He softened slightly but then reminded me, “End things with Damon as soon as possible, Elara. You need to be on the next plane home. It’s time to move forward.”
His words hung in the air, and I felt the weight of them in my chest. There was no going back.
***
When I got back to my place, my phone buzzed with a flood of messages from my Dad. Venues, dresses, flower arrangements—it was overwhelming. I scrolled through his texts until I found one that hit me hard.
[If he cared, he wouldn’t have let ten years pass without committing. Stop wasting your time.]
I sighed, sending him a quick voice note. “Just pick whatever you think is best for your only daughter, Dad. Let’s keep this wedding simple.”
As I put my phone down, Damon walked in.
“Who were you talking to?” he asked, his tone suspicious.
“No one important,” I said, tucking my phone away.
His eyes narrowed. “What’s this about a wedding?”
My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Nothing. Just family stuff.”
He stepped closer, but before he could press further, his phone rang.
“Damon!” Serena’s panicked voice came through the line. “Someone’s following me. I’m so scared!”