On the day of the wedding, William had rented out an entire private island, inviting all of the elite families, high-ranking officials, and influential figures of Astoria City.

The ceremony would be broadcast live on television from start to finish.

Just as he had promised, the wedding was lavish and grand.

…

Meanwhile, I was at home, packing the last of my things.

After five years with William, I owned so little that everything I had fit neatly into a single suitcase.

Before I left, he called me. "Honey, are you ready? The driver should be there soon. I can't wait."

I couldn't wait either. I couldn't wait to leave this city and disappear from his life forever.

To avoid the people William had sent, I slipped out through the back gate of my neighborhood. No one noticed me, and I easily made it into a car headed for the airport.

Right before takeoff, I sent William the photo of the marriage certificate the wedding guest had found online that day.

Then, I deleted and blocked every possible way for him or Caroline to reach me, and boarded the flight to another city.

...

At the wedding venue, William stood in a custom-tailored suit, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Under the gaze of the guests, the host raised the microphone and announced loudly, "Now, let us welcome the bride!"

No one appeared at the entrance.

William's smile froze on his face.

Just then, the driver he had sent for me came rushing in. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, but Ms. Harper seems to have disappeared. We only found this."

He handed over a document.

William took it, and his eyes widened the moment he saw what it was.

It was a report for an abortion procedure.

My name and the operation time were printed clearly on the front. On the back, there was only one sentence.

"William, this is goodbye forever."