I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 522

How ridiculous.

Steven had blocked every path and was now asking me which one I wanted to take.

I looked at him, my face pale, but a faint smile touched my lips. “Take me with you. You'll regret it.”

Steven let out a soft, contemptuous laugh and took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.

Horace had been gone for less than two minutes, having stepped away to calm his parents. Just as he turned back to stand with me, Steven was already at the microphone, apologizing to the guests.

Steven still cares a great deal about his reputation. With a few vague words, he glossed over the situation, explaining that today’s ceremony was merely a rehearsal and that he and I would be extending a formal invitation for our real wedding soon.

Furthermore, he promised every guest a gift and an all-expenses-paid trip to Ixia, courtesy of Aether Studio—including shopping sprees for any of Aether Studio's luxury brands.

Ixia was a playground for the ultra-rich. Who would turn down a free vacation with luxury shopping included?

The CEO of Aether Studio was certainly generous with his money.

How could the Spencers have any complaints? They left in high spirits, not even questioning the day's strange turn of events.

The friends and relatives of the Lopez family left as well.

The only elders remaining were my uncles, my grandfather, Ryan, and Mr. and Mrs. Spencer.

Their brows were furrowed with concern.

Today had been an utter humiliation.

Mr. Lopez Sr., however, couldn't stand it any longer and pushed himself to his feet with his cane.

“Zephyra, what is going on with you two? Are you really remarried?”

I tried to pull my hand from Steven's, but his grip was like iron. I leaned in and hissed, “Don't you dare let my grandfather know what happened to Leonard.”

My grandfather valued his reputation above all else. Today's fiasco was humiliating enough. If he found out that Leonard, whom he'd been worried about for days, was now a criminal suspect, the shock might be too much for him.

Horace, who had been silent until now, stepped forward from the small group.

My heart clenched with guilt as I looked at him.

He was still dressed in his immaculate groom's suit, a red flower pinned to his lapel, but his usually gentle face was now ashen. His eyes, fixed on Steven, were ice-cold, and I could see a raw, murderous intent simmering within them.

“Thinking of starting a fight with me?” Steven’s gaze swept over Horace, his lips curling into a smirk. “You can try.”

I had never seen Horace so enraged. I was terrified he would do something foolish. Steven was just looking for an excuse to destroy him, and laying a hand on Steven would be the end of his career.

I quickly rushed to his side, my eyes red as I grabbed his hand.

“Horace, I'm so sorry I embarrassed you. You can wait for me to come back and explain, or… you can hate me,” I said, stubbornly holding back tears, my voice steady. “But please, don't do anything reckless. It's not worth it. Steven isn't worth you destroying yourself, and neither am I. Do you hear me?”

Horace’s crimson eyes met mine.

I expected him to lash out at me. After all, on what should have been the most important day of his life, I had humiliated him in front of everyone, and now I was leaving with another man. It was a double blow, a double betrayal.