Chapter 4

Another two weeks passed, and Abigail's patience had completely worn thin. To suppress the irritation inside her, she threw all her energy into preparing the wedding with Joel. She scouted venues, picked out gowns, and finalized schedules, keeping herself constantly occupied.

Still, whenever she stopped and looked around the empty, quiet house, a strange sense of emptiness would flicker in her eyes.

Every time that happened, Joel would move closer and cup her face in his hands while comforting her. "Abby, stop thinking about it. Oscar is just throwing a tantrum. Once our wedding is over, he'll definitely come back."

Abigail listened quietly, pushing down the unease inside her and trying to reassure herself. She convinced herself that she was merely going through with the ceremony to fulfill Joel's wish. Once it was over, she would return fully to her family and settle down with me for good.

…

The wedding day arrived quickly.

The ceremony was incredibly grand, with flowers and ribbons filling every corner of the hall. The venue was packed with guests, creating a lively atmosphere.

Abigail wore a white wedding gown. Her makeup was flawless, and her long hair draped over her shoulders, making her look stunning yet distant. Joel wore a sharp suit and held her hand, looking exactly like a happy groom.

Mom sat in the seat reserved for the groom's mother. Her hair was pinned up neatly and elegantly, and there was a warm, motherly smile on her face. Kenneth Ingram sat beside her. The two of them appeared comfortable and close, looking just like a loving couple who had been together for many years.

As I watched all of this, my heart ached until I felt numb, yet I didn't even have the strength to cry out loud.

Standing at the altar, Abigail kept glancing toward the entrance. She repeatedly reassured herself that it was fine, telling herself that I was simply hiding out of jealousy and would show up on my own once the wedding was over.

The ceremony moved along step by step, and soon it was time for the vows.

The officiant picked up the microphone and looked at Abigail with a smile. "Ms. Abigail Finch, do you take Mr. Joel Ingram to be your husband? Will you love and protect him for the rest of your life, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?"

The officiant finished speaking, but Abigail remained silent for a long moment.

Just then, someone suddenly shoved the heavy banquet hall doors from outside.

Several police officers walked in with grave expressions, their gazes sweeping over Abigail at the altar and Mom seated in the first row of the pew.

One of the officers spoke in a deep voice. "Are you the family members of Oscar Howard and Cameron Howard?"

Abigail froze in place for a moment, still not fully registering what was happening.

Joel spoke up before she could respond, his tone laced with feigned concern. "Officers, did Oscar and Mr. Howard get into some kind of trouble? They've been out of contact for two weeks. We've been worried sick this whole time."

As soon as he finished speaking, whatever little concern remained on Abigail's and Mom's faces gave way to irritation and contempt.

Mom spoke up, her voice cold and her words sharp. "No wonder they didn't show up for two whole weeks. Turns out they've been out there causing trouble."

Abigail's voice wasn't loud, but it carried across the entire hall. "It's my fault for being too lenient with them before. That's exactly why they've become so ungrateful."

She paused briefly, her voice tinged with weariness and finality, as if she had finally shed a burden. "Officers, we won't bail them out. Just handle everything according to the law."

The lead officer was visibly taken aback. He pulled out a stack of photos from the folder. In the photos, Dad's and my faces were black and blue with bruises, dried blood crusted at the corners of our mouths, and there was no trace of life left in us.

He spoke slowly, his voice heavy. "Oscar Howard and Cameron Howard passed away two weeks ago."