Chapter 11
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Only ten minutes remained before the wedding ceremony was to begin. Ryder searched the entire venue but couldn’t find any trace of the Sullivans.
His gut told him that Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan–and Autumn–wouldn’t be attending his wedding.
The moment this thought occurred to him, Ryder’s already anxious heart began racing even faster, threatening to burst from his chest.
What followed was endless frustration and panic.
He pulled out his phone, frantically scrolling through his contacts and messages, his face twisted with anxiety.
A few minutes later, his best man informed him it was time to take his position. Ryder finally made up his mind. As he headed toward the ceremony, he called Mr. Sullivan.
A minute later, he heard a booming greeting.
“Ryder! Aren’t you getting married today? What made you call?”
Hearing the continuous sound of waves in the background, Ryder’s heart sank. He forced a smile into his voice.
“Yes, that’s exactly why I’m calling. I was wondering if you and Mrs. Sullivan were coming to the ceremony?”
“I’m sorry, Ryder. We’re on vacation and can’t make it to your wedding. Wishing you and Elle a happy marriage and lifelong happiness.”
Though these were words of blessing, they left a bitter taste in Ryder’s mouth.
He glanced at the time on his watch and said something even he couldn’t
understand.
“That’s fine. You’re at the beach, right? You could drive back now and still make it to the wedding.”
After a long silence, Mr. Sullivan’s shocked voice came through.
“Ryder, we’re in Barcelona. Didn’t your parents tell you…”
Hearing the name “Barcelona,” Ryder froze completely.
Spain?
What were the Sullivans doing in Spain?
What were his parents supposed to tell him?
A flood of questions bubbled up, completely taking over Ryder’s mind.
He’d completely forgotten about the wedding. Turning back, he grabbed his parents, his tone more urgent than ever before.
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11:35 AM Thu 24 Apr
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“Mom,, Dad, Mr. Sullivan says they’re in Spain. Didn’t you tell them about my wedding today?”
His parents exchanged looks.
“The Sullivans moved to Spain a month ago.. You didn’t know? I thought Autumn would have told you.”
The word “Imoved” hit Ryder like a bomb..
He never imagined the Sullivans would actually move away!!
And they’d done it a month ago!!
Ryder’s parents weren’t sure what was happening, but seeing him in shock, they quickly tried to push him toward the ceremony hall, dhattering nonstop.
“The wedding is about to start!! What are you spacing out for? Nothing is more iimportant than your wedding right now. We can talk about this later.” Ryder’s face drained of color. He couldn’t process anything they were saying. He raised his phone blankly, hearing Mr. Sullivan still saying “hello?” Grasping at One last hope, he asked:
“Mr. Sullivan, is Autumn there? Cam I speak with her? I need to tell her something. After some commotion in the background), Ryder heard Autumn’s voice, colder tha held ever heard it.
“Make it quick. I’m hanging up if it’s mott important.”
At the same time, the wedding officiant’s woice came through the doors. “Ladies and gentlemen,, please welcome the groom!”
Ryder ignored everything around him.
His world narrowed down to just the wait in his ear.
“I’m getting married today!!”
“Congratulations. Anything else?”
Her icy response triggered Ryden’s anger, causing him to raise his voice..
“I said I’m getting MARRIED. Ane you deaf??”
The officiant called again, and his parents were urging him too.
But Ryder didn’t move amimah as the theard/Autumn’s scornful laugh.
“How is that any of my business? Ryder, from now on, we’re complete strangerss. Don’t ever contact me agaim!”
17:35 AM
Inu 24 Apr
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