Chapter 5

I gathered up my heavy train and slowly made my way to the bridal suite.

I could have left right then.

But if I was going to run, I had to take my makeup artist with me. I was the one paying her, after all.

When I finally pushed the door open, the scene inside shocked me.

The celebrity makeup artist I had booked two years in advance was currently being scolded by Carter like a child. She looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"Perfect timing," Carter said, dumping a pile of cosmetics onto the vanity.

"Hailey said you gave the artist a different contract. You used the premium, high-end products for yourself and left her with cheap, knockoff brands."

I stared at them, speechless. What kind of drama was this now?

Hailey wiped her eyes, fake-apologizing. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean to steal your spotlight. I'll just go wash my face. I can go bare-faced for the wedding, really!"

I scoffed.

"I never told the artist to do that, and I would never do something so petty."

But Carter didn't believe me. He thought I was just acting out.

"Chloe, this reverse psychology is getting pathetic. Do you really think playing hard to get is going to make me beg for your forgiveness?"

I shook my head.

"I don't need you to beg."

"What is up with your attitude? Just because I got Hailey some treats, you do this? You made her cry! You need to apologize to her right now."

"Why should I apologize for something I didn't do?"

Frustrated, Carter gripped my shoulders. His grip was so tight it bruised.

"Chloe, I don't have time for your games. The ceremony starts in thirty minutes. Apologize now, or I'm calling off this wedding."

I smiled.

For the first time today, a real smile spread across my face.

Carter still thought he could threaten me. He had no idea I didn't care anymore.

"Okay."

My nonchalant response pissed him off even more. He was about to yell when Hailey quickly stopped him.

"Carter, please don't. It's your wedding day."

"It's all my fault. Go downstairs and greet the guests. I'll handle things here."

Carter hesitated, then nodded.

Before leaving, he gave me one last disappointed look. "Why can't you be more mature like Hailey?"

As soon as the door closed, I turned to my makeup artist and whispered a few words.

She immediately started packing up her kit.

Hailey, thinking we were just moving to another room, waved her hand dismissively.

"Whatever, I don't care. Let her get her makeup done first."

The makeup artist just rolled her eyes at Hailey's delusion.

Thirty minutes later, the grand ballroom was filled with music and laughter.

The officiant gave a beautiful opening speech, then looked toward the grand entrance with excitement.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, please stand for our beautiful bride!"

"Three..."

Under the spotlight, Carter nervously adjusted his bow tie.

"Two..."

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he probably pictured our future together.

"One..."

The heavy doors swung open.

But there was no one there.

The officiant gasped, looking at Carter's back, and whispered, "Where... where is the bride?"

Carter spun around.

The hallway was completely empty.

In that moment, sheer panic set in.