“Why would we disappear?”
“You don’t understand.” He let out a harsh breath. “I lied. I never planned to go back to my parents or let them control our lives.”
I leaned back in my seat. “That’s why you faked your death? To steal from your parents?”
“It’s freedom,” he said, leaning closer. “Don’t you see? If I had kept my promise, they would control everything—our lives, our future, our kids. This way, we get the money without the strings.”
I covered my mouth with my hand.
He kept going, almost eager now. “We can go anywhere. Start over. I’ll give you the life you deserve.”
I looked at his face and saw no real guilt. No understanding of what he had put me through.
“You let me plan your funeral,” I said.
Karl flinched. “I know that was hard.”
“Hard?” My voice rose. “I watched them carry you out while I was still in my wedding dress.”
A man two rows ahead turned to stare.
Karl lowered his voice again. “I said I’m sorry. I knew you’d understand once I explained. I did this for us… You can see that, can’t you?”
That hit harder than anything else.
“No. You did it for the money, Karl.”
