Chapter 40
Mom’s face darkened with displeasure, and she spoke in a low, irritated tone. “Mom, we can’t neglect all these important guests just because of her. Given the heavy snow, her flight is likely delayed. Let’s just save her a slice of cake.”
Archer added, “Grandma, maybe Allison wasn’t even planning on coming back.”
Everyone was urging Grandma to cut the cake, paying no attention to the dimming light in her
eyes.
“But Ally promised me she’d be here on time. She never breaks her promises. Something must have happened to her. I’ve tried calling her, but I can’t get through. Have you gone to Gildford to look for her?”
My parents exchanged a glance, and the embarrassment was palpable.
They hadn’t even thought about looking for me. In the past, I’d always dealt with my emotions by myself and returned home on my own.
“She’s running away on a whim. Going after her would only encourage her irresponsible actions. What if she makes a habit of turning off her phone and wandering off whenever she feels like it? How will we find her?”
“Yeah. She’s old enough to look after herself. She’ll be back when she has had her fun.”
Grandma’s heart sank as she listened to my family’s nonchalant response.
Over the years, I rarely complained to her. She mostly heard about things through the grapevine, from the helpers or others.
Now, seeing my family’s attitude toward me, she finally understood how miserable my life.
had been.
“You heartless bunch! She’s your flesh and blood–your daughter, your sister! She’s been missing for days, and none of you even cared…” Grandma’s chest heaved with anger.
“Grandma, I found Ally’s whereabouts,” Amber shouted, holding up her phone. Instantly, everyone’s attention was drawn to her.
“Where?” Grandma stopped scolding and hurriedly took her phone.
On the phone was a clip of a wild rave. Amidst flashing lights and loud music, a woman who resembled me danced eagerly with a man. She was wearing a revealing outfit and dancing seductively.
The lights were dim, and it was only a side view, so it was hard to make a definitive judgment. However, when Amber said it was me, everyone instinctively accepted the conclusion.
“I stumbled upon this on a friend’s friend’s feed from Gildford. Ally’s out at a club having a
Chapter 40
blast. I doubt she even remembers it’s Grandma’s birthday.”
2/2
“That explains why she prepared the gift ahead of time. She never planned on coming back.”
Grandma’s eyesight wasn’t great. She didn’t believe the woman in the video was me, so she asked Rebecca to bring her reading glasses for a closer look.
Shane’s face remained cold as he played the video over and over. His eyes were drawn to a distinct black mole above the woman’s pale chest, more noticeable than her face.
Donning her reading glasses, Grandma looked carefully. “I don’t think this is Ally. The lighting is so bad, it could be anyone or anything”
“Grandma, you don’t have to defend Ally. She’s always been that kind of woman, constantly flirting and involved with other men. I kept quiet before because I didn’t want to upset Shane.
“He did leave her jilted on the wedding day. Maybe she had left on purpose to get back at him. Or she already has a new boyfriend. Who knows?
“You brat! How could you slander Ally based on one video? I…”
Grandma was trying to defend me, but Shane, who hadn’t uttered a word, coldly interrupted.
It is Allison. I’m sure of it.”
These words caused an immediate uproar among those present. As my partner, his affirmation
was like the final nail in the coffin.
“There’s more to the story than I thought. No wonder Mr. Lundberg ran away from the wedding,” someone whispered.
“I told you so. If Allison was innocent, why would he run off on the day of the wedding? I bet she’s been getting it on with another man for ages.”
“Poor Mr. Lundberg.”
11
“Allison’s a total slut. Childhood sweethearts, my ass. She’s probably slept with half the town.”
The harsh gossips were like nails on a chalkboard. I had tried to let go of my anger toward this scumbag couple, but now I was livid.
Amber had already stolen my painting. I didn’t expect she would ruin my reputation by spreading rumors even after I was gone. Everyone would be mocking me, condemning me.
How could she be so cruel and vicious?
