INSTALL Chapter 23 Marissa left . She didn't hesitate , didn't look back - and somehow , it surprised no one . Even Tristan and the others , when they heard the news , let out a quiet sigh of relief . Because deep down , they all knew : if Marissa had stayed , every single day would've looked just like today- forced smiles , hollow routines , and Declan's desperate affection weighing her down like chains . Maybe that's what people mean by " right love , wrong time . " They had loved each other , truly . But they'd never been in sync . When she had loved him with everything she had , Declan had been too proud , too stubborn , too obsessed with proving something to himself . So much so that he gave all his energy and attention to someone who had once thrown him away - never once glancing at the woman who had quietly stood by his side , waiting . And when she finally gave up and walked away … that's when he realized what he'd lost . But love doesn't wait forever . A week later , the wedding took place just as planned . Marissa hadn't invited her parent so the role of giving her away - something that should've belonged to her father - was taken up by Adrian's father instead . She walked down the aisle on his arm , her gown flowing behind her like a soft cloud . From a distance , she looked like a fairytale princess . Though it was his son's wedding , Mr. Carter had the air of a father marrying off his beloved daughter . He was already wiping at the corners of his eyes before they reached the end of the aisle . " You punk , " he sniffed as he handed her over to Adrian . " If you ever make her cry , I swear I'll come after you . " Adrian looked like he was about to explode with happiness . He took Marissa's hand with both of his , his voice thick with emotion . " I promise . I'll protect her . Always . I'll love her for the rest of my life and never let anything hurt her again . " Marissa's ears flushed crimson at the sincerity of it all . She bit her lip , then smiled , her eyes glowing with something soft and full . Chapter 23 100.00 % ReelShort R In a divided village , a young man from the lower 4.6 FREE Google Play INSTALL village falls for his childhood friend . " I believe you . " The officiant picked up where he left off , smiling like he couldn't help himself . " Adrian Carter , do you take Marissa Wynn to be your wife ? To have and to hold , for richer or poorer , in sickness and in health , for as long as you both shall live ? " " I do . " " And Marissa Wynn , do you take Adrian Carter to be your husband ? To have and to hold , for richer or poorer , in sickness and in health , for as long as you both shall live ? " Marissa turned and gave his hand a gentle squeeze , her smile blooming like spring sunlight . " I do . " As applause rang out from every corner of the hall , the rings were exchanged . The officiant grinned even wider . " Now , by the power vested in me - let's see a kiss from the newlyweds ! " This was Marissa's first time doing something so intimate in front of such a big crowd . She watched Adrian slowly lift her veil , his face drawing closer and closer , breath warm and mingling with hers - every inch dripping with quiet tenderness . " Close your eyes , silly . " With a breathy laugh , she obeyed , cheeks flushed and lips trembling just a little - until his kiss touched down like a promise she could finally believe in . From the crowd below , Declan stood frozen . His chest clenched , and it felt like a thousand needles were stabbing into him at once . But he didn't cry out . He had no right to . Because all of this - every single bit of it - he'd brought upon himself . His arrogance . His pride . His blindness . That was the price . And now , surrounded by cheers and music and laughter , Declan turned away and walked out alone . Inside the ballroom , the celebration went on . Outside , Declan found himself face - to - face with several officers holding an arrest warrant . " Westbridge Heights Police Department , " the lead officer said . " Mr. Hawthorne , there's sufficient Chapter 23 100.00 % Θ R ReelShort In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . 4.6 FREE Google Play INSTALL evidence proving your involvement in unlawful detainment . You are hereby taken into custody . Please come with us . " Declan didn't speak . He just glanced back toward the ballroom . Of course . They'd chosen the perfect day to come . He nodded , didn't resist , and quietly climbed into the back of the squad car . The next time Marissa saw Declan … was three months later . She and Adrian had returned from their honeymoon and spent a few weeks at the Carter estate with Adrian's parents . They only began making preparations to return to Crestfall once the overseas clinic made it clear they couldn't afford to delay any longer . They were just arriving at the airport when she spotted someone unexpected . There , sitting casually on the steps outside the terminal , was Declan . A few stray cats circled him , meowing as they pawed at the food in his hand . He absently scratched one behind the ear . And then he looked up - and locked eyes with her . He stood , lifting a kitten with one hand as he walked over slowly . " This time , " he said quietly , " you're leaving for good , aren't you ? " Marissa nodded . It was answer enough . Declan let out a soft , bitter laugh and glanced away . " Then I guess this is goodbye . Safe travels . " He watched them disappear into the crowd . They wouldn't be coming back . And he couldn't leave . This time , goodbye … really meant forever . Prologue ReelShort R In a divided village , a young man from the lower village falls for his childhood friend . 4.6 FREE Google Play