Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 51

The neighbor looked at him, her expression making it painfully obvious just how little patience she had for his apparent cluelessness.

"This is a pretty big deal, and you mean to tell me you didn't know a thing about it? Some boyfriend you are. You're the CEO of a whole company, and you can't even spare the money for a funeral? Honestly, the richer a man is, the stingier he gets. No wonder Cynthia doesn't want to marry you anymore, I—"

Cynthia had made other plans for her wedding day. She'd already told everyone on the street in advance that there was no need to come to the ceremony—the wedding was off.

Her grandmother had always cared about appearances, so Cynthia didn't want the old ladies gossiping or making a spectacle of her. Even in death, her grandmother deserved peace.

Now, hearing Marion bring it up, Cynthia hurried outside, determined not to let the neighbor spill too much to Benedict.

She opened the front door and stepped out, cutting Marion off, her eyes full of apology.

"Sorry, Marion, I didn't mean to bother you. Let me handle this myself."

Marion nodded, shot Benedict a wary glance, and then turned back to Cynthia. "If you need anything, just holler, okay?"

Cynthia nodded.

Once Marion had gone back inside, Benedict turned to Cynthia, guilt written all over his face. He looked genuinely remorseful.

"Cynthia, something this important, why didn't you tell me? If you'd just let me know, I would've dropped everything and come right back from the next city to be with you."

Cynthia met his eyes calmly, her expression unreadable.

"And ruin your day off? It's not often you get a break from work—I wouldn't want to spoil your good mood."

Benedict paled, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.

"Cynthia, I wasn't with Giselle for pleasure. I was entertaining a client for work, and she just happened to be along so she could learn the ropes."

Cynthia regarded him silently.

"Right, Mr. Shepard, you really are a saint," she replied dryly.

Make it up to her? Did he mean by quietly setting up a second home with another woman, and fathering a child who'd one day fight her for her inheritance?

Benedict, oblivious to the sarcasm in her eyes, seemed to think his apology had earned her forgiveness. He stepped closer, reaching out as if to embrace her.

Cynthia sidestepped smoothly, her gaze turning cool.

Benedict awkwardly let his arms drop.

"I know you're still upset with me, Cynthia. But our wedding's coming up—I don't want you walking down the aisle with any lingering resentment."

He sounded sincere, regret and self-blame etched deeply in his eyes.

Cynthia studied his face for a moment, then said slowly, "Then maybe, for these last few days, we should take a break from seeing each other."

Benedict stiffened, suddenly on guard.