Chapter 4

Colin's POV

When Teresa saw me, she stood up. After a brief pause, she finally said, "Owen's parents are going to stay with us for a while. Since your parents are leaving soon anyway, I had someone go ahead and clear out their things."

My lips curled into a sarcastic smile. "Teresa, I never realized what a wonderful daughter-in-law you could be."

Without another word, I ignored the three wary pairs of eyes in the living room and walked into my bedroom.

Teresa followed me inside, trying to smooth things over the way she always did. "Colin, don't be mad. I've already booked a five-star hotel for your parents. I'll take their luggage over in a bit. At the end of the day, Owen and his parents are our guests. We have to be good hosts."

I kept packing without a word.

She leaned in close and helped me fold my clothes. "Colin, I feel like you've been so distant lately. Owen has already secured his master's placement. If it really bothers you that much, I'll cut back on seeing him in the future, okay?"

As if presenting a prize, she pulled a ring box out of the drawer. "Look. I bought the wedding band you've kept in your shopping cart for months. Consider it an apology.

"Also, I've already finalized the venue for the wedding over the past couple of days, and all the guests are invited. Tomorrow, all you have to do is show up looking handsome."

I froze for a second before turning to look at her. "You finalized it? When? Why didn't you discuss this with me?"

Her tone remained utterly indifferent. "Well, I saw how busy you were. I figured all men like the same things anyway, so I asked Owen for his input."

Slowly, I repeated her words, "You asked Owen for his input? So you two handled everything, from venue scouting and decor selection to favors and guest invitations? Teresa, don't you find that ridiculous?"

Her face flashed with her usual irritation, but she forced herself to hold it back. "Colin, I don't want to fight about this anymore. I swear to you, I love you, and that will never change. Isn't that enough?"

She took out the ring. Smiling, she reached for my hand to slide it on. "Colin, can we stop fighting? I haven't been able to sleep because I couldn't hold you to sleep at night. Haven't I been punished enough?"

I took a few steps back, avoiding her touch.

The smile on Teresa's face began to fade.

I stared at her for a few seconds before speaking. "Just make sure to send me the venue address."

The moment the words left my mouth, Teresa's confident smile returned. "Colin, I knew you still wanted to marry me. No matter how much you act out, you could never bring yourself to leave me."

She then glanced at my suitcase, her expression lightening. "Alright, you can relax now. No need to keep pretending to leave. You've packed your bags so many times, but have you ever actually walked out?

"Besides, we're over 2,000 miles away from your hometown. Even if you throw a fit, you can't just run back to your parents."

I brushed past Teresa and wheeled my suitcase out of the room.

She leaned against the doorframe, completely unfazed. She just watched me with a smug smile. "Once you're done sulking tonight, make sure you show up to the wedding on time tomorrow."

Smiling, I looked back at her over my shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll definitely give you a massive surprise."

…

The next day, I helped my parents load all of their heavy bags onto the train.

As the warning beeps echoed through the cabin signaling the doors were closing, my phone began to vibrate violently in my hand.

After I let three consecutive calls go to voicemail, the fourth one came through. Only then did I casually press answer.

On the other end of the line, Teresa's mother, Abby Spencer, sounded frantic. Her voice broke into tears. "Colin, where are you? Teresa… Teresa is in trouble. You need to get here right now—"