Chapter 2

The next morning.

I threw the pistachio macarons into the trash chute downstairs.

When I returned to the living room, Ethan was tying his tie.

"I saw the guest list you put together. For the head table, let's move your Uncle Robert to one of the side tables."

"Why?"

Uncle Robert had raised me. He was the closest family I had in the world.

"Isla's parents just came to town yesterday."

"They traveled a long way for our wedding. We can't put them at a side table."

"Your uncle lives locally anyway. It doesn't matter where he sits. Family shouldn't care about these formalities."

"This is my wedding. My uncle is sitting at the head table."

Ethan looked at me, clearly annoyed.

"Chloe, why are you being so stubborn again? Isla's parents loaned me money for college back then. They helped me when I had nothing."

"Now they're here for our big day, and you're throwing a fit over a seat?"

"You're usually so generous. Why do you get so petty whenever it involves Isla?"

I almost laughed at his twisted logic.

"Fine."

"They can have the head table."

Ethan blinked, surprised by how quickly I gave in. He stepped forward and hugged me.

"That's my good girl."

"I'll head to the office now. Take care of the catering details. I'll take you out for dinner tonight."

As soon as the door closed, I called Uncle Robert.

"Hey, Chloe. Why are you calling so early?"

"Uncle Robert, for the wedding next week... we might have a different groom."

"I'll come over tonight to explain everything."

I started packing my things in the apartment Ethan had bought.

I took the blooming orchid I had nurtured on the balcony for three years and threw it straight into a heavy-duty trash bag.

Since I was leaving, I wouldn't leave a single trace of myself behind.