Twenty-four Hours Later, My Don Regreted Chapter 01

Twenty-four Hours Later, My Don Regreted Chapter 01

Twenty-four hours remained until my wedding day.

I was going to drag Luca Carter, the cold, solitary heir of the mafia Carter family, straight into total ruin on the proudest day of his life.

Every girl he dated, every mistress he hid from me—all of them had an invite.

The second we got to the ring exchange, I’d snatch the mic. I’d lay every lie and betrayal he’d hidden from me for seven years out bare, right in front of every guest and family member.

I’d print every chat log and transfer receipt into booklets, and stuff inside every wedding favor box. Everyone would witness his filthy secrets.

Then I’d lift my chin high and walk out of that rotten ballroom for good.

This wasn’t some petty scene. It was the most dignified funeral I could give our dead, worthless romance.

…

Eight hours after I posted that tweet, Luca’s groomsmen banged hard on my hotel room door.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, draped in my wedding gown.

The makeup artist was incredible. I’d cried straight through last night, soaking my pillow completely, but no trace of my swollen and tear-streaked eyes showed.

My best friend Chloe, my maid of honor, pulled the door open for them.

A flood of men poured in—eighteen groomsmen, a huge, intimidating group.

But the man I was supposed to marry wasn’t among them.

The lead groomsman wore an urgent, excited grin as he spoke to me.

“Miss Collins, Mr. Carter’s wedding lead car got into a fender bender on the way. He sent us to escort you first, and he’ll meet you directly at the church.”

Before I could respond, Marco, one of Luca’s closest friends, cut in.

“That’s right, Miss Collins. Don’t worry a single bit. Even without Luca here, we’ll get you safely to the church.”

He slung open a black backpack hanging off his shoulder and started passing out cash envelopes stamped with the official Carter family crest.

He only handed two out before he froze, staring at the stacks left unclaimed inside the bag.

“Miss Collins? Luca promised you the perfect wedding—eighteen bridesmaids to match the groomsmen. Where are the rest of them?”

I ignored his question entirely.

I stepped forward, snatched every envelope out of his hands, then ripped the black backpack off his back and shoved it into Chloe’s arms.

Wondering where my other seventeen bridesmaids vanished to? Some were printing every filthy chat log between Luca and his mistress. Others were at the church tweaking projectors to roll all their private bedroom clips and photos. The rest were out welcoming every ex Luca had strung along for years.

Late last night, Luca’d called me up, swearing he’d prepared some special surprise just for me.

I’d foolishly thought it was some sweet pre-wedding romantic gesture.

But when I followed the address he’d given me to his black Cadillac, I found him tangled up with another woman inside the car.

I slammed my fists hard against the car windows, but Luca dragged his feet.

He didn’t climb out until they’d finished. He pulled his slacks on, buttoned his shirt lopsided. His neck was covered in a trail of lipstick marks, then he opened the car door.

Before I could even fire off a single question, he lit a cigar and spoke in a calm, empty tone.

“Elena, I let you find us on purpose.”

“I’m tired of sneaking around with her after we’re married. I wanted everything out in the open for you.”

“The woman in the car’s my high school sweetheart. Truth be told, you’re the other woman here.”

“But my mother adores you, and our family needs this alliance to boost our influence. We already signed the marriage license, so you’ll be Mrs. Carter forever, the future Donna of the family. Just try to be reasonable from now on. Don’t stir up drama and embarrass everyone now that you’re one of us.”

He said it like he was commenting on the weather, no flicker of remorse on his face.

He watched my skin drain pale and blew a cloud of cigar smoke straight into my face without a second thought.

That was the gift he’d handed me on the eve of our wedding.

If I didn’t return a far worse surprise to him today, all those seven years wasted with him would mean nothing.