The Gondola the Don Made for Me Chapter 09

The Gondola the Don Made for Me Chapter 09

Mrs. Blackwood cut him off with a cold sneer.

“Let me tell you exactly what she got. Half a year ago, your mother was hospitalized. Vera waited on her hand and foot for an entire week, while you were away on a trip with Sophia.”

“A month ago, she came looking for you, and the guards at your family gates called her a shameless woman pestering their young master.”

“A week ago, in front of everyone, you handed over the wedding gondola she’d waited seven years for to Sophia.”

Her anger flared stronger, and resentment flickered in her eyes.

“Vera always told me only good news and hid all her troubles. Can you imagine how I felt when she finally spoke of these things? My daughter is the light of my life. How dare you treat her like this?”

“Today is my daughter’s joyous day, so I will not make a scene. But do not ever show your face near her again. Do not force me to be ruthless.”

With that, she turned and walked back to the riverside to rejoin the celebration.

Julian could barely stand. He leaned heavily against a stone pillar. He wanted to argue, to say it was all a misunderstanding, but not a single word came out.

Most of the guests present were allies of the Blackwood family. Their initial curiosity had long turned to contempt.

“Talk about wanting your cake and eating it too.”

“Poor girl, stuck with a man like him for years.”

“He’s got the nerve to crash a wedding. Just leave and save yourself the embarrassment.”

Sophia stepped forward to support him. “Julian, you still have me.”

Julian tried to push past her again. He could not bear to watch Vera become someone else’s wife. As he struggled with the guards, Vera noticed the commotion on the bank.

She glanced his way, calm and composed. That single look pinned him to the spot. There was no love left in her eyes—only pure, unmasked disgust.

All his strength drained away in an instant. That look hurt far worse than any physical blow.

Once the riverside ceremony ended, the newlyweds departed for the next venue.

Sophia stared at Julian, who had sunk down onto the ground.

“I knew Vera was getting married today,” she said quietly.

Julian’s head snapped toward her, stunned. “So that’s why you kept me by your side all week?”

Sophia nodded. “I wanted you to see for yourself that she doesn’t love you anymore. I’ve liked you for so long. I’m far better suited for you than she ever was. You have feelings for me too, don’t you?”

Julian squeezed his eyes shut tight, his heart feeling as though it was being torn apart. He had foolishly believed Vera would always wait for him, that she was easy to pacify. He’d actually thought a simple marriage certificate could erase all his favoritism and betrayal. He had been utterly stupid.

When he opened his eyes again, his resolve was firm. “I kept my promise to you for those seven days. But I will never be with you. I have always seen you as nothing more than a sister.”

Sophia let out a bitter laugh. “A brother doesn’t share a bed with his sister, Julian.”

Julian hung his head, his voice hoarse. “I was a fool. Name whatever you want as compensation. But the only person I want is Vera.”

Ignoring Sophia’s cries behind him, he walked away.

Over the next two weeks, he built a brand-new gondola from scratch. Then he set out to find Vera. Word spread that she and Liam had gone on their honeymoon. He messaged Summer, only to be told to stay far away. He visited the Blackwood estate, but the doors were shut firmly against him.

The Gracie and Romano families were long-standing rivals, each holding their own territory within the city’s underworld. Venturing onto Gracie land would have gotten him hurt.

Left with no other choice, he loitered outside the Blackwood Group’s headquarters every day. The Blackwoods had legitimate businesses now, acting as neutral ground in the city.

Three months later, he finally saw her.