Chapter 3
Even though Eric Jimenez now feels like a stranger to me, the times we shared were undeniably real. Before leaving, I wanted to say a proper goodbye. But that evening, I waited for him in the restaurant for four hours, and he never showed. As the staff began closing up, I decided to call him.
The phone connected, and all I could hear was a chaotic blur of noise.
"Today’s the big bash for our buddy Eric! Eric, got any words for the bride-to-be?"
"Absolutely! Kathryn, I love you!"
"And Savanna? I've been fed up with her for a while now! If it wasn’t for my dad threatening to cut my funds unless I treated her right, I wouldn’t have bothered."
"She's just the family pet we keep around. Throw her a treat when I’m happy; kick her out when I’m not."
"Do I really care about her? Would anyone truly care for a family pet?"
"She's dull in bed. Anyone else can have her; I'm done."
I don't remember how I got out of the restaurant. I didn’t even notice when the heavens opened and the rain started pouring down. To think that, in Eric's eyes, I was so worthless. The past decade of memories felt like a cruel joke now.
Tears mixed with the rain as they hit the pavement. I felt lost, unsure of where to go.
It was then that Elliot called.
"Savanna, I’m in New York. Want to meet up earlier than planned?"
I was silent, lost for words. But he sensed something was wrong.
"Are you crying?"
I wanted to deny it, but when I opened my mouth, small, muffled sobs came out.
"Where are you? I’m coming to get you. And this time, you don’t get to say no."
This time, I didn’t want to say no.
Half an hour later, Elliot stood before me, his warm embrace chasing away the cold.
"Savanna, don’t be afraid. I’m taking you home."
...
The next morning, as the makeup artist arrived, Eric finally woke from his hangover. Rubbing his aching temples, he felt like he was forgetting something. It clicked when he saw the missed call from me on his phone.
Suddenly, he remembered our plan to meet the previous night. He considered returning the call but decided against it when he saw the time. I’d probably still be asleep. He’d sort it out after the wedding.
With that thought, he relaxed and let the makeup artist continue.
Everything was smooth sailing as preparations for the wedding progressed. But just as the convoy reached the hotel, he got a message from a friend with a news snapshot.
"Eric, isn’t the woman in this photo your fiancée? How is she Elliot Wright’s fiancée now? Did you guys really break up?"
The photo was blurry, but Eric instantly recognized the woman in the man's embrace. It was unmistakably Savanna.
And the headline read:
"CEO of Wright Enterprises jets abroad with fiancée, wedding rumors swirl!"