Chapter 20: Flight From Fear

Ruby

Sitting in the limo in my custom-made wedding dress, perfect hair and makeup, I try not to throw up. My hands are sweaty, and my heart is beating fast—so fast that I’m surprised no one can hear it.

When Ethel arrived yesterday, I went to the airport to wait for her. Her husband, Anthony, is such a darling because he let us go alone, probably figuring out that we needed some girl time.

“So, what’s the plan?” Ethel asks as she stirs her iced tea with her straw.

“Unfortunately, there isn’t one,” I reply.

“Damn.” She curses, then drinks her tea.

“You’re a duchess now; you’re not alone to swear,” I inform her.

Ethel laughs, “Before I became a duchess, I was my own person.”

“Indeed,” I raise my iced tea and take a sip.

“I thought maybe I should confront Archer about his relationship with Sophia and tell him to call off the wedding. But I know he wouldn’t. Besides, he needs me as much as I need his shipping lines. There will be no calling off the wedding.”

I think we should call off the