eir mouths falling open in utter

whispered, their voices lo

, his face frozen, a mixture of pain, shock, and humiliation washing over him all at once. His family, still st

yla, this

e a smile hidden behind the perfect mask of an abandoned bride. Victoria's half-smirk told Layla e

urch doors like a shadow.. quiet, subtle, unnoticed. Just like that, she vanished from the scene, giv

quick to a full sprint. She half expected someone to shout or call for security,

ad been waiting at the curb all along. Behind the wheel sat Oliver, Victoria's secret boyfriend, engine running and r

that came into view. As the cab pulled up, she jumped inside and gave the

t," she urged, her voi

plied, stepping harder on t

long dark hair tumble down over her shoulders. She dug into her small bag and pulled out a thin jacket and a worn baseba

aned back into the seat, her heart still raci

r Doe River. The water glimmered in the afternoon sun, peaceful a

d over to him. The moment Layla arrived, Victoria rushed into he

to press a bundle of cash into Layla's hand. "Here - I'm giving you $45,000 instea

and relief washing over her. The extra cash was the icing on the cake, and deep

gave him a soft kiss on the lips. They held each other for a mom

can't believe you actually slapped Julian!" Victoria half-laughed, half-scolded, shaki

a. "I mean, hitting someone inside

es, a small smile t

e replied dryly. "And this wasn't help, it was b

," Victoria chuckled, shaking her

. "Let's go, babe. We need to get moving

one last time, her expression shi

cially Julian Bennett himself. They were serious about this wedding

d dismissively, her

le point of the wig and the

ugh the worry still

No point wasting all this money and effort if yo

turned to leave, Layla

. and

ced back over

ver. Might stop your father from breaking you two u

head, and waved back at her

drove off, the future wi

finally dropped her off near her neighborhood, she felt lighter, free. She treated herself to a

finally pay for her father's bail. Finally start fresh, just like they'

er apartment, her steps

ding. Its dark windows and engine idlin

at's going on?" she whi

e van's door swung open.

t skippe

they fin