Love Waits for No One

Maude Ellington's fiance sends a message to his first love before their wedding. "You've always been the one I wanted to marry." With their wedding fast approaching, Maude watches him meticulously plan every detail with his first love in mind. She quietly lets it all go. Because she no longer wants the wedding. And she no longer wants him. Chapter 1 "Hello, I'd like to reapply for the overseas assignment." On the other end of the line, the HR officer hesitated, caught off guard by the unexpected request. "Didn't you turn it down before because of your upcoming wedding? It's a three-year commitment. Your fiance is completely devoted to you. Can he really bear to see you go?" "He's fine with it," Maude Ellington replied, her voice steady despite the ache beneath her words. Everyone could see just how deeply Orson Winfield cared for her. Each day, he made sure to prepare three different meals for her, always careful to accommodate her sensitive stomach. No matter the weather, he was always on time to pick her up from work. Whenever she caught even a slight cold, he stayed faithfully by her side, watching over her tirelessly around the clock. He never missed a single holiday or anniversary, always delighting her with heartfelt gifts. So when Maude heard that Orson's childhood sweetheart was returning to town, she felt no trace of jealousy or fear. However, she soon realized how mistaken she was. The very day Imogen Fenwick returned, Orson dropped to one knee and proposed to Maude in front of everyone. Overwhelmed with happiness, Maude burst into tears. That same night, she received an anonymous message. It contained a screenshot of a private chat conversation. Orson had texted, "Maude's been with me for five years. I have to marry her out of obligation." "But Immy," he added, "you've always been the one I wanted to marry." When Maude saw the messages, a chill ran through her. She wanted to confront Orson with the screenshot, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She was scared. Scared that everything from the past five years was a lie. Scared that she had been nothing but a joke. For the next two weeks, Orson's affection for her remained unwavering. At times, Maude even wondered if that message was nothing more than a cruel prank. To her surprise, a new set of photos came through. In every shot, Orson smiled gently as he accompanied Imogen while she tried on wedding dresses. To make matters worse, the dress he picked out for Maude today was the exact one that flattered Imogen most. "What's wrong, honey?" Snapping out of her thoughts, Maude glanced over at Orson in the driver's seat. "Your eyes are red. Don't you like this dress? I can turn the car around and we'll try another one, okay?" "It's fine," she whispered. Orson pulled the car to the side of the road and looked at her with concern. "If I've done something wrong, just tell me. I'll fix it, I promise. You know I hate seeing you like this." Maude felt her chest tighten, as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart. The words refused to leave her throat. What a hypocrite. Orson never meant to marry her, yet he carried on as if he were the most devoted lover. All of a sudden, Orson's phone rang, and his face hardened in an instant. He said into the phone, "Please don't cry. I'm on my way." Turning to Maude, he said, "Hey, honey, can you get home by yourself? Something urgent came up with Immy. I have to go." Just as Maude quietly got out of the car, she noticed it had started raining. She turned to grab an umbrella, but before she could speak, the car sped away, splattering mud all over her. Frozen in place, she watched the taillights fade into the distance. Suddenly, all the questions she'd wanted to ask felt empty and pointless. Asking them now would only leave her feeling more humiliated. Soaked from the rain, Maude made her way home. Just as she stepped inside, a message from the HR officer lit up her phone. "Your flight is confirmed. Please proceed with the necessary preparations." Her departure date was two weeks away. It was on the day that should have been both her anniversary with Orson and their wedding day. Maude's eyes drifted to the calendar on the table. At the top was a note she'd written long ago. "In the best years of my life, I will marry the person who loves me the most." She had deceived herself. Tears fell onto the page, blurring the words until they bled into one another. She and Orson had been college sweethearts. After graduation, she stayed in this city for him, turning down a better job far away. Now, Maude wanted nothing more than to leave this place because of him. Orson's so-called "obligation" felt like a cruel slap in the face. She didn't want him anymore. Chapter 2 After being caught in the rain, Maude came down with a mild cold. She fell into a hazy sleep, and when she finally woke, the afternoon was already well underway. As she stepped out of her room, she froze in place. Right before her, Orson was carefully drying Imogen's damp hair with a towel. "Oh, come on, stop fussing. It's not like I got drenched," Imogen said. "Still, even a little dampness can make you sick. I don't want you to end up with a cold," Orson insisted. Maude stood frozen as a sudden memory washed over her. In their first year together, Orson had taken her to a concert he'd been eager to see. Though Maude wasn't feeling well, she stayed quiet, not wanting to ruin the evening. Orson noticed immediately. Less than ten minutes into the show, he didn't hesitate to leave and rushed her straight to the hospital. Afterward, he felt guilty for overlooking the warning signs and causing her to suffer in silence. For the next four years, even the faintest cough from her would send him into a frenzy. Now, that same man was showering all his care on someone else. After drying Imogen's hair, Orson finally noticed Maude standing there. "Honey, don't overthink things, we—" Imogen cut him off. "There were cockroaches at my place, and I got scared. Orson said I could stay here for a while." Maude turned to Orson. "So that's the urgent matter you had to rush off for?" "Immy's not like you," Orson snapped. "She's been spoiled her entire life. She's never known real hardship. She…" Maude's eyes welled up with tears. Orson froze, wishing he could take the words back. "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant—" Maude's parents had divorced shortly after she was born. She spent her entire childhood moving from one household to another, always feeling like an unwanted burden. Orson knew her greatest dream was simply to have a place to call home. By their third year together, he had worked himself to the bone to buy this house—a place he proudly called theirs. Now, he was letting another woman move in. His words broke Maude's heart. "It's fine," she murmured. After all, she had bared her soul willingly. However, this time would be the last. Orson let out a breath of relief and grasped Maude's hand. Without warning, Imogen spoke up. "Orson, since you gave me the bedroom, where will you be sleeping?" A shiver ran through his hand as he held Maude's. "I'll be in the study," he answered. Once Imogen had gone inside, Orson hurried to explain, "Please don't misunderstand this, honey. I want you to rest well before the wedding. I will sleep in the study, really. Imogen and I are just friends now." Maude withdrew her hand. "It's fine." Her voice was steady, but it stirred a strange unease in Orson's chest. Later that night, a thunderstorm raged outside. Maude's phone lit up with a message from Orson. "Honey, I'm not used to sleeping without you." At the same time, a photo arrived from Imogen. In it, Orson sat by the bed, smiling gently while Imogen held onto his wrist. "I was frightened by the thunder, so he offered to stay with me. Do you want me to send him away?" Maude felt a tightness in her chest. She got up and reached for her cold medicine. Just then, another message from Orson came through. "I really wish we could get married soon so that we could fall asleep in each other's arms every night." Maude took the pills with a sip of water, forcing down both the medicine and the rising nausea in her throat. She quickly typed a short reply. "It's coming soon." Opening Imogen's chat, she wrote, "It's fine. Do whatever you want." Lying in bed, Maude counted the days. Only 14 remained. Chapter 3 The next morning, Orson prepared breakfast. His eyes remained fixed on Maude, trying to read her expression. "Honey, last night was unbearable without you. Just 13 more days, and then I can finally marry you." "You're right. 13 more days," Maude echoed, her gaze cold and unreadable. "Orson, can you pass me some ravioli?" Imogen asked. As Orson picked one up with his fork, Imogen leaned in and ate it straight from his hand. He shot a glance at Maude. "Don't mind her. She's just playful like that." Orson had always kept strict boundaries with other women, careful to avoid hurting Maude. However, with Imogen, those boundaries seemed to vanish entirely. "It's fine," Maude said, keeping her eyes down. Orson was caught off guard. "Honey, you—" "Maude, do you even know what Orson used to be like?" Imogen cut in, her voice laced with defiance. "He was a tough, stubborn guy, but he always listened to me. Whatever I wanted to eat, he learned to make it. He even remembered my menstrual cycle and planned surprises for me…" Maude listened in silence, her throat tightening. Suddenly, everything made sense. The very things she had once admired in Orson were proof of how deeply he had loved Imogen. "Immy, cut it out." Orson's protest sounded half-hearted, his tone more yielding than commanding. Maude's appetite vanished completely. She stood up and went to her room to grab some documents. When she returned, Orson was holding her phone. "Someone from HR called," he said. "They want to know when you'll bring the handover documents. Didn't you already take time off for the wedding? What's left to hand over?" Maude had used all her annual leave to secure a month-long break for the wedding. "There were a few things I missed. I need to go in for a bit." Orson didn't think much of it. "It's raining out. I'll come with you." Maude held the folder close to her chest, her visa papers tucked safely inside. It didn't matter whether he found out now or later. She never intended to hide it from him anyway. The car ride passed in silence. When they arrived at the office building, Orson opened an umbrella and walked Maude to the entrance. His eyes stayed fixed on his phone as he replied to messages, his attention far away. Still, he held the umbrella mostly over her, protecting her from the rain like he always had. It turned out some acts of kindness were nothing more than mere performance. Maude's gaze hardened as she watched him. "Just hold on a little longer, Orson. This charade will end soon," she thought. From the front doors, someone from HR stepped out to meet her. "Maude, your visa documents for the overseas assignment…" Chapter 4 "Immy slipped and fell at home…" Orson stopped walking abruptly, his heart pounding so hard that the HR officer's words barely registered. "I need to go back—" Before he could say more, Maude was already running through the rain toward the building's shelter. She looked back at him calmly and said, "Go ahead." Orson hadn't expected her to let him go so easily. He gazed at her, a flicker of unease stirring in his chest. Just as he stepped forward, Imogen's call came through. "It hurts," she whimpered. Suddenly, every ounce of hesitation drained from Orson. "I'll check on Immy first. Stay here. I'll come back for you later." In the past, Maude would have believed those words without a second thought. Now, she couldn't bring herself to trust them at all. After handing over her documents to the HR officer, she signed the contract for the overseas assignment. By the time she got home, two hours had already passed. Orson finally called. "Honey, something urgent came up at work, so I won't be able to pick you up. Could you take a cab home instead?" At that moment, her phone lit up with a new photo. It showed Orson and the supposedly "injured" Imogen walking arm in arm through a furniture store, looking like a newlywed couple. Maude wasn't surprised by the broken promise. She replied calmly, "That's fine. Work comes first." In the background, she caught the faint sound of a woman's laughter. Orson shifted the phone away for a moment. After a pause, he said, "Call me when you get home, okay? Otherwise, I'll worry—" Before he could finish, Maude hung up. She carefully saved each photo one by one. After putting her phone down, she began packing her bags. Over the course of five years, Orson's gifts had piled up, occupying every corner of her room. Maude photographed each item and listed them for sale online. When it was all done, only a single ring remained. It was handmade by Orson for their first anniversary. She held the worn band up to the light. Two faintly engraved letters shone inside. I F… Imogen Fenwick. After four years, the truth struck Maude like a thunderbolt, catching her completely off guard. How laughable. Even these gifts had never truly been meant for her. Without hesitation, she threw the ring straight into the trash. In the days that followed, Orson spent all his time with Imogen, steadily filling the house with new things. Meanwhile, Maude's presence in the home faded as her belongings slowly disappeared. Only eight days remained until the wedding. When Maude returned from finalizing her visa, she found the two of them picking out wedding invitations together. Imogen called her over, effortlessly slipping into the role of lady of the house. "Why don't you come take a look and pick one too?" The invitations spread across the couch were the product of days of careful research by Maude, each one thoughtfully chosen. She had once dreamed of making every detail of her wedding perfect. "I'll pass," Maude said, brushing past them and heading to her room. After all, those invitations weren't meant for her wedding anymore. That evening, Imogen knocked on Maude's door. "This is the invitation Orson chose. Do you know why he picked it?" Maude took it from her and opened it. The handwriting inside was unmistakably Orson's. The groom's name was his. However, the bride's name… was Imogen. "He stood by me while I picked out the wedding dress. He was also the one who personally selected the hotel and took care of these invitations," Imogen said, a smug smile curling at the corners of her lips. "You could say he planned every detail of this wedding for me. "Even after all this, you still want to marry him? Is it worth it?" Chapter 5 Maude laughed. "So tell me… Why isn't he marrying you?" Imogen went still. "Don't fool yourself, Maude. Even if he marries you, his heart will always belong to me." She shook the cup in her hand deliberately. Maude's eyes narrowed. It was one of the matching mugs she had painstakingly crafted for their wedding. Even if the wedding was called off, it was still hers. "Give it back." As Maude reached out, Imogen crumpled to the floor. The cup broke, scattering shards everywhere. "What do you think you're doing?" Orson's voice echoed as he entered. Seeing what had happened, he shoved Maude to the ground. Shards of ceramic dug into her palm, unleashing a sharp, burning pain. "She broke my cup, I—" "It's just a stupid cup, Maude. What does it matter if it's broken? You're being completely unreasonable." Maude's words faltered as blood oozed from her wounded palm, dripping onto the floor. "It hurts…" Imogen murmured, her voice trembling as Orson held her close. Without hesitation, Orson scooped her up and rushed out the door. "Don't worry, I'm here. I'll get you to the hospital." Maude winced as pain radiated through her hand. Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the broken ceramic beneath her. For five years, she had given all her love to Orson. However, no matter who was at fault, Maude was always the one expected to give way to Imogen. And just like that, the storm within her finally settled. It wasn't that she wasn't enough. It was that Orson was never worth it. She threw the broken remnants of the cup into the trash, never once looking back. That night, Maude slept peacefully. The next morning, Orson sent her a message. "I'm sorry, honey. Immy's mom and my mom are best friends. I promised I'd look after her. I was afraid something might happen. My mom already doesn't think well of you. "Immy kept crying, and I couldn't just leave her alone at the hospital. That's why I didn't come home last night. Please don't read too much into it." It was obvious he was still trying to play the victim. Maude threw her phone aside, not wanting to respond. That afternoon, Orson returned with Imogen. After making sure Imogen was settled, he finally knocked on Maude's door. "I didn't realize how badly you were hurt. I promise there won't be a next time." Orson cradled her hand gently, mindful not to apply too much pressure. Though the cut was shallow, the bloodstains scattered across her skin made it appear far worse. Maude replied without much thought, her gaze fixed on the calendar as she marked off another day. She had once filled that calendar with hope and excitement for their wedding day. Now, the only thing she looked forward to was getting away. "Maude, what happened to the cup?" Orson asked suddenly, his eyes locked on the trash bin. Maude followed his gaze, saying nothing. The silence between them thickened. Orson's concern edged into panic. "You're not supposed to keep only one," he said. "That's bad luck. Next time, I'll come along and help you pick out a proper set." "There won't be a next time." "What?" Though Orson didn't catch everything she said, a growing unease stirred within him. "If you're feeling tired, let me take over. And if you don't like Immy, that's fine. After the wedding, I promise you won't have to see her again. "Honey?" Maude looked up as he took her hand. "Why is your hand so cold? Are you feeling alright?" His face was full of concern, worry etched deep in his eyes. "I'll get you a blanket." Orson hurried to the closet and opened it. Half of it was empty. All of Maude's belongings were gone. He spun around, his eyes sweeping the room. It was only then that he realized the bedroom was nearly empty. Everything that had once filled it was gone. His voice wavered, cracking with disbelief. "Where are the gifts I gave you? "Maude… Where are your clothes?" Chapter 6 "The gifts have already been sold, and the clothes are packed away." With every word, Orson felt the color drain from his face. "You're angry with me, aren't you?" Maude remained silent. While opening another cabinet, he discovered Maude's carefully packed suitcase. In that moment, a wave of relief washed over him. "We're moving into the new place soon, so packing early is a good thing. It'll make bringing everything over much easier. "And if the gifts are gone, that's alright. I'll replace them with better ones. The old ones were probably due to be thrown out anyway." Orson grasped her hand again, his voice weighed down with guilt. "I'm sorry, honey. I don't know what came over me. I never meant to hurt you." Maude looked into his eyes, but inside, she felt utterly numb. That night, Orson sat beside her bed. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep. If I don't, I won't be able to rest." Maude had grown accustomed to Orson's presence for over five years, but in less than a month, he made her doubt everything she once believed. By 1:00 am, drowsiness was finally creeping in. "Maude?" Orson suddenly called out. Her eyes opened instinctively. The light from his phone danced across his face, his impatience barely hidden beneath the shadows. Without saying a word, Maude closed her eyes once more. "Honey?" As he'd hoped, Maude remained silent this time. Orson got up quietly and walked out. "Don't be upset, I'll be right there," he murmured, his voice fading as the bedroom door softly clicked shut. Maude's mind wandered back to a distant memory. In their fourth year together, she'd broken her leg in a car accident. Orson had dropped everything to stay by her side, going without sleep the entire night. She begged him to rest, but he refused to hear it. He said he couldn't bear the thought of her suffering while he wasn't there. Now, that same man couldn't spare even a moment. Thankfully, she no longer needed him. The next morning, the rain came down again. As Maude stepped outside, she noticed Orson rushing toward her. His clothes were drenched. He held a takeout bag close, treating it like a priceless treasure. "Thank God these cinnamon buns stayed dry! They are from your favorite place. I rushed back so they wouldn't get cold." Maude accepted the bag. The cinnamon buns inside were still warm. Hungry, she didn't hesitate to take them. Orson went to the kitchen and came back with two drinks—soy milk for Maude and chamomile tea for Imogen. Across from her, Imogen sent a photo. The image captured streetlights glowing softly through the gentle rain. Orson's umbrella was tilted protectively over Imogen, his black coat wrapped around her like a shield. In one corner, the sign of Maude's favorite breakfast spot was visible. Maude looked up to see Imogen smiling, a cup of chamomile tea cradled in her hands. "Are the buns good?" Imogen asked. The breakfast place was a two-hour round trip, one Orson had made for her countless times. However, this time, Maude felt like she was just an afterthought. Maude finished the last bite. "Yeah, they're delicious." Imogen's smile wavered just a little. Maude downed the soy milk in a single gulp. Over the next two days, Orson suddenly became unusually attentive to Maude. He got up early to bring her breakfast and made sure to change up the meals he prepared for her throughout the day. However, every act of kindness came with Imogen by his side. Meanwhile, more and more photos began to appear on Maude's phone. Five days before the wedding, a message from Orson arrived. "Honey, I've taken some time off. As soon as I'm back, I'll come pick you up to take our wedding photos." Maude flipped through the calendar. The date was circled boldly, standing out on the page. It had once been something she eagerly anticipated. Now, she'd forgotten it entirely. She reached for a pen and struck through another day. The wedding was off the table now, and so were the wedding photos. Today would be the day to lay everything out in the open. She and Orson would part amicably. Chapter 7 However, Orson never showed up. Two hours later, Maude's phone rang. "Honey, the company just sent me on a sudden five-day business trip to Aerisport. I won't be able to go with you." By chance, the wedding photos they'd scheduled were also supposed to be taken there. "Unless… I can ask someone else to go in my place. I'm willing to take full responsibility for whatever happens." Orson's voice was heavy with regret. "Honey, I know you've been dreaming about visiting Aerisport for so long. I don't want to be the one to let you down." Maude paused for a moment before replying, "Work comes first. The wedding photos can always be rescheduled." "Alright, honey. I'll book the flights. Right after the wedding, we'll go to Aerisport." After hanging up, Maude sent a message to one of Orson's coworkers. Not long after, she got a response. As it turned out, Orson had indeed been sent on a last-minute business trip. Maude flipped her calendar to the next page and unfolded the sheet of paper tucked behind it. She had stayed up for two sleepless nights, filling both pages with detailed plans. Half was devoted to their wedding photos, and the other half to exploring the city she had always dreamed of with Orson. Though the wedding shoot was canceled, Maude was determined to visit Aerisport before leaving the country. After tucking the calendar into her suitcase, she took one last look around the room to make sure nothing of hers was left behind. Without turning back, she lifted her luggage and stepped out the door. Three days remained until the wedding. Maude followed her itinerary, exploring every corner of Aerisport. Meanwhile, Orson sent her message after message. "I asked Immy to stay at her friend's place. I didn't want her to make you uncomfortable." "I've arrived at Aerisport. It's every bit as incredible as you imagined. After the wedding, I'll bring you here for a few extra days." "The cherry blossoms are beautiful. I really wish you were here to see them with me." There was no need for his wish. Maude had already seen them. Maude closed the photo of the cherry blossoms Orson had sent and raised her gaze. That very spot was on her itinerary. At that moment, Orson stood in the center of the cherry blossom grove. He put his phone down and stretched his arms wide. Clad in a wedding gown, Imogen ran into his embrace. Their eyes met, brimming with longing. Together, they seemed like the perfect match. With a gentle smile, Orson pulled Imogen closer. "Are you happy now? Have I ever refused you anything? You're the one I love. Don't you know that better than anyone?" Maude's footsteps froze. A cold wind swept past her, its chill sinking deep into her bones. The photographer capturing the scene was the very one Maude had painstakingly selected. For four long hours, she trailed behind them at a distance. She observed as they visited every spot on her itinerary, repeatedly posing for their wedding photos. With every new location, Maude received another message from Orson. "Honey, being here only makes me miss you more. I wish I could drop everything and come back to you." "Only three days remain until the wedding. Time has never felt this slow." "There are countless couples making wishes at the Heartstone of Amoria. When we visit, we have to leave our names too." "Maude, let's be by each other's side forever." Before she realized it, the sky had darkened. As the tourists slowly dispersed, Maude made her way to the Heartstone of Amoria. At the very top, two names were carved side by side—Orson and Imogen. His flattering words turned out to be nothing but a bitter lie. Maude chuckled quietly, tears sliding down her cheeks. Her phone kept buzzing nonstop with incoming messages. They were from Imogen, sharing photos from her wedding shoot with Orson. "If there's something I want, he'll make sure I get it, no questions asked." "Thanks to you, the photos turned out absolutely breathtaking." Chapter 8 Maude turned off her phone, ignoring every message. The day before the wedding arrived all too quickly. After returning from Aerisport, Maude went straight to her best friend, Rosamund Tolliver. "I'm so sorry. You worked so hard on everything… and now you won't even be my bridesmaid. Orson and I…" Before Maude could finish, Rosamund pulled her into a tight hug. "You've been through so much, haven't you?" Maude had loved Orson with all her heart. If even a flicker of hope remained, she wouldn't have ended things so decisively. Her eyes reddened as Rosamund escorted her inside. Her phone kept buzzing nonstop with endless well-wishes. "Orson is total husband material. With a man like him, you'll be the happiest bride tomorrow." "Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness." "I've been rooting for you two since college. You made me believe in love again. Maude, you deserve all the happiness in the world." … Among the messages was one from Orson. "Honey, I'll be home by 8:00 pm. Please wait for me, okay?" However, before 8:00 pm, Imogen sent her a location. Maude knew Imogen wanted her to come. A flicker of curiosity stirred inside her. She followed the address and reached the place. The door to the private lounge was left slightly open. Inside, Imogen was about to grab a bottle of wine when Orson stopped her. "You're allergic to alcohol. Don't be reckless." "Aren't you in a rush to get back to her? I don't need you watching over me." "Immy…" Tears quietly traced down Imogen's cheeks. Orson's tone softened right away. "Alright, alright. I'll stay with you. I'm not going back." Maude looked down. Among all the congratulatory messages, a few new ones had come in. "Honey, the project's nearly finished. I have to put in some extra hours tonight." "Only one more long night, then I can take some time off to be with you at Aerisport." "Honey, I've waited for so long. Just one more day, and I'll finally get to marry you." Maude couldn't help but laugh, amused by how he still pretended to love her. Orson put his phone down, his gaze tinged with helplessness. "Is that better?" Imogen shook her head firmly. "You're not going to the wedding tomorrow." Orson fell silent. "She gets to have you for all the years to come," Imogen choked out. "Can't I at least have this one last day?" After a long pause, Orson finally answered, "Alright." Imogen broke into a smile and threw herself into his arms. Through the narrow gap in the door, her smug gaze met Maude's. Maude's eyes gradually hardened, growing colder with every passing second. If Orson truly intended to skip tomorrow's wedding without a single word, did he ever pause to think about the anxiety it would cause her? Did he consider how she would explain his absence to his family and friends? No, Orson knew exactly what he was doing. However, for Imogen, none of that mattered. He was even ready to let Maude shoulder all the humiliation alone. At first, she had planned to send a mass message announcing the wedding's cancellation after she'd apologized to Rosamund. After five years together, she still wanted to protect whatever dignity Orson had left. Now, there was no reason to. Maude stepped outside and climbed into Rosamund's car. "Rosamund, I need your help with something." By 10:00 am the next day, Rosamund stood at the airport, tears welling in her eyes as she watched Maude leave. Before the plane lifted off, Orson's family group chat blew up with messages. "Orson's phone is off. What's going on, Maude? Where are you?" "All the guests have arrived. We're waiting for you two!" "Orson, the wedding's about to start. Please behave and don't get distracted by Maude's antics." "Maude, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?" Just as Maude had expected, Orson's family and friends had never truly accepted her. And now, all the blame was falling squarely on her shoulders. After exiting the group chat, she blocked everyone connected to Orson. She switched off her phone as the plane soared into the sky. Leaning back, Maude whispered under her breath, "Goodbye, Orson. Goodbye forever."