Chapter 3

Julian's frown deepened.

"Nora, can you stop throwing out that line every time you're mad?"

Chloe grabbed his cuff. "Ten minutes, that's all. I promise I'll explain everything to the guests afterward."

Julian was quiet for a few seconds, then straightened the veil she'd knocked askew.

"There won't be a next time."

Mom immediately steered her over to the mirror and called someone in to fix her makeup. Dad headed out to tell the guests there was one last part to the prank.

The planner looked at me. "How would you like me to handle this?"

"I already told you. I don't agree to it."

Julian turned around. "I'll talk to her. I'll deal with everyone outside."

I picked up my purse and headed for the door. He caught up and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"Nora, I'm sorry."

I tried to shrug him off. He only held tighter.

In the past, every time my parents took Chloe out and forgot about me, he'd be the one who showed up. When Chloe took something I'd spent weeks on, he'd sit with me until I stopped feeling awful.

I used to lean into this hug.

"Did you actually hear what I just said?" I asked.

"I did. But everyone's waiting right now."

"Then go. Don't keep her waiting."

"Don't be like that." He bent down to kiss my cheek. I turned my face away.

He paused, then adjusted the jacket on my shoulders.

"Go home, take a shower, put on something comfortable. I ironed that white dress you love. It's hanging in the closet."

I looked at him and didn't say anything.

"I'll see you at the airport," he said softly. "Just the two of us on the honeymoon, okay?"

In the lounge, Mom was gushing over how beautiful Chloe looked.

I pushed Julian away and walked out of the hotel.

Back home, I scrubbed for a long time. My skin was still tinged pink.

The white dress was hanging in the closet. I changed into it and dragged the suitcase I'd packed weeks ago out to the airport.

An email popped up on my phone.

The Antarctic marine research project I'd applied to had cleared final review. They needed my confirmation within seventy-two hours. Departure in six weeks.

I studied marine microorganisms at the university lab. I'd spent half a year on this application. When Julian found out, he told me to focus on the wedding first.

"Six months without seeing you? Nora, we're supposed to be trying for a baby."

I'd never told him I hadn't withdrawn the application.

Looks like that was the right call.

The boarding announcement came over the speakers. I put my phone away and called him.

No answer.

I texted him asking where he was. No reply. By the time final boarding closed, his phone was off.

Mom and Dad didn't pick up. Chloe's phone was off too.

I rushed back to the hotel. The ballroom was being broken down. Staff told me the four of them had left ages ago.

Nobody at my place. Nobody at my parents' place either.

I called a few relatives and friends. None of them knew anything. I spent the whole night refreshing my phone, calling hospitals, and when the sun came up I went to every place they might have gone.

It wasn't until the following evening that Julian finally called.

I picked up right away. "Where are you? What happened? I couldn't reach any of you—"

"You seriously spent the whole night looking for us?"

He was laughing.

Then Chloe's voice came through.

"I won! I told you she'd keep searching!"