Chapter 2 - The Groom’s DisappearanceOutside the library doors, the afternoon sun cast long, golden shadows across the polished hardwood floors of Bennett House. The estate was buzzing with last-minute energy. Through the tall arched windows, I could see the caterers lighting the lanterns around the grand fountain, preparing for the evening reception that was supposed to celebrate the rest of my life.
Instead, it was going to mark a funeral.
"Walter!"
The melodic, perfectly pitched voice echoed up the grand staircase. I stopped at the landing. Vanessa stood at the bottom, looking up.
She was breathtaking. There was no denying that. The custom-tailored white silk dress clung to her figure with understated elegance, and her diamond-drop earrings caught the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass foyer window. She looked like an angel descending from heaven to rescue a lonely old man.
"What are you doing up here?" she called out playfully, resting a manicured hand on the polished banister. "The ceremony starts in thirty minutes, and the groom is supposed to be hiding in the study, not wandering around looking like he’s about to testify before a grand jury."
I walked slowly down the stairs, keeping my face smooth, blank, and entirely devoid of the fury churning inside me.
"Just getting some fresh air, my dear," I said, my voice warm and steady—practically dripping with the grandfatherly affection she had manipulated for two years.
Vanessa reached the top step and leaned in, pressing her cheek against mine. Her skin smelled of expensive French perfume mixed with cold calculation.
"You look tense," she whispered, her fingers trailing down the lapel of my tuxedo jacket. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"Never," I replied smoothly. "In fact, I was just thinking about how much my life has improved since you walked into it."
She smiled, a triumphant, blinding flash of white teeth that used to melt my heart. "Good. Because tomorrow morning, we start fresh. Just you, me, and the future."
"Tomorrow morning," I agreed, holding her gaze without blinking. "A lot of things are going to happen tomorrow morning."
Before she could answer, footfalls sounded down the hall. Grant appeared from around the corner, wearing a sharp tuxedo that made him look every bit the successful corporate executive. But I saw what I had missed before: the slight twitch in his left eye, the nervous way his fingers tapped against his thigh.
"Everything set down there?" Grant asked, looking between Vanessa and me with a forced, oily smile. "The florist is finally done with the arbor, and the photographer is asking where the groom is hiding."
"Everything is under control, Grant," I said, stepping past Vanessa and walking right up to my son-in-law. I clapped a heavy hand onto his shoulder—a bit too hard, making him flinch slightly. "In fact, I'm glad you're here. There’s a special toast I want you to give during the reception. Something about family loyalty. I think you're uniquely qualified to speak on that subject."
May you like
Grant’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "Of course, Walter. Anything for family."
"Family," I repeated, my eyes locking onto his. "The most important thing in the world."
