Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 884

Bradley knew the two well enough to recognize that Wade was often weak to Alicia's pleas and requests.

Were Wade by himself, he would answer; but Alicia's presence could easily complicate the matter.

Regardless, had Wade realized how important today's wedding was—and resisted Alicia's influence—he might not have lost his final chance to make things right.

The door swung open.

Wade looked toward the stage, but his bride was nowhere to be seen.

The hall buzzed with murmurs as guests whispered among themselves.

As more people noticed Wade's arrival, the looks they gave him made his chest tighten with unease.

Charles was the first to confront him. His body trembled with rage as he whipped his arm back and delivered a brutal slap across Wade's face.

"Wade Garner, you're an absolute disgrace! Do you not know what day it is? Do you even realize what you've done? You've turned our family into a laughingstock!"

Wade ignored the burning sting on his cheek. He scanned the hall again and again, searching for Janice. But she was nowhere to be found.

Bradley's earlier words echoed in his mind, piercing his heart like needles.

Wade froze, his blood running cold. His voice trembled. "Where's Jan?"

Charles panted heavily before spitting out the words. "She left! She left to marry another man! Are you satisfied now?"

His fury was uncontainable. This disaster wouldn't just tarnish their family's reputation—it would bring lasting repercussions. The Garners were bound to become the target of scorn and ridicule in high society.

"You'd better confess! Where were you just now?" Charles barked.

Heidi's heart nearly leaped from her throat. She hurried over to the pair. "What's done is done. Let's not dwell on it. Focus on fixing the problem."

Wade swallowed hard, his eyes red. "She'll come back with me once I find her and talk to her."

He clung to the belief that Janice would never abandon him. She only had eyes for him. Besides, she could never stay angry at him for long.

Wade remained silent.

Once they were in the car, Bradley said quietly, "You know the man too."

Wade lifted his gaze.

Bradley continued, "It's Chad Hockney."

His confidence crumbled.

Wade squeezed his eyes shut. "No…"

He tried to convince himself Janice and Chad hadn't truly married.

"Head to Jan's place. I saved the address in the navigation."