Chapter 13
The Horton brothers snatched the phone. The image on the screen pierced their hearts—an unedited photo from Emelie’s wedding. A man, handsome as any of them, held Emelie close, a veil partially obscuring them as he kissed her. Emelie’s smile was genuine; they knew her well enough to recognize it. Yet, it seemed a smile they hadn't seen in a long time.
Anthony’s grip tightened on the phone, his knuckles white. Tension coiled around him. Through clenched teeth, he forced out, “Mom, Dad, you’re lying, right? Where did you find this…actor? Did Emelie really go this far?”
Marcelo’s disbelief was etched on his face. His voice trembled. “No… it’s not possible! Emelie loved us most. How could she marry someone else? It’s fake! It has to be fake!”
Connor, too, was shattered. His usual pride replaced by despair, he choked out, “I don’t believe it. Emelie didn’t get married! I’m going to find her!” He stormed out, followed by Anthony and Marcelo.
Night fell, the city lights twinkling. The photo’s background was instantly familiar. The Horton brothers fanned out across Warlington, searching for the matching estate. “No! Not this one! Not this one either!”
Hours blurred. The streets grew quieter; they crossed paths repeatedly, yet the estate remained elusive. Finally, exhausted, they regrouped. Anthony called Kaitlyn. “Mom, where was Emelie’s wedding?”
Kaitlyn’s cold reply was curt: “I don’t know.” The call ended, yielding nothing. But it was clear—Emelie was serious. The household staff hadn’t even mentioned her return.
Chapter 14
The brothers wandered aimlessly, eventually finding themselves on a secluded yet beautiful road. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at their destination. A grand estate, exuding unique charm, appeared before them, remnants of wedding decorations still clinging to the gates. As they approached, security guards blocked their way. “Sir, this is private property. Unauthorized entry is forbidden.”
Anthony ignored them. He’d never been stopped before. As he reached for his car keys, Marcelo stepped forward. “Excuse me, who owns this estate? I need to speak with them. I’m looking for someone.”
A guard glanced at them, seemingly surprised they’d found the place. “The estate belongs to the Vaughns. We don’t welcome outsiders. Please leave.” He gestured for them to depart.
Suddenly, Anthony recalled his assistant mentioning a “Mr. Vaughn” in connection with Emelie’s house purchase. A chill ran down his spine. The others made the same connection.
Anthony had heard the name before; “Mr. Vaughn” was a key player in a deal he was currently negotiating. His heart pounded; this was a vital clue. The estate was too impressive; this wedding was clearly no sham.
They had never known of such an estate in Warlington, let alone that Emelie had bought it. Things she’d said, dismissed as jokes, now rang true. “No… the wedding was really held today.” She had married a month ago?
The realization hit them hard. They’d never imagined Emelie marrying someone else, someone they didn’t even know. They questioned everything. What had they done wrong? But no answer came. The wedding was over. Night was met with unspoken tension. What would happen next? The situation was too complex to contemplate.
Anthony's face was tense, his expression betraying little emotion, but the speed of his car revealed his unease. They headed to Mirage Heights.
The drive was long, punctuated by red lights, but they eventually reached Mirage Heights. They stood before the villa, staring at the brightly lit interior, hesitant to ring the doorbell. The curtains were drawn, yet a faint light seeped through. Sounds from within drifted out, startling even the birds.
"What right did we have to stop Emelie?” Anthony murmured. "We had no right, no reason…no proof. We were just neighbors.”
Marcelo finally spoke. “It was us who were wrong, always doubting, always pushing ourselves!” He looked at his brothers. “Don’t let anyone take Emelie away from us!”