Semua Bab The Day I Disappeared: Bab 1 - Bab 7

"Darling, things are a little hectic at work today. I won't be coming home tonight. Tomorrow's our anniversary, and I made a reservation for a candlelight dinner at Palmette House. Let's bring Crispin and enjoy the evening together," Edgar Snider's voice came through the phone, warm and gravelly.I listened absentmindedly as I tapped open Winifred Clayton's chat on WhatsApp.Just an hour ago, she had sent me a video—she and Edgar, tangled up in each other's arms, kissing like they couldn't bear to part."Happy anniversary, Wanda. This is my gift to you."Winifred was the golden girl of the Clayton family. And I was the biological daughter they found when I was 16 years old.My mom couldn't bear to send Winifred away, so she kept her in the house, spoiling her still. To avoid public gossip, she even claimed I was just an adopted child.At the lowest point in my life, I met Edgar.We were classmates, the three of us. He came from the Snider family—wealthy, powerful, and untouchabl

The day I went to collect my visa, my mom called and asked me to come home.I figured since this chapter of my life was about to end, seeing my biological mother one last time wouldn't hurt. Perhaps it could count as repaying her for all those years she raised me.When I arrived, she greeted me warmly, asking how I had been. I responded to everything patiently."These past years must've been hard on you," she said, feigning sympathy as she gently patted my hair. "We couldn't let anyone know you were actually a Clayton. You know how fragile Winifred is. Her depression is serious. I've always been so afraid something would happen to her…"Of course. Because her depression was so "serious", I even had to give up my husband to her.My mom knew everything that had gone on between Edgar and Winifred, yet there she was, still pretending. Even the night Winifred staged that suicide scare and begged Edgar to come over, it was my mom who called him and asked him to go.As she spoke, nois

The letter read, "Edgar, by the time you read this letter, I'll be long gone. And I need you to promise me—don't come looking for me."I didn't leave because of one moment of anger. I left because I finally ran out of hope. When Winifred sent me that first photo of you two, I waited. I waited for you to give me a reason, an explanation, anything. But all I got were lies, one after another."Every day, I lived on the edge of heartbreak, clinging to the belief that no matter what, you'd still choose me. But no one has ever really chosen me. Not once in my entire life."When I was brought back to the Clayton family after being raised by the wrong one, I thought I'd finally found my place. But I was wrong. My mom treated Winifred like her own daughter. I grew up with nothing, Edgar—poor and guarded, learning to read every expression just to survive."I knew from the start that she looked at me like I didn't belong. There was no warmth and no joy in her eyes when she saw me, only distan

Edgar turned around and looked at me. He looked rough—unkempt beard, messy hair, and eyes bloodshot like he hadn't slept in days."Wanda." His voice was hoarse, sounding dazed. "Wanda… It's really you."I looked away. "You've got the wrong person."He rushed forward and grabbed my hand tightly. "I used every connection I had just to get a trace of you. I've been looking for you for a year. Do you have any idea what that year was like for me?"He broke down, sobbing like his whole world was falling apart. "Wanda, I'm begging you. I can't live without you. I'm falling apart without you.""Let go of me!" I struggled, but his grip was too strong. I couldn't shake him off.Suddenly, Edgar was yanked back and collapsed hard against the pavement.Gavin stood over him, looking down with cool, unbothered disdain. "Grabbing a woman without her consent? That's not exactly gentlemanly."Gavin's voice was sharp. Edgar staggered back to his feet, his eyes locked onto Gavin with fury. "And