Chapter 5
440words
He hired someone... to rape me... all because of a bet with Lynn Miller.
I remembered his bright eyes that night.
Those eyes, brighter than stars—my savior from heaven—it was all a lie.
So all along... all this time...
For five years, I've been the only fool in this relationship.
I covered my face, swept all the food onto the floor, and called Leo Growthn.
"Come get me. Let's get married tomorrow."
Leo Growthn paused. "You don't want to confront Evan Growth first?"
"There's nothing to explain," I said coldly.
..
"Have you said enough?"
Evan Growth yanked his arm from Lynn Miller's grasp.
"You've crossed the fucking line."
Lynn Miller's face darkened with rage.
"Evan Growth! How dare you speak to me like that!"
Evan Growth ignored her, grabbed his coat, and stormed out.
"Cecilia is waiting for me at home. You all can stay or go—I don't give a damn."
His expression was so dark that no one dared say a word.
Without another glance at anyone, Evan Growth headed straight home.
It was nearly dawn when he arrived.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Evan Growth called into the empty living room.
"You made all these dishes?"
"Right—today's our fifth anniversary."
Evan Growth removed his watch, spraying disinfectant where Lynn Miller had touched him, oblivious to the silence.
Finally, he sensed something was wrong.
"Cecilia?"
Evan Growth searched the entire house, his germaphobia forgotten as he tracked dirt through their home.
"Cecilia!"
"Mr. Growth, we've checked all security footage. Your wife left before you returned. Her current whereabouts are unknown."
"Find her! She didn't take anything—not even her wallet. How far could she have gone? You useless idiots, find her now!"
Evan Growth had never felt such panic before.
He didn't even notice the mud staining his pant legs.
His phone rang.
"Mr. Growth," his assistant said.
"Have you found her?" Evan Growth shouted.
After a brief silence: "Your brother is getting married tomorrow. He sent you an invitation."
"Married?" Evan Growth froze, then exploded. "What the hell does that have to do with anything? Keep searching! If you can't find my wife, you're all fired!"
"Sir, I think you should look at the invitation."
Evan Growth hesitated, dread building in his chest.
As he opened the message, the feeling intensified.
When he finally saw the invitation, his blood ran cold.
Two names were elegantly printed on the card.
Groom: Leo Growthn
Bride: Cecilia Jones
United in marriage, bound by love and trust
Together until our hair turns white, devoted to each other alone
