me.

He allowed her to frame me, forced apologies, and let her steal my cherished artwork.

When I reported it, he quashed the police investigation, accusing me of "causing trouble" and confining me.

His cruel disregard and blind favoritism was a profound betrayal.

Overwhelmed by injustice, I resolved to cut all ties.

I repaid every cent he'd spent, leaving a note: "The debt is repaid. I'm gone."

As I flew to Florence, Marcus's delusion crumbled.

He raced across continents, frantic to stop my Tuscan wedding.

He burst in, desperate and tearful, only to find me radiant.

Calmly, I revealed the three times I nearly died, alone and abandoned, after he sent me away – each time, my calls unanswered.

My unwavering happiness with David, and the cold truth of his neglect, utterly shattered him.