lapter 8
the days Fabian was away, Angelina found it much easier to act.
e cleared out everything in the house that belonged to her.
beknownst to anyone, she had purchased a small apartment in Boston, a temporary place to ore her belongings.
memories of her life with Fabian slowly disappeared from the home.
e night before the wedding, Fabian unexpectedly came home, holding a photo that looked miliar.
agelina was in the middle of packing the last of her things when he walked in.
boking at the house, now much emptier, Fabian almost thought he had entered the wrong
ace.
at when he saw Angelina in the living room, her face smudged with dust like a little kitten, ⚫ felt a surprising wave of relief.
Why did you make such a mess of yourself? And why is there so much less stuff in the house?
ngelina hadn’t expected him to return so suddenly She froze for a moment at his question. at quickly regained her composure.
ver the past few days, she had honed her skill of lying without a trace.
I just cleared out some clutter. After the wedding, we can get some new things,” she said. isually.
ibian misunderstood her meaning, but Angelina didn’t bother correcting him.
niling warmly, he pulled her to sit beside him and handed her the photo he was holding.
had our first picture together restored. Look–it’s just like it was before.”
igelina took the newly restored photo from him.
ider a blooming pear tree, she smiled at the camera while Fabian gazed at her in profile.
was the first official photo they had taken after she agreed to be with him.
it long ago, this photo had been shredded by Natalie’s dog, which Fabian kept at his office.
ace the original was lost, even reprinting it had been impossible.
gelina hadn’t heard about this from Fabian but rather from Natalie, who had boasted about
favoritism toward her.
Now, Fabian had gone to the trouble of having the photo restored.
But while photos could be repaired, their relationship could never return to what it
t once was.
In a flat voice, Angelina said, “I suddenly feel like eating your homemade noodles. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”
She remembered how, after being rescued, she had devoured two bowls of noodles in one. sitting, having endured days of hunger..
Fabian had spent a month learning how to make the dish just right, so she could have it whenever she wanted.
This dinner would serve as the final punctuation mark on their relationship,
Fabian ruffled her hair and agreed without hesitation.
But just as the two bowls of noodles were placed on the table, Fabian’s phone rang.
His expression shifted from relaxed to serious. After hanging up, he looked at Angelina with a conflicted and apologetic gaze.
Though he hadn’t spoken, he already knew the decision he would make.
“Angelina, there’s an emergency at work…”
Angelina stirred her noodles, trying to smile but failing.
“Work is important. You should go. There’s always time later.”
Fabian hugged her tightly. “Angelina, thank you for understanding.”
Angelina smiled, but the warmth didn’t reach her eyes.
“Angelina, I might be busy until late tonight. Don’t wait up for me. I can’t wait to see you in your wedding dress tomorrow.”
Wrapped in his arms, Angelina murmured, “I can’t wait either…”
She was looking forward to his reaction when he realized the bride wasn’t her.
After Fabian left, Angelina immediately received a message from Natalie.
[Natalie ]: He’s spending the night before your wedding with me. What makes can compete with me? Do you really think.
really think you stand a chance?
you think you
Angelina didn’t reply, and Natalie wasn’t surprised. She kept sending messages, each more. taunting than the last.
Angelina turned off her phone and stared at the beautifully prepared noodles in front of her, feeling no appetite.
Not only feelings but habits and tastes could change so easily.
She picked up the restored photo Fabian had brought back and tore it in half, separating herself from him in the image.
Afterward, she took a relaxing bath and fell asleep quickly, enjoying one of her best nights of rest in a long time.
The next morning, she woke up before seven, feeling refreshed.
She checked her phone and saw reminders for her train schedule and notifications about her shipments being in transit.
Her belongings had already been sent days ago. All that remained were a few essentials she needed for the next phase of her life.
Packing the last of her things, Angelina left the place she once called home without looking
back.
Meanwhile, Fabian woke abruptly in Natalie’s bed, pressing a hand to his chest as a growing sense of unease gnawed at him.
Glancing at the time, he quickly got up and dressed.
The night before, Natalie had called him in tears, claiming she had fallen and her stomach
hurt.
Upon arriving, he realized it was another of her ploys for attention.
Yet, under her persistent advances, Fabian had stayed the night.
As he left Natalie’s place, Fabian thought about the wedding later that day, a blissful smile spreading across his face.
Unable to contain his excitement, he sent a message to Angelina:
[Fabian]: Angelina, I can’t wait to see you today.
The reply came swiftly:
[Angelina]: Same here. I hope you’ll like the surprise I’ve prepared for you at the wedding.
As time ticked by, the wedding venue filled with guests. Fabian stood on the stage, beaming as he recounted the story of his and Angelina’s love.
Romantic music played, colorful balloons floated into the sky, and all eyes turned to the bride slowly walking toward Fabian, veiled and radiant.
“Angelina, I promise to cherish and love you for the rest of my life. Will you be my partner forever?”
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the veiled bride nodded deeply.
Fabian, grinning from ear to ear, reached out to lift her veil.
But the moment he saw Natalie standing before him, his expression froze.
A chilling wave of panic surged through him, leaving him trembling as dread overwhelmed him entirely.
