I hadn’t expected to cross paths with him on my way out. Thankfully, the car window was only rolled down slightly. I quickly
raised it.
The name “Logan” kept flashing on the screen. I didn’t answer. Instead, I cracked the window open just enough and tossed the phone outside.
After all, once I entered the research institute, I wouldn’t be allowed to keep any personal devices.”
At the airport, I met up with my colleagues. Together, we boarded the plane that would take us to the institute–and toward the life I had chosen.”
On the other hand, Logan stared at the unanswered call on his phone, forcing himself to stay calm 8
It was too early in the day–surely she was just still asleep. The pair of eyes he had glimpsed earlier must have belonged to someone who merely resembled her.
Beside him, Angela caught the flicker of unease in his expression, and jealousy flashed in her eyes.
Today was their wedding day, yet his heart was still elsewhere still with Arissa!
But then she remembered the text message she had received that morning, and satisfaction instantly smoothed her features.
So Arissa really had left. How considerate of her. Soon enough, she would be the rightful Mrs. Miranda.
Halfway through the ceremony, a call came in from one of the villa’s servants.
Unbidden, the image of those familiar eyes returned to Logan’s mind. He instinctively reached for his phone.
But how could Angela possibly allow him to be distracted during their wedding?
She caught his hand and looked up at him with fragile innocence.
“Logan, the wedding isn’t over yet. Don’t you think our baby also wants to see his mommy and daddy finish the ceremony together?”
At the mention of the child, his hand faltered and then slowly withdrew.
Only after the ceremony ended did he return the call.
The servant’s panicked voice burst through the line.
“Sir, it’s terrible–madam is gone!*!!
Logan’s brows knitted together. He snapped back almost instinctively.B
“What do you mean gone? She probably just stepped out. Don’t jump to conclusions!”
On the other end, the servant was nearly in tears.
“Two days ago, madam told us all to take some time off. We only came back this morning. But when we returned, every single photo of you and madam was gone, all her clothes were gone everything. And we can’t reach her on the phone!”
Logan’s face was drained of color. He strode quickly toward the door.
“Keep looking for her. I’m coming back right now!
Angela, still posing for photos with the photographer, rushed to block him.
“Logan, we haven’t taken the wedding pictures yet–where are you going?”
But panic had already consumed him. He couldn’t care less about her grievances.
“Pictures? Forget the pictures! Don’t get in my way. The servants said Arissa is missing–I have to find her!”
Joy bloomed inside Angela, though she struggled to keep the corners of her mouth from curling upward.
So the message she had sent that morning was true. She really had left.”
Angela forced on an expression of worry and spoke softly, pretending to be considerate. “Then finding her is the most important thing. Go quickly, Logan.”
Though she said the right words, deep down she wished for nothing more than for him to never find Arissa again.
Logan hesitated. He hadn’t expected her to be so understanding. Guilt tugged faintly at his features.
“Take good care of the baby. Once I find Arissa, I’ll take you on a trip to Europe.”
After saying that, he left in haste
On the road, he dialed that all–too–familiar number over and over again, only to be met each time with the same cold, mechanical voice.
“Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”
After more than a dozen attempts, he finally gave up. Slamming his foot on the accelerator, he sped down the road like an arrow loose from the bow.
When he finally returned to the villa, his heart sank even further.
It was emptier than the servants had described.
Even in the bathroom, only his own toothbrush and cup remained.”
A suffocating dread pressed down on him.
She had taken away everything connected to her. What did this mean? Did Arissa truly intend to leave him?
The servants stood trembling in front of him. Finally, one of the bolder ones stepped forward, speaking in a low, cautious voice.”
