Chapter 2 - The Vanishing Child
Eleanor tore her wrists free from Julian's grip with a sudden surge of strength.
She gathered her heavy lace gown in her hands and sprinted down the hallway.
Her high heels clacked loudly against the polished marble floor.
"Eleanor! Come back here right now!" Julian roared behind her.
Eleanor ignored his command and pushed through the heavy wooden doors leading outside.
The cool evening air hit her face, crisp and bitter.
The gravel driveway was completely empty.
The black car Lily mentioned was nowhere to be seen.
Rain began to fall in heavy drops, soaking through Eleanor's white veil.
"Lily!" Eleanor screamed into the darkening night.
There was no answer except the distant rumble of thunder.
Footsteps heavy and fast echoed behind her on the wet gravel.
Julian stepped into the rain, his navy suit soaking through instantly.
Two security guards dressed in dark suits followed closely behind him.
"Search the perimeter," Julian commanded the guards in an icy, flat tone.
"Find that little girl and bring her to my private office immediately," Julian ordered.
Eleanor turned around, her eyes wide with terror and confusion.
"Why are you having security track down a little girl?" Eleanor demanded.
"She is trespassing and harassing my bride on our wedding day," Julian replied without flinching.
"She had my mother's locket, Julian!" Eleanor shrieked.
"That locket was supposed to be buried in the ashes of our family home ten years ago!" Eleanor said.
Julian took a step closer to Eleanor, stepping into her personal space.
He reached out and gently wiped a tear from her drenched cheek.
"Someone is playing a cruel psychological game with you, Eleanor," Julian whispered softly.
"They edited that photograph to mess with your mind on the most important day of your life," Julian claimed.
"Who would do that?" Eleanor asked, her voice cracking.
"Your mother's old business partners," Julian answered smoothly without missing a beat.
"They want the inheritance money that unlocks on your wedding day," Julian added.
Eleanor looked down at her hands, which were shivering violently from the cold and shock.
"Show me the picture again," Eleanor said firmly.
"I need to look at her eyes, Julian."
Julian reached into his jacket pocket and pulled his hand out.
His hand was completely empty.
"It's gone," Julian said, looking genuinely surprised.
"What do you mean it's gone?" Eleanor screamed.
"There was a hole in my inner pocket," Julian said, turning his pocket inside out.
"It must have slipped out while I ran after you," Julian explained.
Eleanor looked down at the wet gravel surrounding them.
May you like
The rain was pouring down heavily now, washing away dirt and leaves.
The locket was nowhere on the ground.
