Juliette,
As you know, I’m not good with words, so I thought writing this would be the best way to go. I had a chat with Stacey’s parents and the police. With a little extra incentive, all of the videos and devices were destroyed. It’s safe to say she will not bother you again.
I can’t even imagine what she means byextra incentive, but I know it isn’t good. I take a deep exhale before I continue reading.
I’m not the best mother Juliette, I haven’t been for a while. It’s clear, considering I didn’t even realize you were in a relationship.
However, although I’m not the best mother, I saw the fear in your eyes when you confided in me yesterday. You looked at me as if I were him. I need you to know I would never hurt you and I’d never let anyone else hurt you either. I need some time with this, but I want to let you know that if you truly love Adaline, then I’ll never let anyone hurt her either, including myself.
All my love, mum.
Ps: I’ll wrap up my business trip early and see you in a few days. It seems we have a lot to catch up on.
A droplet of water drips onto the letter and I try to wipe away my tears, but it’s no use. I reread the letter as many times as I can, until my eyes hurt from the staring.
The warmth of the words seep into my very soul and it transports me back into the body of twelve-year-old Juliette who wanted Adaline. But I have to remember that now, I’m in the body of eighteen-year-old Juliette, who’s going to get her.
I pick up my phone and I prepare to call her, but instantly, a notification from five minutes ago calls out to me, it’s from her.
Bane of my existence:
Aryan and Victoria told me everything about Stacey. I know I didn’t give you that invitation, but I’ll be waiting for you tonight.
I’ll be there.
Chapter FOURTY-FOUR
A d a l i n e
It’sfinally here. Adam and Olivia’s wedding. The wedding hall is quite small, but it doesn’t make a difference since there’s only around fifty people present. The brown mahogany walls make Olivia’s white dress stand out even more.
She’s walking towards Adam now, her violet bouquet accompanying her. I’ve never seen him light up like this before, tears drenching his face.
I stand square shouldered next to him. I’m the only one on his side not wearing a suit. I did ponder on it, but I didn’t want to match all the other groomsmen.
So instead, I’m wearing an elegant dark maroon dress with a slit in between my leg. It’s possibly the fanciest dress I’ve ever worn in my life—and the most expensive—but it’s worth it for his wedding.
Once Olivia reaches Adam, he takes her hands—clearly, they’re unable to stop touching each other. Olivia’s friend stands in front of them as she’s officiating. I suck in a breath and focus on their vows.
Adam takes a deep, shaky breath in before beginning. “I’m not really good at talking about the way I feel but…I’m going to try my hardest …”
The guests audibly coo at his nervousness and he continues. “It’s simple, really. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me Liv. I’ve never met a soul that’s as beautiful, kind, and brilliant as you are. I promise to always be there for you, to protect you and cherish you, to never let the light you have dim.”
His voice cracks and I can’t seem to stop hanging onto his words and clearly neither can Olivia because she’s openly bawling. “I love you, so terribly that I couldn’t imagine spending my life with someone other than you …” as he readies himself to finish speaking, my eyes wander over to the entrance of the hall.
“I love you without any expectations, without any reservations. I love you as you are, with everythingIam …” I can’t hear the rest of what Adam says because in this very moment, my eyes meet hers.
Juliette. My breath is knocked out of me and my ears have been completely silenced. I can’t hear anything; I can barely see anything…all is see is her.
Her eyes soften when they meet mine and she soon finds a seat on one of the circular tables, the very one that Aryan, Victoria, and Kai are sitting at. I can’t even look at them, but I’m sure they’re probably sending knowing looks my way.
They assured me she would come today, regardless, I can’t give them the satisfaction of my shocked gaze, because I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s sporting an emerald green satin dress, her silky hair down in waves, and her red lipstick is as enchanting as ever.
I have to force myself to avert my eyes from her. By the time I look back, it seems as if Olivia’s vows are already done and they’re kissing. People cheer and I find myself doing the same. They both turn and walk back down the aisle and before I know it, everyone’s moving to the dance floor.
The crowd of people doesn’t interest me as I try and push past so I can get to Juliette. I can’t believe she’s really here. I was shocked when she texted me back yesterday. After I left her crying outside of my door? I wouldn’t blame her if she never wanted to speak to me again. I didn’t even give her a chance to explain.
My thoughts are halted when I bump into a body and I look up in annoyance. It’s a girl I’m not familiar with, because I would recognise dark ginger hair like that anywhere.
