Matteo kept on gazing at me from the side. He seemed very pleased by how "mature" I was.

"Nessie, since you're more obedient now," he began in a neutral tone, "we'll proceed with the wedding the day after tomorrow. It's just like how we agreed before."

He then paused and glanced at Vivianne before saying to me, "Before we get to that step, you'd need to apologize to Viv first."

Matteo's tone left no room for refusal. "If you can't even do that, then I'll send you back to the facility myself."

Vivianne gently tugged on my hand with a tender smile. "It's okay, Nessie. I'll accept your apology."

She was so perfectly kind and understanding that it felt like she had already rehearsed this.

I gazed at her, feeling incredulous.

I'd told them countless times a year ago that I hadn't been responsible for what happened to Vivian. Yet, no one had been able to vouch for me after she allegedly broke down.

Even Matteo—whom I grew up with and was my fiance at that point—had been the first to toss those accusations at me.

That false DNA report had then eradicated my status as a daughter of the Sadler family, making Vivianne the one true "heiress".

After that, he personally sent me to the Behavioral Correction Center.

Though that place looked like some wellness center for the elite, it was actually used to "reform" those who brought shame to the Giovannis.

One had no need to resist or explain themselves. All they needed to do was learn to remain quiet.

It was something I finally learned. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Vivianne.

Then, with a slow bow, I apologized softly, "Vivianne, I'm sorry."

Everyone went silent in an instant.

None of them had expected me to swallow my pride. After all, if this were a year ago, I would have insisted that I was innocent.

Vivianne was briefly stunned before she chuckled. "It's okay. I forgive you."

She really had a perfect smile.

Rosalie's eyes reddened slightly. "You're such a good girl, Vivianne."

Hugh snorted. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and thank your sister!"

Vivianne gently embraced me. "Don't say stuff like that! We're all family, aren't we?"

"Thank you," I obeyed with a faint smile.

They all thought I had said that due to gratitude. In truth? It was nothing more than goodbye.

"Since you've turned a new leaf, then you'll still be our daughter," my father added. "We'll announce on the day of your wedding that there had been a mistake with the DNA report and you are our daughter by blood."

"Thank you, Mr. Sadler," I thanked him obediently.

They thought I was looking forward to that wedding and their statement of welcoming me home. However, none of them knew that what I looked forward to was actually freedom.

I was led to my room, which was in the staff area of the manor.

I found my ID and personal documents, after which I booked a flight to leave this place tomorrow night.

…

I went to get a glass of water late at night that day.

A familiar figure came into view when I was about to turn the corner in the hallway.

It was Hugh.

He had a coat on and was sneaking out of the house. He was also holding his car keys and smelled of an acrid mixture of perfume and alcohol.

I used to stop Hugh in the past. After all, the doctor had told him to take care of his health due to his heart condition.

I used to think I needed to take care of my family, but all I did tonight was silently stand in the corner and watch him leave.

Hugh would never know that the Vanessa Sadler who always tried to make her family better had long died.

This current version of me was nothing but calm and quiet while harboring plans of my own.

The next day, Matteo sent my wedding gown over—it was pink.

Vivianne loved pink, whereas I had always loved white. Even still, I accepted the dress with a smile.

"This was tailor-made according to Viv's preferences. If you don't like it…" he began.

I shook my head. "No. The dress looks good in pink, too."

Matteo was taken aback as his brows knitted together. "Are you sure you are okay with it?"

I nodded.

Satisfied, he then bobbed his head. With a sigh, he said, "If you were this obedient from the start, we would have married a year ago. You also wouldn't have had to go to the Behavioral Correction Center for reform. Get some rest. I want you to be at your best at our wedding tomorrow."

He left the room while I stayed seated at my bedside.

Every inch of the pink wedding gown was studded in diamonds and pearls that shimmered brightly.

It should have been a dream come true for me, yet I only stared at it calmly and with little emotion.

The door opened, revealing Vivianne in a pink lace dress. The envy in her eyes was obvious.

"Vanessa," Vivianne said with a grin, though her tone was sharp. "You don't actually believe the Giovannis would let you be Matteo's wife, do you?"

She came closer to me and lowered her voice before continuing, "A woman who's been in a place like that would only ever be a stain on her family's reputation."

"You're right." I looked up with a calm expression, taking her aback.

She was unnerved by how calm I was, having expected me to refute her and be in hysterics.

Yet, I did nothing of the sort.

Vivianne lifted her chin up and sneered. "You should've died in that place. There was no need for you to return home at all."

She then took out a pair of scissors. "Everything should've been mine from the start."

The sounds of the pearls falling to the floor were crisp and clear. My pink wedding gown was cut open again and again.

Vivianne cackled like a madwoman. "Everyone's going to think you ruined your own wedding dress out of dislike, and the wedding will be called off.

"What will Matteo think of you by then? How about Mom and Dad?" she commented gleefully.

I gazed at her, saying nothing.

She grew more irritated seeing how silent I was, hissing. "They'll even toss you back into that place!"

I gently shook my head. "Let them do so then."

She was stunned.

I got up, adding softly, "You actually don't need to worry at all. This wedding, Mom and Dad, Matteo—I don't want any of this at all."

Vivianne sneered. "What do you mean?"

I met her gaze. "I won't be going to tomorrow's wedding."

She stopped giggling.

I went over to my wardrobe and pulled out my already-packed luggage case.

Vivianne was frozen to the spot. "Where are you going?"

I looked back and smiled softly at her. "I just don't want to stay here anymore."

…

It was late at night as I walked out of Sadler Manor.

I didn't bid anyone goodbye nor turn back. The house lights remained on as they were.

I had folded that pink wedding gown up and left it in my bedroom. It would be my parting gift to this family.

Goodbye, everyone.

Goodbye, my former naivete.

…

The sounds of church bells ringing echoed early next morning.

All the wedding guests sat in their seats while cameras flashed throughout the entire church.

Matteo was standing under the flowery bower with a bouquet in his hands.

Hugh leaned in from beside him and grumbled, "Who does Vanessa think she is? Does she expect us to beg her to come out?"

Matteo's brows furrowed. This was the first time he had been so uncertain.

…

As the clock ticked on, the church doors remained shut.

A sense of unease grew in his chest—it was a fuzzy and indescribable sense of fear.

Then, his assistant suddenly ran over, crying in between heavy pants. "Mr. Giovanni! Ms. Vanessa is gone!"

Everything seemed to freeze at that moment.

Matteo was stunned to the spot.

His face went completely blank for the very first time in his life.