Ch. Called Off the Wedding 7 Called Off the Wedding 7

Chapter 7 

Cynthia held back the urge to scream at him, biting down her fury as she turned and walked inside. 

For the past three days, Benedict had kept himself busy, and so had she. 

Photo after photo had arrived on her phone–Benedict and Giselle Channing coming and going from the same apartment, as if flaunting their intimacy.li 

On the eve of their wedding, he’d moved in with another woman, treating it like some last wild celebration before stepping into the so–called grave of marriage. 

Benedict followed her in, retrieving a first–aid kit from the cabinet. He took out iodine and cotton swabs, then walked over to her without a word, his jaw set, 

Without asking, he grabbed her hand, tending to the fresh cut himself. 

“You’re always so careful with your hands,” he muttered, his voice tense. “Don’t take your anger out on yourself.” 

A bitter smile flickered at Cynthia’s lips. Isn’t it you who’s hurting me?” 

She didn’t linger on the topic. Instead, she pulled a document from the side table and held it out to him. 

“Read through the terms. If you’re fine with them, sign. 

Benedict took the folder, frowning as he skimmed the contents. 

“A property division agreement?” 

She simply nodded. “Yes.” 

He let out a short, incredulous laugh. “We’re about to get married and you want me to sign this? What’s the point?” 

To him, her threat from the other day had been nothing but empty words. 

After seven years together, he couldn’t imagine she’d ever leave.X 

Cynthia lifted her gaze to meet his, her voice steady. “That’s exactly why we need this–because we’re getting married. Everything we had before the wedding stays separate. 

She knew that only by truly walking away would Benedict realize she hadn’t been bluffing. 

His eyes grew colder, a mocking smile curling at the edge of his mouth. Still, he didn’t hesitate. “Fine.” 

She passed him a pen. 

Benedict looked at her, imitation flashing across his face, but he signed his name and handed the document back. 

“Happy now?” he asked, reaching to pull her into his arms. 

Cynthia stepped away, slipping the papers into a folder. “Ill have the agreement notarized. When the time comes, I’ll need you to cooperate.” 

His expression darkened instantly. “You really don’t trust me at all, do you?” 

She didn’t answer–her actions spoke for themselves, tucking the contract carefully into a sealed envelope. 

Benedict stared down at her, lips twisted in a cold, almost imperceptible sneer “You know, Cynthia, you’re getting awfully materialistic. Shallow, even.“” 

She met his gaze, unbothered by the accusation. “This isn’t the age where love alone can keep you fed. Power and money are what actually keep you standing.” 

A man’s love is fickle. Only security and money never betray you.!! 

Benedict’s face clouded over completely.ll 

Cynthia picked up the envelope and headed upstairs. As she passed him, she paused briefly. “I haven’t made you dinner. Help yourself.”> 

She didn’t look back as she climbed the stairs. 

Benedict’s face was thunderous, and when he left, the door slammed so loudly the whole house seemed to shake. 

Cynthia didn’t care. After locking the agreement away in the safe, she left to see her grandmother. She needed to talk to her about moving to the capital. 

Her mother had died of cancer not long after divorcing Cynthia’s father. Cynthia had still been in high school then, left to rely on her grandmother for everything # 

The old garden was bathed in the fading light of sunset. Shadows stretched across the familier yard. 

+ier grandmother lay back in a wicker recliner, watching the sky melt to gold and pink. “Cynthia, you’re here? Where’s Benedict?” 

Chapter? 

Usually, Benedict came with her–every week, without fail. 

Cynthia didn’t want her to worry. She lowered her eyes, keeping her voice calm. “He’s busy.” 

Her grandmother was quiet for a moment, then started fussing about, eventually insisting she wanted to see Benedict. She had something she needed to say to him. 

Unable to refuse, Cynthia dialed his number. 

He didn’t answer. She didn’t try again. 

Steadying herself, she turned back with a gentle smile. ‘Grandma, he=” 

But her words trailed off. The old woman, who had been speaking with her just moments ago, now rested with her eyes closed in the glow of the setting sun, her hand hanging limply off the chair. She looked so peaceful, as if she’d simply fallen asleep. 

Panic flashed through Cynthia’s heart, memories of her mother’s death crowding her mind.5 

“Grandma…” Her voice shook as she reached for the old woman’s hand–still warm, but unresponsive 

Paramedics arrived quickly, and after a brief check, told her it was natural causes. They urged her to be strong. 

One moment, her grandmother had been talking to her, the next, she was gone. Numb with shock, Cynthia instinctively called Benedict 

But when the line finally connected, it was Giselle’s voice she heard. “Cynthia? Is something wrong? Mr. Shepard and I are on our way to the next city…” 

At the sound of Giselle’s voice, Cynthia’s own went cold. She hung up without a word. 

Instead, she called her sister Juliet, who was all the way across the country! 

When Juliet picked up. Cynthia choked out. “Juliet, Grandma’s passed away 

Juliet didn’t hesitate. “I’ll come right away.” 

After the call, Cynthia crouched beside her grandmother’s body, burying her face in the old woman’s gradually stiffening shoulder, her whole body shaking. 

She had never felt so much regret. 

For a man like Benedict, she had turned her back on the family who truly loved her.