I stepped forward, closing the distance between us, speaking in a low, even tone that carried absolute authority.

“I am leaving now, and I won't be coming back for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any of Dad’s little theater productions.”

“You can’t just abandon the family because you got lucky with one job!” she yelled desperately as I walked toward the door.

“It wasn't luck, Olivia,” I said softly, pausing with my hand on the brass doorknob to look back at her one last time.

“It was hard work, late nights, and the sheer desperation of knowing my family would let me drown if I ever asked for help.”

Chapter 5 - The Groom's Proposition

I stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Olivia to deal with her spiraling reality, and began walking down the long, carpeted hallway toward the exit.

I just wanted to call an Uber, go back to my quiet loft, and order a massive pizza to celebrate my independence properly.

As I rounded the corner near the coat check, a heavy hand grabbed my elbow, pulling me roughly into a small, dimly lit alcove.

I yanked my arm away instantly, my heart pounding, only to see Julian standing there, smelling heavily of bourbon and expensive cigars.

“Whoa, easy there, valedictorian,” Julian slurred, holding his hands up in a mocking gesture of surrender with a sleazy smile on his face.

“What do you want, Julian?” I demanded, taking a step back and ensuring I had a clear path to run back to the lobby if necessary.

“I just wanted to congratulate my brilliant new sister-in-law,” he said, leaning against the wall and looking me up and down with disgusting obviousness.

“Your dad told me you were a struggling humanities major who begged him for rent money every single month.”

“My father is a pathological liar, which you and your parents are clearly starting to figure out tonight,” I replied coldly, crossing my arms.