Chapter 4: The Last Goodbye

Before I left, I had to say goodbye to my parents. I drove home, rehearsing my speech. Mom was thrilled to see me, already dreaming of grandchildren. “If Lillian asks Caleb for a child, he won’t refuse,” she said, missing the point entirely. I smiled, swallowing the bitterness, knowing it would be the last time.

I lingered in my childhood bedroom, running my fingers over old trophies and faded posters, trying to soak up every detail before I left it all behind. Then I slipped outside and stood under the mimosa tree—Dad had promised to carve my initials in the trunk on my wedding day, just like he did for Mom. I pressed my palm to the bark, whispered goodbye, and let the leaves carry my secret away.

When I returned to the Hayes house, a new emptiness settled over me. Lillian was gone. Caleb said she’d gone to buy lemon cake for my journey, but the bakery never saw her. Panic set in. We searched everywhere, called the police, but there was no trace.

Two days later, the President summoned Caleb and me to the White House. We dressed in our best and drove through the city, nerves raw. The Oval Office was all grandeur—Resolute desk, flags, history pressing in on us. Rachel sat beside the President, Noah off to the side, ignoring us.

The President’s tone was all business. “I hear your wife is missing. What if you can’t find her?” Caleb’s hands shook as he answered, fear etched on his face. Rachel smirked, her voice syrupy and cruel. “If you can’t find Lillian, maybe look a little harder at my sister. Make your marriage real.”

The President stroked Rachel’s hair and said, “See how your sister cares for you, Natalie. Be grateful.”

My whole body trembled with rage. Rachel’s eyes sparkled with pride, and I realized she’d orchestrated this. Caleb and I exchanged looks—Lillian was in trouble, and there was nothing we could do but hope she was still alive.