Chapter 4

Third Person POV

On his wedding day, Kayden lingered in his tuxedo, strangely reluctant to join the procession. An inexplicable force drew him toward Gabriella's room. Finding it empty, he felt a jolt of unexpected unease. He dismissed it, convincing himself she was at the venue helping with preparations.

Today was supposed to be perfect—marrying the woman he'd always wanted, with their baby on the way. His dream life was unfolding. Yet, something felt amiss.

Then he saw Charlotte in her wedding dress, and everything else faded. She was stunning—everything he'd envisioned during all those years of longing. He wasn't alone in his admiration; Ryan, her lifelong friend, was captivated. But Kayden felt no threat from this seemingly superficial admirer.

He pointedly pulled Charlotte into a kiss before Ryan, then escorted her to their waiting car.

Throughout the ceremony, he noted Gabriella's absence. He rationalized it, telling himself she was avoiding the wedding, too heartbroken to witness his marriage to another.

The next day, he and Charlotte departed for their Bali honeymoon, Gabriella's absence already fading in their newlywed bliss.

Two weeks later, returning home, something felt different. The housekeeper mentioned Gabriella had left the country on his wedding day, prompting vague memories of giving her money for a "finding herself" trip.

She'd be back in two weeks, he assumed. He'd have to speak to her, tell her to better conceal her feelings. Charlotte needed peace during her pregnancy, and he wouldn't allow anyone—especially Gabriella—to upset his wife.

Two weeks passed. Silence. Another two weeks. Still nothing.

Finally unsettled, he called her—his first attempt since her departure. The number was disconnected.

The truth struck him: she was truly gone. No goodbye, no forwarding address. Just… vanished.

His ego stung. How dare she abandon him so completely? But then he rationalized it—of course, she had to leave. He was married, with a child on the way.

Whatever. He had everything he wanted. Gabriella's absence didn't matter.

Actually, he thought, trying to convince himself, it was better this way. More peaceful.

But the empty silence in her absence felt anything but.