Turning Back to Emptiness

Chapter 10

Kevin opened his mouth as if to say more, but his phone suddenly rang.

"Kevin, are you at the hospital? I've been in a car accident. Could you help me with the paperwork if you're free?"

"Wait there," Kevin replied urgently. "I'm coming now."

As Kevin rushed off, Hailey found herself following him, drawn by some unseen force. Leaning heavily on her crutch, she stopped outside Jane's hospital room.

"Sorry to trouble you, Kevin."

"Don't apologize. I'm the one who owes you. That you don't even object to me marrying Hailey makes it worse... I'm truly sorry, I... Mmm..."

The compromising sounds from the room made Hailey bite her lip until it bled, the physical pain barely masking the agony in her heart.

"I don't care about any of that, Kevin. As long as your heart belongs to me, that's enough. I know you only feel responsible for her father's death, but none of this was our fault. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Not our fault?

Hailey couldn't listen anymore. Gripping her crutch, she retreated to the stairwell.

Staring at her tear-soaked collar, Hailey despised her own weakness.

If only she could do more than cry. If only she could avenge her father...

The thought abruptly dried her tears. She pulled out her phone and dialed.

The call connected after a few rings, and a deep male voice came through. "It's rare to get a call from Kevin Wright's little girl."

Ignoring his tone, Hailey said coolly, "Mr. Williams, are you available to discuss cooperation?"

A low chuckle answered her. "Alright, I'd be delighted."

With the plan set, Hailey's demeanor shifted back to its former self.

She made her selections of wedding dress and venue, presenting them to Kevin.

"Kevin, I've decided."

The familiar tone gave Kevin pause.

Flipping through the catalog, he frowned. "The seaside? And this dress—you always hated strapless."

Hailey's laugh sounded forced. "People change. I've developed a taste for the ocean."

Before Kevin could question further, his assistant announced Jane wanted him.

Closing the catalog, Kevin hurried away, missing his final chance to uncover Hailey's scheme.

As he disappeared, the last pretense of happiness vanished from Hailey's eyes, replaced by glacial determination.

The wedding preparations concluded swiftly. Hailey mechanically donned the randomly chosen dress while watching for her moment to escape.

Fortunately, though Jane pretended to be magnanimous, she was deeply anxious about the wedding. She kept Kevin occupied, giving Hailey ample opportunities.

Mid-reception, with the vow ceremony imminent, Hailey knew her window was closing.

Hailey took the chance to slip toward the back door, but a sudden voice from behind sent her heart racing.

"Where are you going?"

She turned rigidly, locking eyes with Kevin's suspicious glare.

"I... I wanted to..." Before she could think of an excuse, a waiter rushed over in alarm.

"Mr. Wright, Ms. Grant is having an allergic reaction. Her arms are breaking out in hives!"

At this, Kevin immediately followed the waiter. Watching him walk away, a pang of bitterness filled Hailey's chest.

She tore off her hair accessories and stripped off her wedding gown.

"Kevin, I will never forgive you!"

Leaving this time was only a prelude to her return.

"Next time, it will be my turn to make you pay."

She pulled out her phone, scheduled the staged photo of a cliff jump she had prepared long ago, and then walked away without looking back.

All that remained was the pure white wedding dress lying on the hotel bed—flawless on the surface, yet hollowed out by tears and blood.