Chapter 7
Dad adjusted his reading glasses, frowning deeply.
“Reported? On what grounds? Were they taken down? This is ridiculous! I’m calling the social media support team right now.”
uddenly remembering something, I rushed to stop him. “Don’t bother! It’s probably just trolls being trolls. Or maybe people thought it was too showy. Really, it’s fine if they get
taken down.”
I picked up Mom’s phone to check. Just as I suspected, the reports came from Nathan’s social media accounts. Right then, my phone rang. To avoid worrying my parents, I kept my expression neutral as I retreated to my old bedroom to answer.
“What were you doing at that bridal shop, Ellie? Who said you could try on wedding dresses? Who were you with?” Nathan fired questions in rapid succession.
–
“I told you to come home why aren’t you listening? I’ve been waiting for hours. Don’t push me on this!”
you become I took a deep breath to steady myself before replying. “Nathan, since when did so controlling? I’m a grown woman, and I can do whatever I want! I already told you we’re done. Why can’t you understand such simple words?”
Rolling my eyes, I added, “What business is it of yours if I try on wedding dresses? Keep harassing me, and I’ll file for a restraining order!”
“And that place was never my home – it was always yours!”
Before he could respond, I ended the call and blocked this new number too.
Lying in my childhood bedroom, now carefully prepared for my return by my parents, T tossed and turned sleeplessly. Around four in the morning, Aunt Marie texted.
[Nathan showed up
at my place. What did you say to him? He’s acting strange- demanding to know where you are. He won’t leave my doorstep.]
kept
Chapter
Rubbing my tired eyes, I replied, [I made things clear with him. He’s probably just shocked that someone who used to chase after him suddenly disappeared. His ego can’t handle it. You didn’t tell him where I am, did you?]
“Do you think I’m that naive? Of course not! I’m at the airport now, looking forward to seeing my niece walk down the aisle! But why are you up so early before your wedding?
Can’t sleep?”
I didn’t respond, turning off my phone as tears began rolling down my cheeks, blurring my
sion.
With barely an hour left until dawn, I finally drifted into a restless sleep. Even in my dreams, I felt unsettled, with Nathan’s voice echoing in my ears.
“You can’t leave; you can’t walk away from me! I won’t allow it!”
“Who gave you permission to get married? You’re supposed to be with me! I know I messed up before, but please give me another chance. Ellie, please forgive me.”
I was sobbing uncontrollably until Mom’s voice pulled me from the nightmare.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart? What were you dreaming
4 h are you crying like this?
Are you having second thoughts about the wedding?” she asked anxiously.
“If you don’t want to go through with it, just say so. I’ll talk to everyone; don’t worry about a
thing.
I quickly grabbed her hand. “No, I want to get married. It was just a bad dream. I’m fine.”
After washing up, I was about to start my hair and makeup when my phone buzzed. The caller ID showed Sophia. She was probably calling to gloat. After all, she’d won, while I was running away.
I declined the call without a second thought. But she immediately sent several messages.
[Ellie, I’m so sorry. Everything is my fault. Please forgive me. Can you talk to Nathan and ask him not to fire me?]
[I have student loans and my parents‘ medical bills to pay – I can’t lose this job! The deposi on my apartment wiped out my savings. I’m barely hanging on!]
Chapter 7
[I admit I had a crush on Nathan before, but nothing ever happened between us. I swear on my life! Since you left, he’s completely frozen me out won’t take my calls, removed me from all communication channels. I have no choice but to beg you! Everyone says you’re the only one he really listens to…]
