Chapter 5
I stood at the airport, watching planes soar overhead. The roaring engines made it difficult to hear clearly.
That day when Liam brought Brianna to our home, I was genuinely furious.
But I never considered dying.]
Liam wasn’t worth dying for, and as for Brianna, I wanted to see her face justice properly.
I simply hired movers to pack all my belongings, preparing to leave.]
During the packing, Ryder happened to show up. He couldn’t reach Liam by phone, so he’d come to drop off an urgent document.[]
Seeing me orchestrating such a dramatic departure, he didn’t try to talk me out of it. He just went out and bought two bottles of whiskey.
“Want to talk about it?“]
Over the years with Liam, my social circle had gradually shrunk until I had no close friends of my own.[]
Though Ryder was Liam’s childhood buddy, he was known for his integrity and loyalty. He could keep a secret better than anyone. And I needed someone to confide in, so I opened up to him.
“Actually, I know everything. I heard everything you guys said.“]]
“Ryder, I can’t be a mother anymore, right?“]]
Ryder froze, then gave me a bitter smile. He just drank silently as I poured out my heart.
When I finally told him I was truly leaving Liam, he smashed his bottle.]
Tm in, Macy. I’ll help you.“]
He worked with incredible efficiency, quickly finding a charred body in a city morgue that matched my build. Then he negotiated with the deceased’s relatives to borrow the body.
From planning to me handing over my bracelet to him, it took less than an hour.
“Ryder, it’s hard to believe you didn’t plan this in advance.“]
I laughed as I handed him the bracelet.
He laughed too.
“When you’re settled, give me a call“]
Tll visit when I can, without Liam knowing. We’ll have another drink together.”
Six months later, Ryder kept his promise and visited.
“You used to be the queen of the city, living large. Doesn’t it drive you crazy living in this tiny town?”
He teased me while eyeing the flowers in my shop.
“How about I buy out all your flowers today so you can close early?“]
I studed. “Il pass, Mr. Holt.”
“If you like, I can give you one for free.”
Ryder waved his hand dismissively
“No thanks. I’m allergic to pollen.
After helping fake your death, I’d hate to actually die from a flower.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“How have these six months been?” Ryder asked.
I looked contentedly at my flowers
“Money’s tight, but business is picking up.”
“Just yesterday I secured a long–term contract with a third hotel to supply flowers for their weddings.”
Clature
Ryder’s eyes lit up. “Impressive! Only six months and you’ve landed such significant business.”
“It’s just a small town without many opportunities. It’s enough to live on with a little left over. That’s all I need.“]
As we were enjoying our conversation, an electric scooter stopped outside the door.
“Macy, I’m back!”
“There’s a freaking Maybach parked outside–with the hood ornament and everything. So sick!“]
The man who entered had a clean–cut face and simple clothes. He was chattering excitedly until he spotted Ryder, immediately sizing him up with suspicion.[]
“Who’s this?” He asked, confusion mixed with clear hostility.[]
Ryder looked him up and down.]
“He called you Macy?“]
His smile turned suggestive. “Care to explain, Ms. Quinn?”
