My Spoiled Fiancée Made My Sister Scrub the Floors, So I Instantly Cancelled Our Wedding

The Escalation of Lies

Diana’s face paled as the weight of Richard's words began to sink in. She tried to laugh it off, stepping toward him with a forced, fluttering smile. "Richard, darling, don't be ridiculous. I was just helping Lucy learn how to properly care for the marble. You know how sensitive these imported floors are. She was happy to do it!"

Lucy remained silent, slowly standing up and wiping her wet hands on her apron. She looked at her brother, her eyes pleading for peace, but Richard had reached his absolute limit. For months, he had noticed Diana’s subtle snubs, the way she excluded Lucy from family dinners, and how she spoke to her with thinly veiled disgust. He had stayed quiet, hoping Diana would change once they were married. But this was the final straw.

"Get out," Richard said, his voice a low growl. "Pack your things and get out of my sister's house."

Diana gasped, her eyes widening in outrage.

"Your sister's house? Richard, this is our home! My name is going to be on the deed next week, and our wedding is in three days! You can't throw me out over a servant!"

Just then, the heavy oak front doors swung open, and Diana’s mother, Evelyn, stepped into the foyer. She was dressed in a tailored designer suit, ready to discuss the final catering details. When she saw the tense standoff, the spilled wine, and her daughter's panicked expression, her smile vanished.

"What on earth is going on here?" Evelyn demanded, looking between Richard and Diana.

"Mother, tell him!" Diana cried. "Richard is calling off the wedding because of her!" She pointed a manicured finger at Lucy.

Evelyn looked at Lucy, then at Richard. But instead of defending her daughter, Evelyn’s face drained of all color. She knew a secret that Diana didn't—a secret about who really held the power, and whose money was currently keeping Evelyn's family business afloat.