Chapter 14

Terrence sent everyone away and sat alone on the floor, cradling the torn wedding dress. Thea's engagement ring, now threaded onto a cord, hung around his neck like a pendant. It was among the few things left that still held her presence. With them near, it almost seemed as though she had never left. Then, Thea's phone in his pocket buzzed. He opened it and froze. The message was from Alyssa. "Thea, even if today is your wedding, do you really think that changes anything? I could make Terrence walk away from you right now if I wanted! Don't fool yourself into thinking being Mrs. Hatcher means anything. I'm the one carrying his first child. "So, tell me. What's more important—your wedding night or his baby? Last night, he rested his face against my stomach, saying he couldn't wait to be a father. You won't be Mrs. Hatcher much longer!" Attached was a photo of Terrence, his face pressed against Alyssa's belly. His bare chest bore fresh red marks—evidence of what had happened before