Twenty minutes

The ballroom buzzed with quiet conversations.

At first, it had been polite whispers.

Now the whispers were growing louder.

"What's taking so long?"

"I heard the bride isn't feeling well."

"No, I heard someone fainted."

Eva walked past a group of guests, forcing herself to smile.

"We appreciate your patience. The ceremony will begin shortly."

The moment she turned away, her smile disappeared.

Her assistant hurried toward her, breathing hard.

"We've searched everywhere."

Eva's heart sank.

"The gardens?"

She nodded.

"The guest house."

"Yes."

"The parking lot?"

"Nothing."

Eva rubbed her temple.

This couldn't be happening.

Not today.

Not at a Blackwood wedding.

She looked toward the grand staircase just as Adrian stepped out of the bridal suite.

His expression remained unreadable.

Only the slight tightening of his jaw suggested anything was wrong.

His head of security approached him.

"We've checked the CCTV footage, sir."

"And?"

"The bride left through the staff entrance forty-three minutes ago."

Eva stopped walking.

Forty-three minutes.

She hadn't been kidnapped.

She had planned this.

"Any sign of where she went?" Adrian asked.

"No, sir. She switched off her phone almost immediately."

A heavy silence settled between them.

Then Adrian spoke.

"Inform the guests there will be another delay."

The security chief hesitated.

"The press is already asking questions."

"They can wait."

"Yes, sir."

As the man walked away, Eva stepped closer.

"I'm... I'm sorry."

Adrian looked at her.

"For what?"

"I organized this wedding. I should have noticed something."

"You weren't responsible for her decision."

His answer surprised her.

It wasn't comforting.

It was simply... true.

Still, guilt sat heavily in her chest.

"I should've seen the signs."

"You couldn't."

His voice remained calm.

"People who intend to disappear usually make sure no one sees the signs."

Eva blinked.

For the first time since she'd met him, she caught a glimpse of something behind the billionaire's composed exterior.

Not anger.

Disappointment.

Deep, quiet disappointment.

One of the hotel staff rushed into the hallway.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

Adrian turned.

"The investors from Japan are asking whether the merger announcement is still happening."

Another employee arrived moments later.

"The media outside is reporting that the ceremony has been delayed twice."

A third voice joined in.

"Sir, the board members want to speak with you immediately."

Everyone wanted something from him.

No one asked if he was all right.

Eva watched him take it all without raising his voice.

Without losing control.

It was strangely unsettling.

He wasn't pretending the situation hadn't happened.

He simply refused to let it break him.

He adjusted the cuff of his jacket.

"Move the guests to the reception hall. Keep them occupied."

"Yes, sir."

"The musicians continue playing."

"Yes, sir."

"No one mentions the bride."

Another nod.

Within seconds, everyone scattered to carry out his orders.

Eva stood there, unsure whether to leave or stay.

"You should go home," Adrian said without looking at her.

She frowned.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because this is still my event."

His eyes finally met hers.

"The event is over."

She shook her head.

"Not until every guest leaves."

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Adrian gave the smallest nod.

It wasn't approval.

It was acknowledgment.

Before either of them could say another word, a middle-aged man in an expensive navy suit strode toward them.

His face was flushed with anger.

"Adrian."

Eva recognized him immediately.

Richard Blackwood.

Adrian's uncle.

"This family is becoming the laughingstock of the city," Richard hissed. "Do you have any idea what canceling this wedding will do to the company's stock tomorrow morning?"

Adrian's expression didn't change.

"I do."

"Then fix it."

"There is nothing to fix."

"There is."

Richard stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"You need a bride."

Eva's breath caught.

The hallway fell silent.

Richard's gaze shifted slowly...

Until it landed on her.

A slow smile spread across his face.

"I think I've just found one."