Chapter 127

Nicole seemed unfazed. "Can we go now?"

Robert's hawk-like eyes fixed on her, cold and probing. "Your sister's been missing for weeks, yet you don't seem the least bit worried."

"Robert, everyone shows their feelings differently. My sister didn't disappear yesterday. I've spent the past month unable to sleep or eat properly, and I've worn myself out. I know there's nothing I can do as an ordinary girl. I can only hope you'll find out what happened to her."

Robert found no flaw in her words. "You're free to go for now, but be ready to be called back anytime."

"Alright, thank you for your efforts."

Just then, Chase interjected, "Robert, didn't you recover her wedding dress? I'd like to see it." Despite Chase's direct involvement and the possibility of useful clues, they agreed to his request.

"Come with me."

The wedding dress was well-preserved, and Chase likely never imagined he'd see it again at a police station. He staggered toward the dress, hanging in a sealed bag. He trembled as he reached out to unseal it, but Robert stopped him.

"This dress is our only clue. We can't risk unnecessary fingerprints. You can look, but please do not touch it, Mr. Reyes."

The designer wedding dress still sparkled under the light, its diamonds glimmering even through the seal.

"Drip."

A teardrop unexpectedly landed on the sealed bag, sliding down the smooth, transparent film. I turned to face Chase. His face was streaked with tears; his eyes were bloodshot, and tears streamed uncontrollably.

"Mr. Reyes, judging from the cut in the dress and the information you've provided, if Ann's telling the truth, the woman she saw had a wound on her waist, matching the tear and bloodstains. It's highly likely Amanda's been killed, and her chances of being alive are slim. You need to brace yourself."

Chase grabbed Robert's hand. "No, no, Amanda can't be dead." He pointed at the dress, lost in memories. "She must have been angry. We agreed on the design months ago, and I called to change the embroidery—something Amanda didn't like! She hated this dress, so she must have damaged it on purpose!"

"Mr. Reyes, calm down. We're about to start our investigation. Go home and wait for our call."

The wedding dress clearly struck a nerve in Chase, perhaps reminding him of their recent reconciliation and his anticipation of marriage. I had shown him the design sketches with such excitement, letting him choose the dress. But then, during the fitting, Nicole interfered, and my family scolded me for meddling. On the wedding day, I wore an ill-fitting dress, devoid of joy, seeking revenge. Chase's focus had always been on Nicole, and he missed the details. He truly looked at the dress only after my death, when it became evidence.

Chase was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. His eyes filled with regret, and he slapped himself hard. "I deserve this!"

"Mr. Reyes, please, calm down…"

Chase knelt before the dress and hugged it, crying, "Amanda, I'm sorry. I truly realize my mistake now."

16:46

Everyone was wise. Chase was on… During the ride, my usually talkative mother was silent, staring out the window with a distant look in her eyes. My father drove steadily, saying nothing, showing nothing of what he was thinking. Nicole sat next to Chase, sleeping or lost in thought.

They arrived at the Kennedy Plaza. As soon as they got out of the car, Nicole gently suggested, "Chase, you should eat something and rest. You don't want to wear yourself out."

Chase suddenly snapped his eyes open, glaring at Nicole with fiery intensity, shaking off her hand. "You did this, didn't you?"

Nicole stared at him, all innocence. "Chase, I don't know what you mean. What did I do?"

Before she could finish, Chase's hand was around her neck. "You've been misleading us! How can it be just a coincidence? Amanda vanished on our wedding night, and then you showed those pictures to deceive me, you snake!"

Chase's sudden aggression caught me off guard. He'd always been accommodating to Nicole. This was the first time I'd seen him like this. It was easy to see why. For the past month, his emotions had been a rollercoaster. Finally, he realized Nicole was involved.

Before anyone could react, Chase slapped Nicole hard. "Smack!" The sound echoed, sharp and clear. I stood there, stunned. The slap felt like fireworks in my chest. It startled everyone; even the servant shoveling snow nearby turned to look.

Nicole stared at Chase, tears streaming down her face. I stood in front of her. She'd faked tears so many times, but this time, they seemed real. Nicole, can you feel pain, too? But how many times have I suffered for no reason because of you? Compared to my pain, what is this? Getting slapped by someone you love doesn't just hurt your face; it cuts right through your heart. Maybe now you can finally get a taste of the agony I've been through?

Still, it's not enough for me. After all Nicole's done, I wish I could rip off her ugly mask for the world to see! I would let everyone know what kind of monsters she and Chase really are. I wanted to expose the heartless, vile things they've done. For me, this slap barely scratched the surface of my anger.

My parents were devastated. My dad, ever protective, shoved Chase away while my mom held Nicole close, showering her with comfort.