Chapter 5 My pulse quickened, and my cars were ringing. It felt like I could barely hear anything. The man strode up to me before getting down on one knee and lifting my hand. He said, "I've come for you, my bride." Everyone was stupefied, including me. Was this man, handsome enough that he looked like a flawlessly sculpted statue of an archangel, the supposedly ugly Lorenzo Marra? He had long fingers, defined knuckles, and a very warm hand. Instinctively, I put my hand in his, and he pulled me into his arms, pressing me against his firm chest as he hugged me close. "Everything's fine now," Lorenzo said, his voice deep and alluring. He put an arm around my waist to support me, pulling me back onto my feet. Then, he stroked my back with his hand as if soothing a frightened kitten. I looked up at him. Lorenzo had a tall nose and faintly curved lips. His jawline was sharp yet refined. For a moment, I was spellbound. "What's the matter?" he asked, his smile deepening. He'd sensed my gaze on him. "Are you dumbstruck by how handsome your fiance is?" Heat rushed to my ears, and I shot back stiffly, "What makes you think I'm dumbstruck? I was just checking for scars on your face." As Lorenzo chuckled, I could feel the vibration of his chest against me. For some reason, it made my heart pound even more wildly. "Leon!" Camilla's shrill voice brought the sweet moment to an abrupt end. "What are you doing? Are you just going to stand there and let that bitch's husband disrespect the Carbone family?" "Shut up!" Lorenzo snarled before firing his gun in her direction without even looking first. The bullet just barely flew past her face. "You talk too much, you foolish woman." Camilla went pale and instinctively took a step back. Meanwhile, Leon had finally recovered from his shock. With a stormy expression, he demanded, "What's the meaning of this, Lorenzo? Have you no respect for me and the Carbone family?" Lorenzo glanced lazily at Leon, remarking, "What makes you think you're worthy of receiving my respect?" As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of roaring engines making their approach could be heard. 1/4 Chapter 5 +25 Bonus Within moments, a convoy of over a dozen sleek black Bugattis rolled into the estate. Four or five heavily armed bodyguards stepped out of each one, and their gear was far superior to what the bodyguards Leon had brought with him had. The men lined up with flawless precision. Leon's expression shifted from anger to shock before landing on absolute disbelief. "This is impossible. The Marras are supposed..." "Supposed to be what?" Lorenzo asked as he finally turned around and straightened the cuffs of his sleeves. "The Marras are supposed to be some impoverished family? Guess it's time the Carbones replace whoever they put in charge of running their intelligence." He chuckled derisively. Camilla stood behind Leon, her expression completely twisted in jealousy. "There's no way this is true. These men are probably just actors you hired! Your family looked so poor and pathetic at the celebration the other day!" Lorenzo's gaze turned to her, his smile turning icy. h, look, if it isn't the emphasizing Can er who stole my wife's design schematics. I've heard so much about you," he said, e instinctively backed away while stubbornly attempting to refute him. "What are you talking ast how gifted I am in design!" ned over as well, dropping the bouquets they were holding in shock when they spotted Lorenzo. ince you've now claimed Elena as your bride, about the two million dollars we discussed previously..." s no rush," Lorenzo said before snapping his fingers. mmediately, his men brought over a crate. As soon as it was opened, Camilla exclaimed in sha so proud of the one she'd used to win the "If the weapon worked, you'd te was the finished product made from the "design" she was He picked un used nd not a penny less," Lorenzo said slowly. "However..." Then, he pointed at one of the sections. "This part jams up once the weapon is sture of an explosion. by not demanding compensation for this laughable failure of a design. How dare you ask me for sible!" Camilla cried out, her expression stiffening. "I'd designed it perfectly!" 2/4 Chapter 5 "Really?" Lorenzo sneered. "Then why didn't you notice the flaw?" He turned to the guests. "I've submitted a request to the designers' association, asking them to re-evaluate Ms. Camilla Cassano's qualifications." 29 DUIะนง After shooting Camilla a meaningful glance, he added, "I also provided them with evidence of her committing plagiarism." Camilla panicked. "No! This can't be happening! Elena must be setting me up. She must've made a flawed design on purpose!" As soon as she finished speaking, she realized she'd let the cat out of the bag. The crowd went into an uproar. Even Leon's expression darkened instantly as he confronted her. "Camilla, you stole Elena's design schematics?" "I didn't!" Camilla shrieked at the top of her lungs. "I'm a genius! Why would I need to steal anything? Elena's framing me!" Watching this, I felt quite awed by her. Just how much blind faith did she have in herself? Camilla turned to Mom and Dad, hoping that they'd smooth things over for her, just like they always did. Instead, she found that they were staring at her in shock and disappointment as well. "Dad! Mom! You have to believe me!" she cried out in a panic. Mom's lips trembled. "Camilla... Y-you've been stealing Elena's designs all along?" Their shock was rather comical to me. Camilla had always done a pretty clumsy job of stealing from me and pretending otherwise. I doubted that my parents truly never saw through her lies. However, she was prettier, more charming, and a far better marriage candidate. Thus, they were also happy to lap up all the compliments and flattery they received from others as a result of Camilla's "outstanding" accomplishments. Now that she'd exposed herself, it made sense that they didn't want to get dragged down with her as well. After failing to receive the assurance she once got from them, Camilla became so flustered and agitated that she lost all reason. "Why are you acting all disappointed now? Why would I have to steal her lousy designs if you guys weren't so biased, huh? You only like the one who's useful to you, so why are you acting like you're so righteous now?" Then, she lunged at Leon, screaming, "Why aren't you helping me either? Didn't you say you loved me? Are you only marrying me because of those stupid designs?" Her hand dug into his wound, making him grimace in pain. "Let go of me! You've lost your mind!" The situation descended into utter chaos. My parents looked completely dumbstruck. It was as if they were seeing Camilla for the first time. All of the guests were pointing at the scene and muttering among themselves. "Looks like this wedding ceremony isn't going to be taking place after all," Lorenzo remarked, his voice brimming with unhidden 3/4 Chapter 5 delight. He looped his arm around my waist. "It's just as well. We, the Marras, have prepared an even grander one." He'd turned and started leading me off when he suddenly paused. Glancing back at my parents, he flashed them an insincere smile and said, "Oh, right. Impoverished relatives aren't invited to the ceremony." I couldn't stop myself from laughing. Lorenzo looked down at me, his gaze gentle as he said, "You're so pretty when you laugh." In the sunlight, his side profile looked flawless in every way. For the first time, I felt that perhaps my second chance at life wasn't going to be so bleak after all. As Lorenzo helped me into the car, Leon hurriedly ripped Camilla away from him before rushing over. "Elena! Let's talk. You're the one who created those designs, right? Haven't you been in love with me since you were young? Get out of the car. I'll marry you!" Scoffing, I retorted, "In your dreams." Lorenzo sniggered before stepping on the accelerator with a wide grin. "Hold on tight. I'm taking you home." Support Share 4/4 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!