At the engagement venue, the place was filled with elegant, wealthy people, exuding an aura of opulence. Sienna stood beautifully beside Peter, who was dressed in an expensive suit. His nose was covered with a small bandage, as he hadn’t fully recovered.
“I heard a rumor that the dancer, Vincent, claimed you two were in a relationship. Someone even said you cheated on him with the President here… that’s absurd,” a middle-aged woman remarked, causing Sienna’s smile to falter.
She had always avoided being seen with Vincent to prevent this kind of talk.
“Don’t mind the rumors,” Peter said, pulling Sienna close by the waist, gazing at her with affection. “That bastard Vincent just has a mental disorder. I’m glad I finally swept him out of the industry.”
“Oh… poor young man. He was so talented; my daughter loved him. Who would have thought he was unstable? There’s no way Sienna would have been involved with someone like that. So violent,” the woman chuckled, and Sienna finally managed to smile.
The engagement began, and with the guests fully gathered, the families introduced themselves. Sienna had lied, claiming she was an orphan and an only child, which gained her the guests’ sympathy.
Reporters were everywhere, making Sienna uneasy. But then she reminded herself that getting engaged to a high-profile man like Peter would inevitably attract attention.
It was time to exchange rings-a tradition. Just as Sienna was about to slide the ring onto her fiance’s finger, the speakers emitted a strange noise, irritating everyone’s ears. But what followed made everyone freeze.
“That was insane, Sienna-the ultimate bad bitch. I never thought you’d actually break the poor guy’s heart like that. Three years of that poor guy’s life down the drain…”
Sienna’s eyes widened; it was the conversation with her friends playing loudly on the speaker. How was it playing now? The DJ wasn’t even at his station, which meant it was planned.
Peter, about to instruct his men to cut the audio, heard his name and paused.
Sienna’s breath became unsteady as she noticed all the guests were now listening intently to the recording.
“… I mean, Vincent Addams is a good guy, and I didn’t mean to hurt him that much. Though I’m so fucking tired of him, I just pity him, that’s all.”
The woman who had inquired about Vincent shifted her gaze to Sienna, who was staring at the floor.
Why wasn’t Peter stopping this? What was his game?
The recording even revealed that she had a little sister. Had she lied to them? What a cruel thing to say-that her sister was dead to her.
Then came the final line:
“… All I want is Peter and his wealth.”
Sienna shut her eyes. Who was behind this? Her friends? Valerie? No, Valerie had spoken to her outside and hadn’t come in. Was it one of her friends? Those traitors.
“You gold digger!” an older woman yelled. It was Peter’s aunt.
Cameras flashed as the recording spread online.
“Auntie, relax,” Peter said, smiling, and turned to Sienna.
“P-Peter, I can… I can explain.”
“No, don’t. It’s okay. I’ll still marry you,” Peter replied, and Sienna blinked in confusion. “I knew you were after my money, and, well, I’m after something from you too. You’ll find out once we’re married.”
Sienna’s blood ran cold. Not only because of his words but also because of the smirk that crossed his lips. What did he mean?
_
What a whore!…
She cheated on Vincent after three years of being together?!…
Vincent must have caught them in the act and acted out of pain and anger. Any man would, if pushed that far…
Did I just hear her say she’s a good person, yet she left him? What is this b! tch thinking!…
All she wanted was money. I still can’t believe President Peter went through with the engagement…
Who cares? My only concern is, will Vincent be back? I fucking miss him…
We, his fans, screwed up real bad. We lashed out at him without knowing what happened. We’re sorry, Vincent Addams. Please come back!…
Vincent, who was asleep while the internet was on fire, was awoken by a call from Aiden. Running his fingers through his hair, he answered.
“Yes?”
“Did you see the news? Your name has been cleared! We don’t know who exposed Sienna at her engagement party, but everyone’s on your side now,” Aiden said excitedly.
“So?”
“W… what do you mean, ‘so’? Yo… You’re not coming back?” Aiden stammered.
“I’m not coming back. Goodbye, Aiden. I’ll see you around,” Vincent said, tossing his phone aside.
Klaus emerged from the kitchen with two cups of chilled Coke. They were at his apartment; he sat beside Vincent with a sigh.
“You won’t believe who teamed up to clear your name,” Klaus smirked.
“Innocent Demon and her friends,” Vincent replied with a small smile. It was high time he returned home. He missed his family.
When he stepped in, Ava was watching a movie. She jumped off the couch and hugged him. Morticia, hearing of his arrival, ran over to hug him too.
Vincent scoffed. “I see what you did, Innocent Demon,” he mumbled as she hugged him tighter.
“I really want to smash your head against the wall for calling me that, but I’ll wait until you’re fully healed,” Morticia muttered.
Vincent chuckled and glanced at his mother, who gave him a weak smile.
“How have you been? Are you hungry? I can quickly make you something,” Ava offered.
“Do you want ice cream? I promise never to snap at you again,” Morticia grinned, making Vincent smile.
Klaus, however, silently watched Morticia with an unreadable expression.
Vincent’s smile faltered. “I have something to tell you guys,” he sighed. “I’m leaving the country.”
Ava had expected it, but Morticia hadn’t; her face paled.
“What?” Morticia murmured.
“It’s just for a while. I’ll be back before you know it. I just need some time,” Vincent smiled. Ava hugged him, and when they parted, Vincent hugged Morticia, who couldn’t say a word.
“I won’t miss you,” he teased.
“I hate you too,” Morticia replied, and they shared a long look.