She Bet I Wouldn't Leave,So I Vanished

While I was trying on the groom's suit, one of Grace Gilbert's best friends suddenly tagged me in the group chat:

Elmer Fox, the invitations go out the day after tomorrow. Haven't you noticed the groom's name isn't yours?

I stared at myself in the mirror, sharp in the tailored suit, and for a second my mind went blank.

The next second, a voice message from one of Grace's childhood friends popped up:

"I bet Grace you wouldn't figure it out until you got the invitation in your hands. She changed the groom to Henry Pruitt."

"Elmer, you're way too easygoing about this. Get Grace to change it back, or is this wedding even happening?"

I slowly peeled off the jacket, and a cold wave of nausea rolled through me.

Henry Pruitt was Grace's first love, the untouchable ideal in her circle.

But marrying me was something Grace had sworn to, out loud, in front of both families.

And even while planning our wedding, they'd turned my dignity into a wager.

"Grace, that's such a nasty move. I bet the second he finds out he'll panic and demand an explanation."

"I bet he won't even dare get angry. Whoever loses covers next month's yacht party."

A notification from someone I followed closely lit up the screen.

Henry had posted a set of photos of himself in a limited-edition groom's suit.

Huge thanks to a certain someone who pulled strings and stayed up three nights to borrow this Dream Suit for me. A dream come true~

Underneath, Grace had replied with a heart emoji.

Calmly, I tapped a like on the post.

Then I disbanded the wedding planning group chat and bought a ticket for the old slow train to the highlands.

No wedding, then. Going to feel the highland wind and clear my eyes out sounded good enough.

The cold fluorescent lights of the bridal shop washed over the mirror. I smoothed the jacket bit by bit and handed it back to the clerk.

The clerk hurried after me with her tape measure, smiling. "Mr. Fox, do you still want the shoulders taken in another half inch? Ms. Gilbert says the wedding has to be perfect."

I looked at the suit in her hands and kept my voice flat. "No need. The wedding's off. Give this suit to your next customer."

She froze, then chased me down clutching the contract. "Mr. Fox, if you cancel, the custom fee and the deposit are nonrefundable."

I pulled the card from my bag and pinned down the pen. "Deduct whatever you have to. Just don't contact Grace Gilbert again, and don't contact my parents either."

Stepping out the door, the sunlight glared white in my eyes. The wedding planner was still texting me about the color scheme for the flower wall.

I leaned against the roadside railing and canceled it all one line at a time, the venue, the catering, the makeup, the car fleet. The thirty grand in cancellation penalties drained fast.

The planning manager sounded hesitant. "Mr. Fox, does Ms. Gilbert know? Just this morning she had us swap the groom's name card to Mr. Pruitt. Said it was a joke."

I stared at the "payment successful" line on the screen and said quietly, "She likes to play games. Let her plan it herself."

My mother's call cut in, neighbors' laughter filling the background. She lowered her voice, but she couldn't hide how pleased she was.

"Elmer, Grace sent someone over with fish maw and sea cucumber. The whole street's saying how lucky you are."

"And she promised to throw the grandest wedding in the whole city. Stop being so stubborn. A woman as successful as Grace, a little playing around out there is perfectly normal. You need to be bigger about this. Just grit your teeth and it'll pass."

I asked her, "Mom, what if the groom on the invitation isn't me?"

She paused, and her voice dropped at once. "Don't talk nonsense. A woman of Grace's standing is willing to marry you, that's your good luck. Don't blow some little thing up and embarrass both families."

I let out a small laugh. "Understood. Go put those gifts away."

After I hung up, I dialed Grace. The second the call connected, Henry's innocent, crystal-clear laugh reached my ear first.

Someone was egging them on. "Grace, Elmer's checking up on you, isn't he? Better sweet-talk him quick, before you actually sweet-talk this wedding out of existence."

Grace's voice came lazy and unbothered. "Elmer, what is it now?"

I watched the traffic and asked her, "Betting over whose name goes on the invitation. Was that fun?"

Her end went quiet for a beat, then the clink of glasses picked up again. She sounded almost amused. "The invitations aren't even printed yet. I'll just change it back tomorrow. Henry only got back into the country, everyone was teasing him to cheer him up, that's all."

I said, "So my dignity is just the chip you use to win him over?"

Grace clicked her tongue. "You're about to marry me and you can't stretch to this little bit of tolerance? Henry's in poor health. He just wanted the chance to wear a groom's suit once. That's all it was."

Henry spoke up softly on her end. "Grace, don't fight with Elmer because of me. I'll just take the suit off and give it back."

Grace's voice went soft at once. "It's got nothing to do with you. He's been short-tempered lately."

I looked down and saw Henry had posted again. Beside two movie tickets was a shot of Grace's hand resting on the steering wheel.

That Cartier watch was the one I'd bought after half a year of pulling all-nighters, taking side jobs anywhere I could find them on top of my work at the animal rescue shelter.

The caption read: For all the days ahead, thank you for always having my back.

When Grace spoke to me again, whatever patience she'd had was gone. "Elmer, can you stop being such a killjoy? You're out of your mind."

The call cut off. Standing at the intersection, I wiped three years of photos from our shared account in one tap.

My phone buzzed again. Grace had sent me fifty-two hundred dollars, with a note: "Buy yourself a watch. Stop making a scene."

Standing at the subway turnstile, I sent the money back, and set her contact to do-not-disturb while I was at it.

A line came through fast. "Elmer, that's enough. I'm giving you a way out, so take it, before I run out of patience."

I let out a cold laugh and didn't reply.

That night I got back to the wedding apartment and started packing my things.

Boxes piled up in the corner. I tossed my rescue shelter ID badge in along with everything else.

Because of one remark from Mrs. Gilbert, that "a Gilbert son-in-law spending all his time with stray animals is beneath us," I'd handed Director Shelton my resignation just last week.

Thinking about it now, it was almost laughable.

I bent down to dig out the packing tape when a video call from Grace suddenly popped up.

I hit accept. On the screen was the warm lighting of an upscale pet boutique.

Henry stood beside her holding a ragdoll cat. Grace had a bag of imported cat food in her hand, her brow slightly furrowed. "Why did you send the money back?"

I ripped off a strip of tape. "Don't need it."

Grace's voice went cold. "You don't need it? That salary of yours enough to cover the breach-of-contract penalty? Don't make a fool of yourself just to prove a point."

Henry leaned in close to the camera, his eyes rimmed red at just the right moment. "Elmer, is it because I tried on the suit yesterday? Is that why you're angry at Grace?"

I looked at the cat in his arms and said quietly, "There's discharge in its ear. Better not just take photos, take it in to get checked first."

Henry's face stiffened for a second, and Grace immediately blocked the camera. "Can you not talk to people like you're training an animal?"

My hand, holding the tape, went still.

She used to love watching me tend to animals' wounds. She'd say that when I bent over them, the whole of me seemed to glow.

Henry's face paled a little. "It's all my fault. My health's not good, and I had this fixation on wearing a wedding outfit. I'll just delete the photos right now."

Grace lifted a hand and put it around his shoulder, her tone gentling. "Delete nothing. You did nothing wrong."

When she turned back to me she went cold again. "Elmer, look how considerate Henry is, then look at yourself. Petty enough to wear a person out."

I closed the box and said, "You two suit each other."

Grace acted like she hadn't caught it. After two seconds of silence she laughed. "Fine, keep up the act. Tomorrow I'll have my assistant print the invitations over again."

I ended the video call, and a new message popped up in the Gilbert family group chat.

Vanessa Gilbert had posted nine photos, captioned: "Finally got to meet the Mr. Pruitt that Grace is always talking about. So refined and gracious. No wonder everyone adores him."

The pictures were from a private brunch at the Gilbert house. Henry sat right beside Vanessa, and Grace had her head bowed, placing shrimp dumplings on his plate.

Vanessa messaged me privately soon after: "Elmer, Henry's come a long way to visit, so of course we're treating him well. Don't take it the wrong way. A Gilbert son-in-law should carry himself with more grace than that."

I replied, "Mrs. Gilbert, Grace and I have broken up. The wedding's off."

Vanessa called immediately, her tone turning sharp. "What is wrong with you? Grace is willing to settle down and marry you. That alone is more than enough respect for someone like you."

I set the phone on the table and went on taping up the cardboard box.

She was straining to keep her temper in check. "Henry was the one who got away when Grace was young. It's perfectly normal for her to have a soft spot for the past. Hold on too tight and you'll only push her away."

I said, "Then let her be pushed away."

The line went quiet for a moment, then Vanessa gave a cold laugh. "Don't come crying later. Your family has taken plenty from us. If this really blows up, it won't be the Gilberts who end up looking bad."

I hung up and swept the plush toy, the couple's mugs, and the photo album Grace had given me into a trash bag.

At the very bottom of the closet was a gray sweater, half finished.

I'd been knitting it for Grace. Her stomach was weak, and her hands always went cold in winter.

I pulled the yarn loose, and it uncoiled in loops around my feet, like all the lines I'd let her cross, over and over, for three years.

The recycler came fast. The older guy hefted the bag and asked, "You don't want any of this, kid?"

I nodded. "No. Just get rid of all of it."

The apartment emptied out little by little, until only the ring of keys by the entryway was left hanging.

Then came two knocks at the door.

It was pushed open from outside a moment later. Grace stood in the doorway, wheeling two silver suitcases.

She swept a glance around the living room and frowned at me. "Why is the place so empty?"

Henry poked his head out from behind her, still cradling that cat, his voice edged with unease. "Elmer, is this a bad time for me to be here?"

Grace pushed the suitcases inside like it was the most natural thing in the world. "The pipes burst at his rental. I figured a hotel would be a hassle, so he'll stay with us for a few days."

I asked, "Which room?"

Grace pushed a case toward the master bedroom. "Henry has trouble sleeping in strange beds, so he'll take the master. You go clear out the guest room."

Henry quickly caught her sleeve. "Grace, don't do that. Elmer won't like it. I'm fine on the couch, really."

Grace bent her head to soothe him. "You're not well. Don't put yourself through that."

Then she lifted her eyes to me, her voice cool. "You're going to be the man of the house here anyway. Can't you show a little generosity?"

"This isn't my apartment."

Grace's brow relaxed. "Good, at least you know that. I paid for the wedding home. Setting up a few pieces of furniture doesn't give you room to put on airs."

I reached over and took the keys down from the entryway. The metal was cold against my palm.

Henry said in a low voice, "Elmer, don't misunderstand. Grace just worries something will happen to me. You're still the one she cares about most."

I looked at him. "That movie ticket you sent last nightwas it a good show?"

Something flickered in Henry's eyes. Grace stepped in front of him. "Are you going to stop this or not? What does Henry owe you?"

I said, "He doesn't owe me anything. You do."

Grace stared at me, one corner of her mouth pulling into a thin smile. "Here we go again. Elmer, every time you're upset you threaten me with a breakup. Is that fun for you?"

I pulled out the black suitcase I'd already packed. The wheels rolled across the floor with a faint sound.

The smile faded from Grace's face. "Where are you going?"

I was changing my shoes in the entryway. My voice stayed level. Don't bother with the guest room. The apartment's yours now, take your time settling in. Grace, we're done.

Henry's eyes reddened at once. Elmer, this is all my fault. I'll leave right now, please don't joke about the wedding.

But Grace put out a hand to stop him, her eyes going cold. Let him go.

She leaned against the doorframe, her voice holding down a fire. You walk out that door today, don't expect me to come coax you back. Come home and apologize within three days, and I'll pretend none of this happened.

I pulled the door open.

Grace spoke again. Elmer, don't count on me to smooth things over with your parents. When they start asking, you can explain it yourself.

My steps stalled for half a second.

For three years my mother had told everyone she'd landed a wonderful daughter-in-law, holding the liquor and cigarettes the Gilberts gave, laughing until her face flushed in front of the relatives.

Grace knew I was afraid of letting them down, so every time she could hit my weak spot dead on.

Henry twisted the knife softly. Elmer, your parents adore Grace so much. Isn't this a little selfish of you?

I turned back and looked at Grace. Changing the name on the invitation, bringing him to meet my family, letting him sleep in the master bedroom, is that me being selfish too?

Grace fell silent for a beat, then quickly recovered her arrogance. We'll deal with all that later. Don't stand in the doorway putting on a show. For whom?

I set the keys down on the shoe cabinet.

Grace finally saw them, and the space between her brows twitched, barely noticeable. You're leaving these behind too?

I said, You just said yourself the apartment was your money. Since even the master bedroom has someone new in it now, it wouldn't be right for me to keep this key.

Her face darkened instantly. Elmer, do you really have to make everything so final?

I didn't answer. I wheeled my suitcase into the elevator.

Just before the doors closed, Grace's voice chased after me. Elmer, once you walk out that door, don't think you can beg me and get it back!

The elevator went down. I tossed the spare key card into the trash.

On my phone, Director Shelton from the shelter had sent a message. Elmer, the National Geographic documentary team is coming tomorrow to shoot some charity footage. Could you help out one more day before you leave? They happen to be hiring a highland medical consultant, and I think you'd be a great fit.

I replied with an okay.

The screen had barely gone dark when Henry's social feed refreshed.

He was standing at the master bedroom's floor-to-ceiling window, captioned: After all the wandering, finally back in the place where my heart feels safest.

Early the next morning, I took my suitcase to the shelter.

I changed into scrubs, the familiar smell of disinfectant washing over me.

I was bent over the last post-op puppy, turning down its heat lamp, when a burst of noise came from the yard.

Director Shelton walked into the treatment room wiping his hands, his expression grim. Elmer, the documentary team was supposed to be filming, but Henry's people muscled their way in.

My fingers went still. Who approved that?

Director Shelton lowered his voice. The sponsor called in a favor at the last minute, said he's got a compassionate image to film. Grace came too. That director from the documentary, Ms. Graves, her face went dark. She's standing off to the side with her camera, smiling coldly.

I walked out to the yard. Henry stood in front of the kennels in a clean white shirt, the cameras circling him.

He bent down to pick up a yellow puppy that had just been spayed. I clamped a hand on the cage door. It's less than twenty-four hours post-op. You can't hold it.

Henry looked up at me, his smile all innocence. Elmer, I just want everyone to see how cute it is. If people love it, that's when they'll donate.

Grace stood off camera, frowning. Elmer, don't make this ugly.

I stared into her eyes. The wound hasn't healed. If something happens to it, who takes responsibility?

Henry dropped his eyes, the picture of wounded innocence. "Grace, let it go. Elmer's probably still angry with me."

Somebody on the streaming crew muttered under their breath, "That vet's a real piece of work. No wonder people online say the shelter lets in anyone."

Grace's hand closed around my wrist. Not hard, just enough to make me let go of the cage door. "Two minutes of filming. Don't blow this out of proportion."

Henry took the opening and hauled the puppy out. It thrashed against the pain, claws catching in his shirt cuff.

Distaste flickered in his eyes, and his fingers suddenly opened.

The puppy hit the marble floor hard. The sutures split, and blood welled up fast.

I dropped down and pressed on the wound, shouting to Director Shelton, "Gauze, epinephrine, now!"

Henry shrieked and stumbled back. The camera lurched wildly, and before the stream cut out, the comment feed had already filled with accusations.

Grace had gone pale, but her first move was to steady Henry. "Did it scratch you?"

Director Shelton came running with the first-aid kit, but the faint heartbeat under my hands had already stopped.

I looked up at her, hands soaked in blood. "Grace. It's dead."

She glanced at the blood on the floor, avoided my eyes, and lowered her voice. "Damage control first."

Half an hour later, Henry posted a long statement hinting that the shelter had mishandled things, that he'd only been an innocent bystander lending a hand.

The abuse poured in online. The shelter's phone rang off the hook.

I went to pull the security footage, but the computer showed the file was corrupted. The tech guy's face was grim. "Somebody accessed the system remotely."

Grace's call came right after. Her tone was even. "Elmer, you posted the statement, right?"

I gripped the mouse. "What statement?"

She was quiet for a moment, like she was coaxing someone who didn't know any better. "Henry's about to sign a major endorsement deal. There can't be anything negative attached to him. You take the fall on this for now."

I opened my work account and saw an apology posted under my name.

It said I'd been careless, that my training methods were rough, that I'd frightened the puppy and caused it to fall to its death.

Grace kept going. "Once this blows over, I'll buy you a big place downtown. The wedding goes ahead as planned, and I'll change the invitations back."

I hit record on the call and asked, "My account. You logged into it?"

She said, "Your password's one of the same few you always use. I posted it for you. It's more presentable than anything you'd have written yourself."

I let out a short laugh. "How thoughtful of you."

Grace thought I'd softened. Her voice eased. "Behave, and once this is over, your place as the man of the Gilbert family is still yours."

The uproar kept building. Someone set a funeral wreath outside the clinic, and a sign was stuck to the glass: DOG-ABUSING VET, GET OUT.

Director Shelton shielded me as we headed for the back door, his eyes rimmed red with panic. "Elmer, lie low for a while. I'll figure something out."

I wheeled my suitcase out, pulled the SIM card as I went, snapped it in two, and dropped it in the trash.

I'd bought the ticket to Lhasa a while ago anyway. It was as good a time as any to go see that highland wildlife rescue project Director Shelton had recommended.

The train gave a jolt, and the phone hooked into the car's public WiFi buzzed.

In the dark, someone using an unfamiliar account had sent me a high-definition video.