Chapter 4

Laurel insisted I take part in the wedding prep.

I went with them to pick out the diamond ring, choose the wedding candy, book the hotel.

I stood behind them, watching them stroll arm in arm, wrapped up in each other, my face perfectly still.

Roman was pleased.

He even went out of his way to ask whether I wanted to be a bridesmaid.

My expression didn't change.

“Whatever you want.”

He was so busy preparing for the wedding that he never noticed I'd already packed my bags.

On the wedding day, the Vaughns and the Matthews, both prominent families in the area, invited a great many guests.

Roman had messaged me early that morning.

“Ellie, do you want me to come get you?”

I replied fast.

“No need. You're the groom. Just go get the bride.”

Seeing me standing there typing, a staff member came over and asked warmly:

“Miss, would you like me to take you to the check-in counter?”

I nodded politely.

“Flying to Kenya. It should be Ellis Island.”

I pressed the phone dark.

Roman didn't know that the day of their wedding was the day I left.

In the gaps between helping them prepare, I'd sorted out my visa, packed my luggage, even carved out time to meet with a lawyer.

Everyone was focused on Laurel's happiness. No one noticed the signs that I was leaving.

The last call before the plane took off came from the lawyer I trusted.

He said: “Ms. Matthews, I'm at the wedding.”

“I've organized all the evidence you gave me. The moment the bride walks out, I can release it.”

I nodded, then pulled out the SIM card, snapped it in two, and dropped it in the trash.

The plane cut through the clouds, carrying me toward somewhere far away.

At that same moment, at the wedding, Mom and Dad realized I still hadn't arrived.

“That wretched girl, how could she leave Laurel without a bridesmaid.”

Mom stamped her foot.

My brother was breathing hard.

“I've looked everywhere. She's not here, and her phone won't go through.”

Dad's face was dark.

“Ruining Laurel's mood. She really is asking for it.”

Roman caught the commotion on this side and came over, champagne in hand.

“Dad, Mom, what's going on?”

Mom and Dad hesitated, mouths opening, but in the end they didn't say I was missing.

“It's nothing.”

But Roman swept his eyes around and sharply picked up on something.

He frowned slightly, staring hard into their eyes.

“Dad, Mom... where's Ellie?”