CHAPTER 47

Arabel's POV

The evening ended with Richard missing. His mother asked if I had seen him, and I told her no.

She tried calling him, but he wasn't picking while I busied myself with thanking our guests.

Virtually everyone ate to their fill. Daisy's over excitedness won't stop me from smiling with pride.

By the time I say goodbye to the last guest, Mother is already looking worried as she keeps dialing his number.

"Can't you reach him yet?" I approach and ask. She nods.

Guilt stabs my insides, and I fold my arms before telling her honestly. I saw him outside a while ago. Perhaps he left already.”

“Left? To where?” I shrug indifferently. “What did you two talk about?” She stares at me suspiciously.

“Nothing really. We didn't get to talk,” I reply and begin to dial his number, which rings until it goes to voicemail.

He isn't answering my calls either. I hope he is fine, though.

“Try him again,” she insists, and I do that.

He picks at the second ring with a raspy voice. “Hello.”

“Hi, where