---- Introduction | returned to Arizona after four years, happily engaged and hoping to invite my guardian, Marcus, to my wedding. But | 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 | 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, | resolved to cut all ties. | repaid every cent he'd spent, leaving a note: "The debt is repaid. I'm gone." As | 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, | revealed the three times | 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.