The Royal Garden Disaster

 🌩️ Story Time: The Royal Garden Disaster        (Part 2 of A Wedding To Remember)

The walk from the Deluxe suite to the Royal Garden Venue felt like walking toward a firing squad. My heart was pounding against my ribs. I looked down at my diamond-studded watch—the one Michael gave me—and felt a heavy lump in my throat. Tonight was supposed to be the night I finally told him my secret. But the energy in the air felt cold and jagged. ❄️

As Trisha and I walked into the private dining room, the chatter stopped instantly. Michael was there, looking handsome as ever, but he was surrounded by his parents and the ever-energetic Uncle Irvin.

"Finally! The bride-to-be arrives," Uncle Irvin boomed, his voice echoing off the gold-leafed ceilings. "In France, we say if you are late to the tasting, you are late to the marriage!" 

Michael didn’t even stand up to greet me. He just checked his own watch and sighed. "Sarah, we’ve already started the appetizers. Sit down."

The "Rules" of the Family 📑

I sat, but before I could even pick up a napkin, Michael’s mother, Evelyn, pushed a thick stack of papers toward me. They looked at my red dress not with admiration, but with suspicion. They think I am some poor girl who managed to "trap" their successful son. Since Michael doesn't even know about my empire yet, he had nothing to say to prove them wrong.

"We’ve been talking, Sarah," Evelyn started. "Since you’re marrying into our family, we need to ensure you understand our standards. We’ve drafted a list of 'Pre-Wedding Conduct Rules' and family preconditions."

I blinked, stunned. "Rules? For what?"

"For your lifestyle," his father added. "We know you've been 'on the go' your whole life, probably struggling to make ends meet. Michael says you're a hard worker, but we aren't fools. We see a woman who wants a lifestyle she can't afford. We won't have our son’s fortune being drained by someone with no background and no bank account." 💸

The Ultimate Insult 💔

Uncle Irvin leaned forward, his eyes cold. "Let’s be honest, chérie. You are 35, you have no family name, and you've lived a 'wild' life. They think you are a gold digger, Sarah. We’ve seen many 'poor' girls try to secure their future by clinging to a man like Michael."

My blood turned to ice. They thought I was a charity case. I looked at Michael, waiting for him to roar, to defend my character, even if he didn't know about my money yet.

But Michael stayed silent. He just stared at his wine glass. "Sarah, just sign the papers. They just want to make sure you aren't with me for the wrong reasons. I know you don't have much, but once we’re married, my money will be enough for both of us." 🍷

The Breaking Point 🔨

The irony was suffocating. He sat there and watched them call me a gold digger, pitying me for being "poor," while I was the one who had built a global empire in the shadows. He didn't even know me. He loved the idea of a woman he could "save," but he didn't respect me enough to stand up to his family.

"You think I'm here for your money?" I asked, my voice calm but vibrating with power. I stood up, the chair screeching against the marble floor. "Michael, I came here tonight to tell you the truth about who I am. But I’ve realized something: you don’t even know who you are when your family is in the room."

"Sarah, don't make a scene," Michael hissed.

"Oh, there is no scene," I said, unfastening the diamond watch from my wrist and placing it on top of their "Rules" packet. "I don’t need a watch to tell me that your time is up. The wedding is off."

I turned to Trisha and Mariella. "Girls, pack your bags. We aren't going to the bachelorette party tomorrow. We’re going on a victory lap. I’m moving into the penthouse." 🏨✨

I walked out without looking back. They still think I’m poor. They still think I’m a gold digger. They have no idea that I own shares in this hotel.

To be continued...

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading Part 2! Sometimes you have to let go of a "fairytale" to keep your crown. Don't forget to jump onto the Story Time U.F.O. and visit my Book Store! 🛸📖 Read Part 1 Here!