Elliot's voice was thick with irritation. "From now on, stay invisible when Tessa’s around."
"If you dare mess with her again, we’re done."
I replied, "Okay."
Without hesitation, I hung up, grabbed my bag and booked a flight.
A museum had been inviting me to consult on an art project for months.
But I had turned it down each time because of Elliot.
Now, it was time to stop letting him control my life and start living for myself.
Two days later, I stood in the bustling terminal of the international airport, dragging my suitcase behind me like a heavy weight that mirrored my heart.
After boarding the plane, my phone buzzed with a message from Elliot.
[I only have two hours today.]
[After the wedding, I need to be with Tessa.]
[I won’t be coming home for now. We’ll talk when her condition stabilizes.]
[Just change into something and come straight to the wedding. Forget about the bridal pickup; I don’t have time for that.]
I froze for a moment, the reality hitting me like a thunderclap. Today was supposed to be our wedding day.
It was clear now: Elliot was utterly consumed by Tessa. If he cared about me, he would have noticed the note I’d left behind or at least tried to reach out.
I pulled out my phone to reply, but the plane had already started taxiing, forcing me to switch it off.
I closed my eyes and let out a breath.
Forget it. He never truly cared about this wedding, about me.
My absence would only lighten his heart.
***
In the hotel banquet hall, Elliot sat, his impatience mounting with each passing second.
He had only two hours.
Yet that damn Leah was nowhere to be found.
Tessa had tossed and turned the night before, barely managing to sleep at dawn. He had just coaxed her into slumber when he’d slipped away.
As he left, he stole one last glance at her curled-up form on the bed. Guilt washed over him and his chest tightened.
He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Tessa. Sneaking off to marry another woman while she slept, he was betraying her, wasn’t he?
Should he cancel the wedding?
A part of him didn’t want to.
Eyes closed, he sat there, lost in thought. Why hadn’t he broken up with Leah yet?
Was it because she was too pitiful to leave behind? Or was it something more?
Had he actually developed feelings for her after all this time?
The emcee approached, leaning in to whisper, “Mr. Amberson, the auspicious hour is near. Have you heard from Leah?”