I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 90: Calling Off The Engagement

Chapter 90: Calling Off The Engagement

Brooke arrived at Sutton’s grand mansion, her heart filled with anticipation. She had received a cryptic message from Sutton, inviting her over for an urgent matter. In her mind, she was certain it was about the upcoming engagement party. Sutton, always the meticulous planner, had probably thought of a new theme or a unique venue.

A maid, her face impassive, guided Brooke through the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion. The air was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume and polished wood. The grandeur of the surroundings was both awe-inspiring and intimidating and Brooke could not help dreaming of when she would be the mistress of this mansion.

The maid led Brooke through the door until they got to the sun-drenched garden. Sutton was seated on a wrought-iron bench by the duck pond where she was feeding them.

"Mrs. Marlowe, your guest is here." The maid said before leaving Brooke alone.

Sutton looked up, her expression grave. Brooke, still brimming with excitement, approached her, a wide smile on her face.

"Brooke," Sutton began, her voice calm and detached. "We need to talk."

Brooke’s smile faltered and she sat on a bench. "Is everything alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sutton hesitated, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "I have given this matter some thought and have come to this decision," she said, her voice firm and clear. "I am calling off the engagement."

Brooke’s world seemed to come to an abrupt stop. She could not believe what she was hearing. "What? Why would you do that?" she stammered.

Sutton’s eyes bore into hers condescendingly and Brooke shivered from the disgust emanating from her. "Your family, Brooke. The recent scandals, all of it... It is not the kind of association I want for myself, my family and definitely not my son."

"And it is my duty as a mother, to ensure that I protect my son from people like you."

The words hung heavy in the air. Brooke’s mind raced, trying to process the devastating news. She thought of her father, of the disgrace that had befallen their family. She had hoped that time would heal the wounds, that people would forget. But Sutton’s decision had shattered those hopes.

"Please, Sutton," Brooke pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "Don’t let this ruin everything. We can work through this. All the allegations against my father are false..."

Sutton cut her off, her tone firm. "There is nothing to work through, Brooke. Thankfully, this had not gone too far."

"You are making a huge mistake," Brooke said, her voice trembling. "You are going to throw away our love for something as superficial as reputation."

Sutton’s eyes narrowed and she glared balefully at Brooke. "Love?" She scoffed. "What does a shameless girl who was spreading her legs for her sister’s boyfriend know about love?"

Brooke held her chest and gasped, unable to say one coherent word. She sputtered like a fish out of water and desperately gasping for air. While, satisfied that Brooke had gotten her message, Sutton stood up and looked down at her before saying.

"Brandon never loved you, he had a crush and it has died." Sutton continued. "I am not throwing anything away, Brooke. I am simply making a practical decision. I hope you can understand." Then she turned, leaving Brooke all alone in the garden.

Brooke was devastated. She had dreamed of marrying Brandon, of building a life with him. She had imagined the influence, the prestige of being a member of the Marlowe family. But now, those dreams were shattered. She felt humiliated, rejected.

She stayed there on the metal bench for a little while before she got up and headed for the door, tears running down her cheeks. When she got into her car, she did not head home, she went straight to Brandon’s apartment.

She had fought too hard to have Brandon for him to be taken away from her just like that. She stormed into Brandon’s apartment, her heart pounding with anger and disappointment.

"You need to talk to your mother," she demanded, her voice rising. "This is ridiculous. We can’t just let her ruin our lives."

Brandon, sprawled on his couch, a half-empty bottle of whiskey beside him, looked up at her with a mixture of annoyance and disgust. His eyes were bloodshot, and his breath reeked of alcohol.

"What do you want from me, Brooke?" he slurred. "Can’t you take a hint? I don’t want you, my mother does not want you... just leave."

Brooke was stunned. She had never seen Brandon like this before. He was usually so charming, so charismatic. But these days, he was just a shell of his former self, a broken man consumed by bitterness and regret.

"This is not about your mother," she insisted. "It is about us. About our love."

Brandon scoffed. "Love? What love? You came after me because you are a vile, jealous girl who will always be in your sister’s shadow no matter what you do."

Brooke was speechless. She stared at Brandon in disbelief that he was talking to her like that, then she reasoned that it was the alcohol talking, Brandon loved her.

"Brandon," she said, her voice a tentative whisper. "You know who is speaking right? It’s me, Brooke. The love of your life."

As she reached out to pull him off the couch so that he could wash his face and feel a little more clear headed, he pulled away from her hold so harshly that she fell on her knees.

"Don’t you fucking touch me." He roared and got to his feet unsteadily. "You are the reason that I lost Lyse, I truly loved her but you forced yourself on me and you made me lose her."

He started to sob while Brooke stared at him wide eyed. It felt like a large hand was holding her chest and squeezing tight.

"Brandon please..." she begged and reached out for him again.

"Get out of here!" He screamed loudly, causing her to recoil and scamper out of the room on her knees and hands.