Chapter 10

In a flash, Jocelyn’s smug face popped into his mind.

If the hidden camera could be explained away, this video was smoking–gun proof of her betrayal!

He had no clue how to explain this to his father. No way to silence the judgments echoing through the wedding hall.

A tidal wave of emotions crashed over him as he ended the call.

Then dialed Jocelyn directly.

“Lorian, finally calling me back?” Her voice dripped with false sweetness.

“The wedding video–you played it, didn’t you?”

Jocelyn giggled, sounding pleased with herself.

“Well, yeah! I saw you chickening out, so I gave you a little push. You’ve been planning this for six whole years–no turning back now. I did it for your own good.”

Rage surged through him, making his entire body shake.

“I TOLD you, Lancelot family business is NOT yours to mess with!”

“Even if revenge was needed, that was between me and Sylvia. Who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right to decide what’s ‘for my own good‘? This was never about helping me–this was all

about you!”

“I know exactly what you said to Sylvia that night. I didn’t call you out then to spare your precious feelings. Since you’ve decided to throw away any decency, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

He hung up and immediately texted his assistant.

Within a week, the Collins family would be completely bankrupt.

Just as he powered off his phone, his father and Sylvia’s mother walked in.

He dropped to his knees before them, slapping himself repeatedly across the face until his cheeks burned.

“I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I’m the one who destroyed Sylvia.”

“I thought… I believed Auntie had come between you and Mom. I… never meant for this to happen.”

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Falling for a Lie My Stepbrother’s Hudde

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Chapter 10

His father, blind with fury, kicked him hard in the chest.

“You complete idiot! Your mother divorced me because she had terminal cancer–there was never any

affair!”

her final months on her own terms. I begged her to try treatment, but she refused–afraid you couldn’t handle watching her suffer. I’ve kept this from you

only came into my life after your mother passed away. What did she do wrong? What did Sylvia ever do

father had never told him any of this

Sylvia’s mother had stolen his

had chosen

breath painful. His

his father slapped

you want, but these six years–I refuse to believe you felt nothing

was to protect Sylvia, to clean

himself to

architect of this tragedy, he had no right to ask for anything. He knelt at

mother had left the country, he immediately booked a flight and

Sylvia–miraculously alive

on park swings, gently

the urge

caught fragments of their

mother’s voice was gentle on

with Mr. Lancelot, If you can’t move past this–if

Sylvia’s voice was soft but firm as she pushed her swing to a halt.

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Chapter 10

done.”

not telling him I’m alive. That was the right call.”

me dragged you

tears flowing freely as they held each other

Lorian watched them, his heart breaking all over again. He backed away

new account and typed a single

the happiness you deserve. I hope it’s everything I couldn’t give you. Love always,

at the screen until “Read”

left to say, he boarded his flight home, leaving her

her mother began rebuilding their lives away

gradually lifted from her shoulders, and for the first time in years,

felt truly free.

weeks after her “death,” Sylvia received an

speaking, on behalf of Mr.

wrong person,” Sylvia replied, confused. “I

is your biological father. Our investigation confirms

his youngest daughter.”

tests confirmed everything – she was indeed Sylvia Smith, heiress to the Smith

has been searching for you for years,

wore off, Sylvia agreed to meet

with Mr. Smith breaking down upon seeing his

your information after my brokenw ith your mother,” he said, embracing her tightly. “Welcome home, my

identity came wealth and privilege

one of the wealthiest in the country, with

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a Lie: My

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