Chapter 5 A Goodbye He Mistook for Hope

It turned out Ignatius hadn't gone home during the past two days. He didn't even know I had moved out.

Suddenly, Audrey's furious voice exploded through the phone.

"What kind of wife would cause this much trouble? So what if Ignatius drove a coworker home? Doesn't he need to maintain good relationships if he wants a promotion?

"You've stressed him out so much these past two days that he's been smoking and drinking. If he ruins his health and can't give me a grandchild, don't expect me to help you care for the baby!"

"Mom!" Ignatius cut her off in frustration. "We're getting married next week. Can you please stop?"

Audrey had never liked the fact that I wasn't a city girl.

She heard how popular Cecilia was among their coworkers after her dream of having Ignatius marry a wealthy heiress had fallen apart.

From that moment on, she had salivated over her dream of having Cecilia replace me. She even openly encouraged Cecilia to address her affectionately.

The money I gave Audrey every now and then ended up paying for a necklace for Cecilia.

When I cried about it, Audrey only sneered and said she'd always known country girls were petty and incapable of carrying themselves with dignity.

In the past, Ignatius had always tried to smooth things over. Now, though? Hah!

Still, I no longer had any interest in arguing, so I hung up.

…

A long apology text arrived moments later.

"Mom's getting on in age, and she can be obstinate. Don't worry. She'll warm up to you once she gets a grandchild."

I blocked his number without hesitation.

As I looked up, I saw my reflection in the window smiling back at me.

My mother was right. A blessed woman should never marry into an unfortunate family.

…

The morning of the wedding, the makeup artist was putting the finishing touches on my look when we heard a commotion outside.

Ignatius burst into the room, his face full of grievance and desperation. However, that frown turned upside down the moment he saw me in my wedding dress.

"I transferred Cecilia to another department. You'll never have to suffer because of her again."

He carefully wrapped his arms around me, his fingers nervously brushing over my gown.

"Isn't it a little too tight around the waist? The baby…"

The bridesmaids exchanged strange looks.

Ignatius didn't notice. Instead, he got even more worked up. "Your parents are incredibly generous. When I sent a car to pick them up, they had already left ahead of schedule. Amanda, I promise the wedding won't be postponed again. I won't disappoint everyone this time."

His phone rang before he could continue. His expression shifted several times as he stared at the screen. In the end, he clenched his jaw and declined the call.

I was about to speak when Toby called again. This time, Ignatius answered.

"Ignatius, get here now! Cecilia tried to kill herself!"

The color drained from his face. He immediately turned and rushed toward the door.

"Wait."

He stopped and looked back. His eyes were filled with panic as he pleaded, "Amanda, go to the venue first and wait for me. I can't just stand by and watch her die. I promise I'll be there for the wedding."

I wasn't at all surprised by his choice. Nevertheless, I took off the engagement ring and placed it in his palm. "Take it."

Ignatius froze. A moment later, his eyes filled with guilt and emotion.

"I'll let her hold onto this for now so she can calm down. I'll put it back on your finger when it's time for us to exchange our vows."

He left too quickly to see clearly. What was in my eyes wasn't anticipation. It was farewell.

As soon as Ignatius merged onto the main road, he found himself trapped behind an endless procession of Maybach wedding cars.

"Who's getting married today?" he asked. "That's quite a spectacle."

The driver smacked his lips in disbelief. "The Lockhart family's golden boy. Apparently, he's been chasing his soon-to-be wife for five years. The lad's going to marry some country girl who just suffered a miscarriage."

Ignatius' chest tightened at his words, but he couldn't put a finger on why he was so discomfitted. Just as he was about to ask another question, his phone started ringing relentlessly.

The moment he answered, Gavin's voice practically shattered the speaker. "Ignatius! Have you seen the video in the company group chat? It's gone viral!"