A flicker of resentment was evident in Kyla’s eyes.
Inwardly, Sadie scoffed.
Lights bathed both Sadie and Noah as guests gathered, praising their apparent harmony.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wall, what a beautiful couple you make!”
“Mrs. Wall, you look marvelous today. That dress is a perfect fit for your style.”
“The love between Mr. and Mrs. Wall is truly something to behold.”
While Sadie heard the flattery, it left her heart untouched.
She was desperate for any reason to escape this overwhelming atmosphere.
“I need to use the restroom,” Sadie said coldly, avoiding Noah’s gaze.
Noah caught her wrist and, smiling enigmatically, suggested, “Let me accompany you.”
Sadie briskly freed her hand, her voice low and tense as she hissed, “Have you lost your mind?”
Noah simply chuckled, casually draping an arm around her waist and steering her toward a quieter area.
“Something’s off with you tonight,” he murmured, his voice carrying a probing undertone. “What are you planning?”
Sadie felt a pang of anxiety but masked it with defiance, retorting, “What do you expect? Should I play the devoted wife? At a celebration, accompanied by both your wife and your lover, are you not worried that people will think you’re playing the field?”
Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and her eyes were cold as she suggested, “Why don’t you spend your time with your dear Kyla instead?”
With those words, Sadie forcefully shoved him aside and made her way to the restroom.
Noah remained rooted to the spot, his face a mask of uncertainty as he watched her depart.
Kyla navigated the crowd effortlessly, her smile enchanting and her conversations with guests light, though her gaze often drifted towards Noah.
When she noticed his stillness, a smirk secretly formed on her face. Kyla realized that Sadie’s attempt to slip away alone was futile and thought she might have to intervene for the fool.
Circling the restroom, Sadie found no windows for a possible escape.
The constant flow of people meant any unusual behavior would quickly draw attention and likely alert Noah.
Feeling trapped, she decided it was best to leave the area for now.
When Sadie emerged, Noah eyed her suspiciously but remained silent. At that moment, Kyla approached, bearing two glasses of champagne, her expression sweet.
But as she reached Sadie, Kyla’s foot seemed to catch on something, sending her lurching forward, and the champagne splashed all over Sadie’s dress.
“Oh no!” Kyla let out a startled cry as she stumbled backward. Sadie fought the urge to roll her eyes. What a pathetic act. But Kyla’s over-the-top performance played right into her hands.
Sadie masked her disdain with feigned shock, glancing down at her champagne-soaked dress, her expression the picture of mild panic.
“My dress…” she murmured, just enough to sell the scene. “Kyla, are you alright?”
Noah’s attention snapped immediately, his concern surfacing in an instant.
His voice was filled with worry, his eyes scanning her as if she might crumble at any second.
“I’m sorry, Sadie. I didn’t mean to spill the champagne on you…” Kyla let out a soft, breathy sigh, adding with a wince, “I think I twisted my ankle.”
“It’s fine,” Sadie said coolly, turning to leave. “I’ll just go get changed.” She seized the opportunity, eager to escape the suffocating tension. But just as she pivoted, Noah’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist with surprising force.
“I’ll come with you.”
A flash of panic darted through Sadie’s eyes as she yanked her wrist, trying to break free from his grip.
“That’s not necessary. I can handle it myself,” she replied, forcing a calm tone even as urgency clawed at her. She needed to get out of there-fast.
But before she could make another move, Kyla gasped sharply, her hand flying to her chest as she staggered, her face going pale.
“Noah… my chest… it’s killing me…” Her voice was barely a whisper, strained and weak, like she might crumble to the floor any second.
Noah’s focus snapped to her instantly. His fingers loosened around Sadie’s wrist as he rushed to Kyla’s side, slipping an arm around her to steady her wobbling frame.
“Kyla, what’s going on? Talk to me!”
The guests, drawn by the sudden commotion, crowded in, their whispers quickly growing louder.
“What’s happening to Miss Wade?”
“Should we call for a doctor?”
“Maybe she should be escorted to the hospital-now!”
While all eyes were on Kyla and her dramatic display, Sadie quietly edged toward the back of the hall. Without hesitation, she slipped through the door and into the cool night air.
She broke into a run, her breath sharp and ragged, her heart slamming against her ribs like it was trying to escape her chest.
Every few steps, Sadie glanced over her shoulder, worried that Noah might chase after her.
But then she reminded herself-with Kyla putting on such a show, Noah wouldn’t have the presence of mind to think about anyone else. Sadie exhaled shakily, realizing her fears were running ahead of her.
Once she’d left the hotel’s noise and lights behind, she slowed down enough to catch her breath. Pulling out her phone with trembling fingers, she quickly dialed Alex’s number.
“Alex, I’m at the back entrance of the hotel. Can you send someone to get me?” Sadie’s voice wavered slightly, but she fought to steady it, trying to keep her composure.
“Got it. I’ll handle it right away,” Alex replied, his voice calm and reassuring, a steady anchor amidst Sadie’s growing anxiety.
Just as she was about to end the call, a sudden screech of tires tore through the quiet night.
A black car barreled around the corner at an alarming speed, its headlights blinding. Sadie barely had a second to react before a crushing force slammed into her, lifting her off her feet.
Pain exploded through her body as she hit the ground hard, her phone flying from her grasp and skidding across the pavement.
“Ah!” A raw cry of agony escaped her lips as her vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges.
Through the haze of pain, she saw a shadowy figure step out of the car. The man’s face twisted into a sinister grin as he approached, his footsteps slow, deliberate.
“Noah really is an idiot,” the man said, his voice dripping with malice. “Did he seriously think he could protect you?”
Sadie’s mind reeled. Noah? What did any of this have to do with him? She tried to speak, to ask the questions swirling in her fading consciousness, but the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Her strength ebbed away, and the world around her dissolved into darkness.
In the distance, the shrill wail of an ambulance siren pierced the night air.
Kyla lay on a stretcher, clutching her chest, her face contorted in pain and ghostly pale.
Noah stood beside the ambulance, his eyes shadowed with worry as he watched the medics load Kyla into the vehicle.
His brows furrowed, his expression clouded with a mix of confusion, frustration, and something he couldn’t quite name.
Kyla reached out with trembling fingers, clutching Noah’s sleeve. Her voice was barely audible, a fragile whisper. “Noah…”
But Noah didn’t respond. His eyes drifted past Kyla, scanning the entrance of the hotel. Where was Sadie?
Where had she gone?
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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