The Wrong Bride

Isabella checked her phone again. Twenty-three missed calls. Nine unanswered messages. Every single one was for Ethan. She stared at the screen before typing another message. Where are you? Please answer me. She waited. Nothing. “Isabella?” She looked up. Lily stood behind her, worry written across her face. “He's probably on his way,” Lily said. “He isn't.” “You don't know that.” “I do.” Lily walked closer. “You've called him twenty-three times.” “And he hasn't answered once.” “He could have a reason.” “Ethan doesn't disappear.” Lily fell silent. Isabella looked toward the door. “He was supposed to be here an hour ago.” “I know.” “He doesn't get delayed, Lily.” “I know.” A knock came at the door. Both women turned. The wedding coordinator stepped inside. “Miss Hart…” “Has Ethan arrived?” The woman hesitated. Isabella's face tightened. “Has he?” “No.” The room went silent. Lily stepped forward. “Have you heard from the Kingsleys?” “Mr. Kingsley hasn't arrived at the cathedral.” “His parents?” Isabella asked. “They're there.” “And Adrian?” “I believe he's there too.” Isabella stood. “I'm going downstairs.” “Isabella, wait—” “No. I need to know what's happening.” She gathered her gown and walked out. --- Downstairs, the cathedral was filled with whispers. “Where's Ethan?” “I heard he hasn't arrived.” “Do you think the wedding is cancelled?” At the front, Edward Hart sat beside Margaret, both watching the entrance. Across from them were Richard and Eleanor Kingsley. Richard leaned toward Eleanor. “Have you heard anything?” “No.” “This is unacceptable.” “Richard, he's our son.” “I know who he is.” “Then stop acting as though this is a business meeting.” Richard looked toward the cathedral doors. “Where is Adrian?” Before Eleanor could answer, the doors opened. Adrian Kingsley walked inside. The conversations immediately died down. He crossed the cathedral and stopped in front of his parents. Richard lowered his voice. “Where have you been?” “Looking for Ethan.” “Did you find him?” “No.” Eleanor's face fell. “Adrian…” “I checked his apartment. His office. His usual places.” “Nothing?” Richard asked. “Nothing.” Richard stared at him. “Then what are we supposed to tell these people?” Adrian looked around the cathedral. “Tell them the truth.” Richard's jaw tightened. “And what truth is that?” “Ethan is missing.” Eleanor covered her mouth. Richard turned toward the guests. The room was already watching them. He took a breath. “The wedding is postponed.” Gasps filled the cathedral. “What?” “Why?” “What's happened to Ethan?” Adrian said nothing. Then a voice came from behind them. “Where is he?” Everyone turned. Isabella stood at the entrance, her wedding dress trailing behind her. She walked straight toward Adrian. “Where is Ethan?” Adrian looked at her. “I don't know.” She stopped. “What?” “I said I don't know.” “You're his twin.” “I know.” “You were looking for him?” “Yes.” “Then where is he?” “I don't know, Isabella.” She shook her head. “No. You do.” Adrian's expression remained unreadable. “I don't.” “You know him better than anyone.” “That doesn't mean I know where he is.” “He wouldn't do this.” Adrian said nothing. “He wouldn't leave me standing here.” “I know.” “Then where is he?” “I don't have an answer.” Isabella stared at him. “You're lying.” “I'm not.” “You have to know something.” “I know he's missing.” “That's not enough!” Several guests turned to look at them. Isabella lowered her voice. “He promised me.” Adrian's gaze softened for the briefest moment. “I know.” “He promised he'd be here.” “I know.” “Then find him.” Adrian held her gaze. “I will.” --- By evening, the news had spread everywhere. KINGSLEY HEIR DISAPPEARS BEFORE WEDDING. Isabella sat alone in the bridal suite. Lily entered quietly. “You should eat something.” “I don't want anything.” “You haven't eaten since morning.” “I'm not hungry.” Lily sat beside her. “Isabella…” “Don't.” “I'm just trying to help.” “I know.” Lily glanced at the engagement ring. “Do you want me to stay?” Isabella looked at her. “Yes.” Lily nodded. “I'll stay.” A knock came at the door. Neither of them answered. The door opened. Adrian stood there. “The guests have left.” “Good,” Isabella said. “My mother wants to speak with you.” “I don't need sympathy.” “She isn't offering sympathy.” “Then what does she want?” Adrian paused. “To make sure you're all right.” Isabella gave a quiet laugh. “Does anyone in this family actually know how to answer a question?” Adrian looked at her. “What question?” “Where is Ethan?” “I don't know.” “Why did he leave?” “I don't know.” “Does he plan to come back?” “I don't know.” She looked away. “I wasn't enough.” Adrian's voice was immediate. “You were.” Isabella turned toward him. “What?” “You were enough.” “Then why did he leave?” Adrian didn't answer. She watched him carefully. “You know something.” “I know Ethan is missing.” “That isn't what I asked.” “I can't give you an answer I don't have.” “You're his brother.” “Yes.” “His twin.” “Yes.” “And you're telling me you have no idea why he disappeared?” Adrian remained silent. Isabella slowly removed her engagement ring. The diamond rested in her palm. “I waited three years for today.” Adrian looked at the ring. “And now?” She closed her fingers around it. “Now I don't know what anything means anymore.” Rain began tapping against the windows. Adrian stepped closer. “I'll find him.” Isabella looked up. “You promise?” Adrian held her gaze. “I don't make promises I can't keep.” Then he turned and walked toward the door. Isabella watched him leave. Neither of them knew that Ethan's disappearance was only the beginning. And neither of them knew that one day, the woman Ethan left standing at the altar would become Adrian Kingsley's wife.