Trembling, I clicked on the links. Video interviews, news clips and even the footage of his wedding played on the screen. My hands were cold as ice as I watched the hour-long wedding video, again and again, trying to make sense of it.
The bride was stunning. She had the grace and poise of someone raised in wealth and privilege—a perfect match for Cayden. As they stood together, exchanging vows, they looked like a picture-perfect couple.
I froze the video on her face, my chest tightening as a nagging sense of familiarity crept in. I knew her. My hands moved on their own, typing another name into the search bar: [Nathan Grant.]
It didn't take long to confirm my suspicions. The woman Cayden had married was Nathan's daughter—the very same Nathan who'd played a part in sending me to prison.
My stomach twisted painfully. My breathing became shallow, the walls of the room closing in on me.
I grabbed my phone and dialed Cayden's number with shaking hands. This time, the call connected.
"Hello?"
Six years hadn't dulled the familiarity of his voice. It cut through me like a blade, sharp and unforgiving.
I struggled to keep my voice steady, but emotion clogged my throat. For a moment, I stayed silent. On the other end, he said nothing either, as if waiting.
"Is this... Aubrey?" he finally asked, his tone cautious.
"You got married to Nathan's daughter?" The words spilled out, bitter and cold.
Silence. My grip tightened on the phone. I could hear faint laughter in the background—cheerful voices and the sound of someone calling Cayden's name. It was a woman's voice.
Then, the sound of a door closing, followed by the faint howl of the wind. He must have stepped outside.
"Aubrey," he said, his voice soft, almost pleading, "I've been so busy these days. Will you give me a chance to explain?"
He didn't deny it. The truth hung between us, heavy and suffocating.
My throat tightened as I ended the call without another word.
***
I walked back to the bedroom, my chest tight with a mix of anger and sorrow. The villa, with its pristine luxury, suddenly felt suffocating. I pushed open the window, letting the cool evening air wash over me, but it didn't help.
My eyes drifted to the bed, where the pair of teddy bears sat side by side. One in a suit, the other in a wedding dress.
Was this house their honeymoon villa?