Chapter 3The Years I Lost Without You

Madison Vance’s wedding was held at her father’s hotel, the Vance Regency Hotel in Manhattan.

It was my first time back in this city in over five years.

Even though I’d been out of prison and reintegrating into society for half a year, crowds still made me feel uneasy.

“Evie, don’t be so tense,” Madison said, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. I forced a dry smile and gestured for her to go ahead and tend to her guests.

Once everyone had taken their seats, I realized I’d been placed at a table with my old college classmates. None of them recognized me.

Silas Peyton arrived with the same beautiful woman I’d seen at the Blue Ridge Night Bazaar. Their entrance caused an immediate stir.

“Well, well, looks like Mr. Peyton might be tying the knot soon,” someone teased.

Silas didn’t deny it, confidently holding the woman’s hand as they walked. Glancing briefly in my direction, he nodded with a smile. “That’s right. When Serena and I get married, I hope everyone here will join us to celebrate.”

So, her name was Serena Cross.

I kept my head down, wishing I could disappear into the floor. My only strategy was to make myself as invisible as possible.

But Serena noticed me.

“Hey! Aren’t you the girl who did my nails that day?”

Her voice carried, and every pair of eyes at the table turned to me.

Finally, someone exclaimed, “You’re… Evelyn Langston, right?”

I nodded slightly, still avoiding eye contact.

The recognition set off a wave of murmurs. “It is her! But what happened to you? You used to be so gorgeous. Now you look… malnourished.”

I forced a weak smile, not knowing how to respond.

One of Silas’s friends, who had always been close to him, smirked and added, “Wow, the campus beauty queen fell pretty far. Guess karma caught up with you. No one’s heard a word from you for years—we thought maybe you didn’t survive the pandemic.”

The comments stung, but I could bear it. After all, compared to the abuse I endured in prison, this was nothing.

Besides, this was Madison’s wedding. I wouldn’t let anything ruin it.

I focused on my plate, quietly eating while ignoring the conversation around me.

Silas chuckled, serving Serena another bite of food. “Ms. Langston, is American cuisine too plain for someone who’s been living abroad?”

I chewed my last bite mechanically, set my fork down gently, and stood.

“Enjoy your meals, everyone. I have to go.”

I spoke with my eyes fixed on the empty space above their heads. At a table full of people, I couldn’t find a single pair of eyes willing to meet mine.

I left in a hurry, without saying goodbye to Madison or returning the money I owed Silas.

But before I could step out of the hotel, Silas intercepted me. Somehow, he’d taken a different route and was already waiting at the door.

Without warning, he grabbed my arm and dragged me to a secluded corner. His expression was dark, like a brewing storm.

“Evelyn Langston, what’s the deal? Weren’t you supposed to be living it up in Europe? What are you doing back here?”

I stood there, tongue-tied, his words like barbs caught in my throat.

“This is your karma for dumping me, isn’t it?” he spat, his voice rising. “Are you jealous? Look at me now—I’m wealthy, successful, and my girlfriend is beautiful and sweet.”

“The best part? She loves me. She’d never abandon me like you did. You’re the one who got left behind!”

Years of pent-up anger exploded like a dam bursting, his words hitting me like tidal waves, leaving me gasping for air.

Just then, Madison appeared, out of breath and stepping protectively between us.

“Silas, what’s wrong with you? Do you even know what Evie—”

“Madison!” I interrupted sharply, cutting her off.

I shoved the money I’d been holding into Silas’s hand, then grabbed Madison and walked away.

He didn’t need to know.

Some truths are better left buried.