Chapter 2
The plane cruised through the clouds.
I chose a window seat. Watching the clouds outside, I felt a calm I'd never experienced before.
Despite the flight lasting more than ten hours, I didn't feel the slightest bit sleepy.
The flight attendant brought over a meal, but I had no appetite. I only drank a glass of water.
My mind wandered off.
*****
I thought back to the first time I met Jonathan. It was five years ago.
He was a legend at our university. After graduation, he launched his company and quickly became a rising star.
Back then, he radiated charisma, standing on stage with a spark in his eyes.
I chased after him first.
Victoria teased me that I'd do anything for him.
She was sure a golden boy like Jonathan would never even notice someone as ordinary as me.
It took me an entire year to finally win him over.
During the years we were together, he treated me well, or so it seemed.
He always remembered my birthday and our anniversaries. He would bring me gifts I loved and take me to every important event by his side.
Everyone envied me, believing I'd been with the best man in the world.
For a while, I really thought I was the happiest woman.
It was kind of ridiculous when I thought about it now.
Maybe his kindness was a habit, something he did to keep up his persona as a perfect man.
Or maybe, right from the start, I was a practical choice, someone easy to marry, who wouldn't give him trouble.
That was before he met Victoria, the true love he was willing to throw everything away for, no matter what it cost him.
*****
When the plane touched down, it was early morning.
The sunlight was warm, not too bright.
I turned on my phone, and dozens of missed calls and over a hundred messages flooded in. Most were from Jonathan, with a few from my parents and Victoria.
I ignored them all. I blocked Jonathan and Victoria's numbers without a second thought.
Then I texted my best friend, Margaret Somerset. [Has it been delivered?]
Margaret replied in a flash: [Relax, babe. I handed it off to my friend at the wedding company yesterday. Trust me. When the time is right, those two cheating bastards are in for a huge surprise.]
I smiled and replied: [Thanks.]
Margaret: [Come on, don't be so formal. Where are you now? Are you safe?]
I: [Just landed, all good. Let my parents know I'm out here to clear my head. I'll get in touch with them soon.]
Margaret: [Alright, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on the show back home for you.]
I put my phone away, called a ride, and went straight to the hotel I'd booked.
After soaking in a hot bath, I felt a level of relaxation I'd never felt before. It was as if every bit of fatigue from the last five years vanished in an instant.
*****
Meanwhile, the grand wedding Jonathan had planned back home was probably about to begin.
The five-star beachfront hotel's lawn was trimmed to perfection.
The white rose archway looked dreamy and romantic.
Guests arrived one after another, and the local big shots showed up in droves.
The marriage between the Prescott and Whitmore families was nothing short of a grand affair.
Jonathan stood waiting at the far end of the red carpet, dressed in an immaculate white suit.
Tall and striking, he wore that perfectly practiced smile as guests lined up to offer their congratulations.
But his smile was a bit too stiff.
He kept checking his phone, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.
He hadn't gotten through to me all morning.
I hadn't answered calls or replied to messages.
A sense of dread started to creep up on him.
Jonathan tried to reassure himself that I loved him to the core.
He told himself that I couldn't imagine life without him.
In his opinion, the way he threatened me last night must have really shaken me.
He was sure that I was curled up somewhere, crying my heart out right now.
As long as the whole wedding went smoothly, he could coax me a bit, make it up to me with some gifts, and everything would blow over.
Victoria waited in the dressing room, wearing the gown I chose for myself.
The makeup artist was adding the final touches to her look.
Reflected in the mirror, she looked like a stunning princess.
But her heart was in turmoil.
Victoria kept texting Jonathan nonstop.
Victoria: [Jonathan, I'm really scared. What if something actually happened to Eleanor?]
Victoria: [Do you think she'll show up and make a scene?]
Jonathan only sent her one line back. [Calm down, just wait. You're the most beautiful bride today.]
The wedding march echoed through the hall.
The host kicked things off with an energetic announcement. "Now, let's welcome our stunning bride with the loudest applause."
Every spotlight zeroed in on the big white doors, still shut tight.
Everyone stretched their necks, eyes glued to the entrance, anticipation buzzing in the air.
Jonathan slipped back into his flawless smile.
The massive white double doors slowly swung open.