Chapter 11
Ten minutes till the wedding ceremony.]]
Ethan had searched the entire venue and still couldn’t find the Collins family anywhere.]]
His gut told him they weren’t coming to the wedding at all.[]
The moment that thought hit him, his already anxious heart started racing like crazy.[]
A wave of frustration and panic washed over him.[]
He pulled out his phone, frantically scrolling through his contacts and messages with a stressed expression.[]
Minutes later, his best man told him it was time to take position.
Finally making up his mind, Ethan called Avery’s dad while rushing to his spot.
A minute later, he heard a cheerful greeting.
“Ethan! Aren’t you supposed to be getting married right now? What’s up?”
Hearing the sound of waves in the background, Ethan’s heart sank. He forced a smile into his voice.
“Yeah… Unc Collins, that’s actually why I’m calling. Aren’t you coming?”
“Sorry Ethan. We’re on vacation. Can’t make your wedding. Congrats to you and Sophia though! Wish you guys all the best.”
Though they were well–wishes, the words tasted bitter to Ethan.
He checked his watch and said something that surprised even himself.
“It’s cool. You’re at the beach, right? You could drive back now and still make it.‘
There was a long silence before Mr. Collins responded, sounding confused.
“Ethan… we’re in Barcelona. Didn’t your parents tell you-”
The word “Barcelona” hit Ethan like a truck.
Spain?
What the hell were the Collins doing in Spain?
What were his parents supposed to tell him?]
A flood of questions completely took over his mind.[]
“0
He forgot all about the wedding, rushed back to find his parents, and grabbed them with unprecedented urgency.
“Mom! Dad! Unc Collins says they’re in Spain! Didn’t you tell them I’m getting married today?”
His parents exchanged bewildered looks.
“The Collins family moved to Spain a month ago. You didn’t know? We thought Avery told you!”
The word “moved” exploded in Ethan’s brain.]
The Collins family had emigrated!]
A month ago!
His parents had no idea what was happening, but seeing him freeze up, they pushed him toward the ceremony han
The wedding’s starting! Stop spacing out! Nothing is more important than your wedding right now. We’ll talk about this later.” Ethan’s face drained of color. He couldn’t process anything they were saying.[]
He raised the phone to his ear in a daze, hearing Une Collins still saying “Hello? Hello?”
Grasping at one last hope, he asked. “Is Avery there? Can I talk to her? It’s important.”
After some shuffling sounds, Ethan heard Avery’s ice–cold voice
“Make it quick. I’m busy ”
Chapter 11
Just then, the wedding officiant’s voice came through the doors.]
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the groom!“[]
Ethan ignored it completely.[]
His world narrowed down to just the voice on the phone.]]
“Im getting married today…” His voice cracked slightly.[]
“Congratulations. Anything else?” She sounded bored.[]
Her frosty tone sparked his anger. He raised his voice.
“Did you fucking hear me? I said I’m getting married!!“[]
The announcer called for him again. His parents were urging him to go.
Ethan didn’t budge, listening to Avery’s bitter laugh.]
“And how is that my problem? Ethan, from now on, let’s be complete strangers. Don’t ever contact me again.”
