Michael POV:I had gone home in a black mood. Mee and Yow curled up beside me in bed that night and purred while I brooded. I couldn’t get that last vision of Lucy out of my mind, lying so still and beautiful in her white coffin. All the long years, he’d wondered if i could have saved her if i'd managed to convince her not to go to the party instead of agreeing to go. I agreed to go to the party with her. She’d asked him to, and he’d wanted to go. Then I'd watch her die. I'd gone around in a daze for weeks afterward. He hadn’t been able to think, much less work. I wanted to punish myself for it and i did punish myself for it. My reserve unit, like Cag Hart’s, had been called up in 1991 when Operation Desert Storm sent soldiers to Kuwait to liberate it from invasion. He’d volunteered without a second thought, not at all concerned that he might die.He’d waded right in with his company, in the thick of the fighting, a captain in a forward unit. During a memorable firefight, i’d propell

Aurora POV:It was Libby wedding the following week. We went together to the wedding. She married hugh in a beautiful church service, with most of the leading citizens of Jacobsville for witnesses. As her brother Curt led her down the aisle, she glanced at Aurora, sitting so close beside me, and grinned. We grinned back.The soft melodies of a string quartet played in the background, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and romance. The late afternoon sun bathed the scene in a warm, golden glow, casting a spell on all who gathered to witness this momentous occasion.The ceremony itself was a beautifully orchestrated affair. The vows spoken by Sarah and James were heartfelt and sincere, capturing the essence of their deep connection and unwavering commitment to each other. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement, knowing that my own wedding was just around the corner.The presence of Calhoun added to the class of the occasion, like ants attracted to a lump of sugar, Calhoun p

Michael POV: "I'm so sorry i called you, trust me you are the last person i would have want to bother" The tear stricken voice said. "I thought you guys have have a different type of relationship and might know what he is up to" "I assure you, i know nothing" "I'm so worried, he has never not come home for a day. My husband hasn't been home for three days, without prior informing of his whereabouts" She lamented"I'm so sorry Josie. I'm sure he is fine and a perfect explanation for his dissapearance" I said. Even i don't believe what i had told the young woman, but i had to find a way to keep her calm."I certainly hope so" she mused."And forgive me, i don't mean to ruin your special day""I understand, your husband safety is more important""Mazel Tov" "Thanks Josie" I hung up. "It's considef badluck to receive a phone call during your wedding in some part of the country" Calhoun said.He was sat across in an adorned suit to match occasion. Having the Mayor of the city as yoyr

Michael POV:Sprawled on the ground, lay Mr Eyre in his own blood trickling out from his head."Father is dying" Jane was already crying and Calhoun was horrified. "What happened?""I don't know" She replied with a tears stricken voice. "I only met father here" I checked inside the dressing room with my heart in my mouth, but it was empty, nobody there, not a single trace of Aurora."Where is Aurora?" I hollered"I don't know" She cried This can't be happening! My father figure is dying and my wife to be is missing on the day that ought to be the turning point in my life. "Call the Ambulance" i said "I already did" Calhoun replied "they are on their way and so are the police."I headed towards the backdoor "Where are you going" He asked "To look for my Wife" i replied without stopping"Should I accompany you?""No, stay with Mr. Eyre""What about the wedding?" "There's no Wedding without a bride Cal" i snapped.□○♡◇○♡○♤○♤♡♡♡I drove aimlessly around the town like a little b

Michael POV:I stood there, at the hospital bed, my heart heavy with guilt and anxiety. Mr Eyre lay motionless, surrounded by sterile white walls and the scent of antiseptic. Next to me stood his Jane, her eyes red and swollen from countless tears shed in anguish. I wanted to reach out to her, to offer solace and comfort, but a knot formed in my throat, paralyzing me with fear.I was in so much pain myself, I would prefer nothing more than to be out there looking for Aurora, but it would be so unfair to Jane. I have half of the city police looking for her, while she's here alone with her dying father in a city she's never been before. I knew how lonely and hard done by she must be feeling. Every fiber of my being longed to speak, to explain that I had no control over what had happened, that it was a cruel twist of fate. But the fear of her accusing gaze, of her believing that somehow I was to blame, kept me silent. I couldn't bear the weight of her disappointment or anger, even thoug