Chapter 14: She's Gone
KATY'S POV
"Hi, sis!" Sonia greets with a smile.
I can’t believe my eyes. Sonia is here? On this island?
Seeing her standing beside Dario makes it painfully clear—she’s an ally of his. The realization stings like salt in an open wound. Why would she side with him, of all people, instead of her own sister? Does she really hate me that much?
The memory of how she helped Dario ruin my wedding flashes vividly in my mind. The humiliation, the heartbreak—it all comes rushing back, fueling the anger rising inside me. My fists clench instinctively, and I’m ready to lash out. But then, Dario’s disapproving look stops me cold. His eyes narrow slightly, and he shakes his head—a silent warning.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm.
“What are you doing here, Sonia? Have another wedding to ruin?” I sneer, folding my arms tightly across my chest. “Oh wait, I guess not, since I don’t see any weddings happening here anytime soon.”
Dario’s face hardens at my jab, but I don’t care.
“I came to see how my favorite sister’s doing,” Sonia says coolly, a forced sweetness in her voice.
“You only have one sister, Sonia. Cut the crap. Why are you here?” I snap, raising my voice.
She laughs, a light, airy sound, and steps closer to me.
“I’m here to share some news,” she says nonchalantly. “Mum and Dad are fine with you getting back with Dario. You don’t have to worry about them anymore because, frankly, they aren’t worried about you either.”
Her words hit like a punch to the gut. I stare at her, trying to process what she’s just said. There’s something else lurking behind her words, though, and I want to know what it is.
“And?” I ask, my voice trembling with suspicion.
KATY'S POV
"Hi, sis!" Sonia greets with a smile.
I can’t believe my eyes. Sonia is here? On this island?
Seeing her standing beside Dario makes it painfully clear—she’s an ally of his. The realization stings like salt in an open wound. Why would she side with him, of all people, instead of her own sister? Does she really hate me that much?
The memory of how she helped Dario ruin my wedding flashes vividly in my mind. The humiliation, the heartbreak—it all comes rushing back, fueling the anger rising inside me. My fists clench instinctively, and I’m ready to lash out. But then, Dario’s disapproving look stops me cold. His eyes narrow slightly, and he shakes his head—a silent warning.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm.
“What are you doing here, Sonia? Have another wedding to ruin?” I sneer, folding my arms tightly across my chest. “Oh wait, I guess not, since I don’t see any weddings happening here anytime soon.”
Dario’s face hardens at my jab, but I don’t care.
“I came to see how my favorite sister’s doing,” Sonia says coolly, a forced sweetness in her voice.
“You only have one sister, Sonia. Cut the crap. Why are you here?” I snap, raising my voice.
She laughs, a light, airy sound, and steps closer to me.
“I’m here to share some news,” she says nonchalantly. “Mum and Dad are fine with you getting back with Dario. You don’t have to worry about them anymore because, frankly, they aren’t worried about you either.”
Her words hit like a punch to the gut. I stare at her, trying to process what she’s just said. There’s something else lurking behind her words, though, and I want to know what it is.
“And?” I ask, my voice trembling with suspicion.
Sonia tilts her head, studying me like she’s deciding whether I deserve the truth. Finally, she smirks. “You really don’t get it, do you? Mum and Dad have never cared about who you marry—as long as it benefits them.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask, my voice tight with anger and confusion.
“Why do you think they were so eager to see you marry Tom? Do you think they cared about your happiness? Please.” Sonia lets out a mocking laugh. “Tom’s family is loaded, Katy. Your engagement was their golden ticket out of bankruptcy. Marrying him would’ve cleared their debts and saved their precious little company.”
Her words hit me like a truck. My breath catches as the memories flood back—how enthusiastic my parents were during the wedding planning, how they pushed me to make things perfect. I thought it was because they cared about me, about my future. But now, Sonia’s words are painting an uglier picture.
“You’re lying,” I say, my voice shaking. “They loved Tom because he was good for me.”
“They loved Tom’s money,” Sonia corrects sharply. “When Dario came along with his irresistible offer, they didn’t even blink. Why do you think they’re not here trying to get you back? As long as Dario pays them handsomely, they don’t care what happens to you.”
I feel the weight of her words crushing me. The truth—or what feels like the truth—leaves me breathless. My parents, the people who were supposed to love me unconditionally, used me. First for Tom. Now for Dario.
“No,” I whisper, shaking my head. “You’re just saying this to hurt me.”
“Believe whatever helps you sleep at night,” Sonia says with a shrug, her smug expression unwavering. “But deep down, you know I’m right. They’ve always treated us like pawns in their game. Tom was a solution for them, just like Dario is now. You’re only useful as long as you’re worth something.”
My hands tremble as I stare at her, the tears blurring my vision. I want to scream, to deny everything she’s saying—but the cracks in my resolve are widening. What if she’s telling the truth? What if my parents never truly cared about me at all?
“You’re sick,” I whisper. “And so are they.”
Sonia shrugs again, indifferent to my pain. “Call me what you want, but don’t act like a victim. You’re not the only one they used.”
I turn away from her, unable to take another second of her toxic words. But her voice follows me, taunting and unrelenting.
“Don’t blame me for telling you the truth, Katy. At least now you know where you stand, and..." there is a long pause, and I wonder what other news she has to break to me.
"I have worse news. Tom has moved on,” she continues with a casual shrug. “He’s with some Irish girl now. They look really good together”.
The words cut deep. My parents don’t care? Tom… with someone else? It feels impossible. Or maybe—just maybe—she’s lying. Sonia is a master manipulator. She’d say anything to hurt me or push me into Dario’s arms.
“Lies!” I say, my voice strong despite the storm brewing inside me. “I don’t believe you.”
“Oh, I have proof,” she says smoothly, reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone.
She scrolls for a moment before handing it to me. It’s her Instagram page. My breath catches when I see the photos.
There’s Tom, smiling with another woman. They look cozy, intimate. One picture shows her kissing his cheek with the caption: “Happiness at last.”
I scroll down frantically, searching for any trace of the life we shared. Nothing. The photos of us are gone—erased. Even the ones from our engagement and bachelor party.
He wiped it all away.
“No, no, this can’t be,” I whisper, shaking my head as tears blur my vision. I look up at Sonia, who wears a smug, pitying expression.
“You caused this,” I spit, pointing at her. Then I turn to Dario, his hands casually in his pockets, his face unreadable. “And you! Because he paid you, right?”
Sonia doesn’t flinch. “I think you need to calm down, Katy,” she says, taking a step closer.
“Don’t tell me to calm down!” I scream, my voice cracking. “This is all your fault! Both of you!”
Dario’s voice cuts through the tension. “Bruno.”
Bruno appears instantly. Dario leans in and whispers something in his ear. Without a word, Bruno steps toward me and grabs my arm.
“What? Let me go!” I yell, thrashing against his grip. “This woman is evil, and she’s not fit to be my sister! I’ll ruin you both!”
Bruno drags me back to my room, slamming the door behind me. I pound on it in frustration before collapsing onto the bed, sobbing quietly into the pillow.
The pain in my chest feels unbearable. It isn’t just anger at Sonia anymore—it’s anger at Tom. How could he do this to me? So soon? How long has he known her?
There’s only one way to find out if it’s true: I have to talk to Tom. And if Dario won’t let me leave this island, then I have no choice. I have to escape.
***
DARIO'S POV
I watch as Bruno drags her away, her protests fading as the door closes.
Sonia and I exchanged a glance. The plan worked perfectly. Convincing Katy that Tom had moved on wasn’t hard. All it took was hiring someone to spend time with him and arranging for the photos to be taken. The fake Instagram account? That was Sonia’s stroke of genius.
Tom played right into our hands, desperate for any distraction from Katy. And now, Katy believes it. She’s shattered—and easier to control.
A satisfied smile tugs at my lips as I pour myself a glass of scotch.
“Well done,” I say, turning to Sonia. Her lips curl into a grin.
“Anything for the money,” she replies with a laugh.
"But you went too far by lying about your parents supporting her marriage with Tom because of money. That must've really hurt her, and you know I care whether she gets hurt or not"
"Oh, no! That part was very true. But that's family matter" she said giving me a wink and that made me feel both guilt and disgust.
I step closer, gripping her chin firmly and forcing her to look at me. “No one must know where Katy is. You tell them only what I allow. Got it?”
She nods, her smirk unwavering.
“Good. You can go now,” I say, releasing her.
Sonia leaves, and I take a moment to savor the victory. The pieces are falling into place.
Later, I decide to check on Katy. I knock on her door, calling her name. No response.
I open the door and step inside. The room is empty.
“Katy?”
I check the bathroom. Still nothing.
Panic settles in as the realization hits me.
She’s gone.