Chapter 5
A week later, it was my wedding day.
Vance burst into my dressing room like a bat outta hell. When he walked in, his eyes were full of gullt, but the second he saw my wedding dress, his face lit up with pure joy. He carefully avoided my belly and hugged me, his voice choked up:
“You’ve been through so much, prepping for the wedding while pregnant… I took care of those nasty rumors on Instagram. No one’s gonna give you grief anymore.“]
As he talked, his fingers nervously fidgeted with my waistline. “This dress… is it too tight?“]
The bridesmaids shot him a confused look, but Vance didn’t notice. His voice got even more emotional:[]
“Your parents are so understanding. When I sent a car to pick them up, they’d already left! Elise, I promise, I won’t let you down this time.”
.“0
Before he could finish, his phone rang, shrill and urgent. It was Faye. His expression flickered, but he clenched his jaw and didn’t answer.
r.0
I was about to speak when Nora’s call came through: “Vance, hurry! Faye’s trying to jump into the river!“]
Vance went white as a sheet and spun to bolt out the door.
jwait–]
He turned back, eyes wild with worry and pleading: “Elise, go wait at the venue! I can’t let Faye die! I swear I’ll make it to the wedding!“]
I pulled out the engagement ring and placed it in his palm. “Give this to Faye.“[]
Vance froze. The next second, gratitude and guilt washed over his face. “This is just a loan! I promise, I’ll put it on your finger myself!“[]
He took off so fast, he didn’t even realize-
The look in my eyes wasn’t one of waiting. It was a goodbye.[]
When Vance hit the main road, he got stuck behind a line of luxury cars. “Who else is getting married today?” he grumbled. “This is a damn wealth flex.“[]
The driver answered, dumbfounded: “The Clark family heir. After ten years, he’s marrying a farm girl!“]
Vance stared out at the endless convoy of limos, absentmindedly touching the wedding ring in his suit pocket. The Clarks used this kinda luxury to marry a farm girl? The rumors about New York’s most notorious troublemaker must not be exaggerated.
He started to smile, but the expression stiffened. Wasn’t he also marrying a humble farm girl?]
“Mir. Vance, we’re blocked up ahead,” the driver said, yanking him back to reality.
His phone vibrated with texts from Faye, each more desperate than the last:
[Vance, if you don’t come, I’m jumping.]]
[The water’s so cold, I’m scared.]]
[If I die here, don’t blame yourself. I won’t hold it against you.]]]
Vance irritably loosened his tie, suddenly realizing I’d never pull this shit. Farm girls–stubborn, but always radiating that reassuring grit.
“Take a detour!” Vance barked, smacking the seat. “Step on it!“[]
Outside the window, a husband helped his pregnant wife trudge along. The pain on her face made Vance’s heart race. It hit him how rough the final months of pregnancy are for a woman. I’d worn a wedding dress while running around with him like this.
Worse, he realized he’d never been to a single prenatal appointment with me. It wasn’t that he was too busy–every time Faye found out, she’d throw a fit and cry. So it was easier to let me go alone.
Thinking about that, Vance felt a dull ache in his chest. He made up his mind: after saving Faye, he’d rush back and have the wedding with me. Maybe start planning the honeymoon too–0
Vance pictured taking me to Antarctica to see penguins after the baby was born. ‘Cause I loved animals, Thinking about it, he smiled softly.]
But when Vance finally reached the riverbank, his good mood vanished in a heartbeat.[]
- 4.
