Her fiancé, Ethan, was an engineer from Dallas. They met in Houston during hurricane recovery efforts. He wasn’t intimidated by her—he admired her. Loved her for exactly who she was. Their wedding was set to take place in a small historic church outside Austin.
Two days before the ceremony, Madison returned to her childhood home carrying four wedding dresses, each carefully stored. A grand gown, a lace one, a lighter dress for the heat, and a simple backup.
That final night felt suffocating. Frank watched TV, muttering insults. Carol clattered dishes in the kitchen. Tyler laughed loudly at his phone.
Madison avoided them and went to her room early. She hung the dresses neatly, letting her fingers brush over the fabric of the main one, feeling nervous excitement for the first time. Just a few more hours, she told herself.
At 2 a.m., she woke suddenly.
A faint creak. Movement.
Her heart pounded as she reached for the lamp and switched it on.
Her closet was open.
The garment bags were unzipped.
