My Wedding He Never Knew About

I'm getting married. But Ryder, my boyfriend of seven years, has no idea.

He recently hired a new assistant, Blair, and has been swamped ever since.

The two of them are the toast of the high-society circuit, a perfect power couple frequently seen at galas and parties together.

To celebrate a major project Blair landed, Ryder booked an entire restaurant for a celebratory dinner.

During the dinner, Blair intentionally swapped my lemonade for a strong cocktail. Unaware, I took a large sip.

Ryder just watched, smiling playfully as he asked, “How is it, baby? How does it taste?”

He forgot. He forgot that I have a deadly alcohol allergy.

My throat swelled shut faster than I could have imagined. As I collapsed, the only sounds were my own gasps for air and a porcelain plate shattering on the floor.

That night, I lay in the family's private medical wing.

When I opened my eyes, the oxygen mask was still pressed to my face. I nodded at my mother.

The arranged marriage. I agreed to it.

I'm getting married. But Ryder, my boyfriend of seven years, has no idea.

He recently hired a new assistant, Blair, and has been swamped ever since.

The two of them are the toast of the high-society circuit, a perfect power couple frequently seen at galas and parties together.

To celebrate a major project Blair landed, Ryder booked an entire restaurant for a celebratory dinner.

During the dinner, Blair intentionally swapped my lemonade for a strong cocktail. Unaware, I took a large sip.

Ryder just watched, smiling playfully as he asked, “How is it, baby? How does it taste?”

He forgot. He forgot that I have a deadly alcohol allergy.

My throat swelled shut faster than I could have imagined. As I collapsed, the only sounds were my own gasps for air and a porcelain plate shattering on the floor.

That night, I lay in the family's private medical wing.

When I opened my eyes, the oxygen mask was still pressed to my face. I nodded at my mother, the Donna of the Antonio family.

The arranged marriage. I agreed to it.

...

My mother has always been decisive.

I had just returned to the villa from the medical center and was pressing my hand to the fingerprint lock on the door when my phone started vibrating.

A dozen wedding proposals, one after another, with exquisite photos and detailed notes.

I swiped my thumb across the screen and answered my mother's call.

"Mamma knew a long time ago that Ryder wasn't the one for you. A man who truly wants to marry you doesn't make you wait seven years without a ring. It's not too late to walk away. Everything for the wedding is already in place."

"It's in three days. Take your time packing. No need to rush."

So, in everyone else's eyes, it had always been crystal clear.

And for seven years, I had believed his empty promises, letting him string me along.

"Mamma,