I smiled with innocent sweetness, radiant as an eighteen–year–old.
“You’re so smart, Marcus. Surely you can smell ir?“]
“If you loved Wendy so much but can’t even recognize her blood, she’d be heartbroken.“[]
I covered my nose, fake–sobbing pitifully.]
Marcus exploded, lunging forward.
His knife pressed against my throat.
“WHERE IS WENDY! Last fucking time I’m asking“]
I laughed maniacally, batting the blade away.
“Wanna see Wendy? Sure.”
“Play along with this wedding.“]
The terrified guests were losing their minds.]
“That Reagan Steele really is psycho! No wonder Marcus hid her for eight years.“]
“Don’t even mention it. I heard after her baby died, she went completely mental.“[]
“Forcing Marcus to do IVF constantly, claiming she wanted the dead kid reincarnated! What normal person thinks like that?”
Their chatter reopened old wounds.]
But it didn’t hurt anymore.
I smiled, linking arms with Marcus.[]
“Come on hubby. Everyone’s getting impatient.”
He pressed his gun into my ribs, feet planted firmly
“Hand over Wendy or I’ll blow your brains out!“]
1 pouted. bored.[]
Opening my phone, I played a video of Wendy tied up.
“She’s alive.”
“But if you don’t behave, that might change.“]
Chapter 6
Marcus grabbed my throat, hands shaking with rage.
“WHERE IS SHEI
“Reagan, last fucking warning!“]]
I lifted my hand toward the camera, then brought it down.]
Wendy’s agonized screams filled the room.
A severed finger hit the floor, the camera zooming in for a crystal–clear shot.]
“Marcus, this is YOUR last chance too.“]
“Want her alive? Play my game. You don’t get to chooser
Marcus stared at me for ages, then actually laughed–no humor in his eyes.]
“You’ve lost your goddamn mind.”
I lowered my phone, laughing too as tears rolled down my cheeks.
I lost it ages ago. You’re just noticing?”
“I snapped when you abandoned pregnant me to go fight wars. When you ignored my desperate call for help. When you grew colder and brought home your pregnant mistress!”
“I was already GONE.”
My smile turned hideous.
“Marcus, why didn’t you come home sooner that night?“]
“If you’d shown up just a little earlier–just a LITTLE–my parents wouldn’t be dead! My baby wouldn’t be dead!“]
Tears mixed with blood on my face, a gruesome sight.
I backed him into the corner step by step.
“What do I want with your life?”
“I just want my parents alive! I just want my BABY”
“Marcus, I tried to forgive you. I talked myself into letting go of the past.“]]
“But YOU–you never stopped torturing met“]
My voice cracked with raw anguish echoing through the room. Everyone fell silent.[]
Marcus froze, face crumbling.
“I’m sorry.”
“I… I’ve been so careful, trying so hard to make it up to you.“]
He looked up, pulling me into his arms.
“Reagan, what’s done is done. Let’s move forward, okay?“]
“Let it go. I can’t stand seeing you in this much pain.“]
I wiped my tears, pressing the knife tip to his lips.
“Yeah. I need to let go.”
“So this time, you’re gonna play my game.”
“That wedding eight years ago was too long ago–I’ve forgotten it.“]
“Let’s get married again. After it’s over, I’ll let her go.”
Marcus stared at me for the longest time.]]
Maybe guilt finally woke up, because he agreed.
What should’ve been a joyful celebration turned deathly quiet–no one could smile.
I took his arm as we walked down the aisle step by step.
We exchanged rings. Mine was too big now, loose on my finger.
The officiant asked the bride and groom to kiss.
Marcus’s face twisted in disgust.
“We can skip this part.”
I turned toward the camera, beaming.
“Hear that, Wendy? Marcus doesn’t want you to live.”
“Do it.”
The knife pressed against Wendy’s heart as she screamed in
