[I’ve arranged everything. The wedding is in three days. It’s time to move on from Luther. Eight years is too long to wait.]
The words pierced her like ice. Staring at the screen, Seraphine’s laugh came brittle and cold. She recorded a terse reply.
"Mom, keep it simple. I trust you."
As she hit send, a voice broke the quiet behind her. “Wedding? What wedding?”
She turned to see Luther standing there, his expression unreadable.
Her thumb instinctively locked her phone, but Luther’s suspicion flared. He reached for it, only to be interrupted by the sharp ring of his own phone. He answered with a frown, his features darkening.
“Luther! Someone’s following me!” Cornelia’s voice was panicked. “He’s been behind me for blocks—I’m scared!”
Luther’s demeanor shifted in an instant. “Stay near the security post. I’m coming.” Without a second glance at Seraphine, he grabbed his coat and disappeared into the night.
Left alone in the dim apartment, Seraphine’s resolve solidified. This was her moment to leave.
She dialed a number, her voice calm but resolute. “Aunt Monica, I’m leaving.”
“Leaving? Finally marrying Luther, are you?” her aunt teased.