Chapter 3

No wonder Emilia was crazy enough to dig up her mother's grave to frame me.

It turned out that the whole "death" thing was a scam.

I texted Hudson: [Emilia's mom's not dead. The truth's in the email I sent you.]

Whether he read it or not, it was not my problem.

Finley booked me the flight for three days later in person.

When Hudson got back, he saw me packing.

Half my clothes were in the trash, and I would send a few things to Southwild.

"What's with the packing?" Hudson looked puzzled.

I replied casually, "Moving."

He paused, didn't catch the vibe, and continued, "The Macleod family's company's in Southwild. We're moving there after the wedding. You're right. We should pack early."

Then, he gave me a mean look. "Apologize to Emilia for her mom. Don't make me embarrassed. Do it at the wedding. Okay?"

Hudson tossed his phone aside to find his valid passport. Today was the day he and Emilia were getting their marriage license.

He didn't come back till night. I checked my phone, and Emilia's text popped up.

The picture showed Hudson and her in matching outfits and in bed together.

I closed my eyes, but my heart still stung.

I swallowed the pain and turned off my phone.

Deep into the night, my phone buzzed every hour, Emilia taunting me with videos of her and Hudson.

Till morning, Finley texted me: [Ms. Macleod, everything is ready. Take your time coming back.]

It was attached to a marriage license and a pot of vibrant red roses.

I never thought he'd still have that plant I gave him years ago.

A strange feeling welled up in me, and I replied: [Okay.]

I put my phone down to pack my work files, not noticing Hudson had returned.

He packed his everyday stuff, saying, "I'm moving in with Emilia for a few days. She's swamped with wedding preparations. Don't be late to the wedding the day after tomorrow."

Then, he went on and on, justifying it, telling me not to make trouble again.

"Yeah, I won't," I said, looking down.

After last night, any feelings I had for him were gone.

Hudson saw how calm I was and got a weird panic. He hesitated.

But then, he thought of Emilia, and his grip on his phone loosened.

He thought, "Sienna loves me so much. Nothing will go wrong."

Relieved, he stopped arguing and left.

I watched him leave, then called a number.

That night, a helicopter landed in the square.

A guy walked up, saying, "Ms. Macleod, your chopper's here. It'll take you to Southwild safely in half an hour."

I nodded and handed him a file. "Take this to the wedding tomorrow. It's my wedding gift for the bride and groom."

Free Point

The next day, I sent Hudson a text right on time: [Happy wedding day!]