I hate when someone tells me not to worry! I want to say this aloud, but I'd rather not start an argument. My head and chest hurt. So, I don't have it in me to bicker. I nod. "I need aspirin." 

"Come out and mingle, don't hide. Your mom will have a heart attack. Let's keep to the schedule, it'll ease your mind."

"I'm not sure about the wedding..."

"Either if you say no...you'll still be on the radar. These people won't care."

These people? What does he mean? Is there more than one person after me??My thoughts make my head pound harder. I focus on getting out of the room rather than trying to figure out what he means. "I'll be out in a bit."

"Alright." Dad opens the door. 

I expect to see Lil and Mom, but they're gone. Did they not listen at the door? I would have. I shower and wash my face. My eyes are so red. The bags under them are shocking. I apply concealer and foundation to hide the darkness and then use eye drops. I choose a jogger set from the walk-in closet. It's an oversized look, I don't mind the hanging fabric. It's comfortable. I tie my hair into a pony and take a big huff before exiting the room.  

I go to the kitchen for aspirin and soda. Strawberry Sprite. I drink and swallow the medicine.  

"Oh, you're up?" Lil comes to sit at the bar.

"Yeah...sorry, I needed a moment."

"I'm glad you're better."

I join her, choosing the bar stool beside hers. "I need help," I speak hushedly.

"With what?"

It's better to tell her than my mom. Dad wasn't joking, she'd get worked up and hysterical. A heart attack is a possibility. "I don't think I can go through with the wedding."

Lil inhales sharply. "Oh, no! Why?"

"It's...complicated. There's just a lot more to Jace than I thought."

"I'm lost...what exactly is it?" Her honey eyes bounce between mine.

"Jace told me before that there were people out to harm him. He said it was business related."

"I heard about that online. It's no secret that he's a target."

"His family was almost killed." The sight of the knife flickers in my eyes. I sense my skin losing blood circulation. A numb sensation rushes my veins.

"Maddy? Are you sick?" She reaches to hold my hand. "You're freezing!" Lil rubs her palms against mine for warmth.

"I'm scared..." My eyes flood.

"You'll be okay, Jace's family is still alive. He has the same protection as the president. I doubt any of us are in trouble."

"What if we are?"

Lil gives a calming smile. "Stop stressing. You're overthinking. This might be cold feet before the wedding. It's normal." Is she right? Then again...the knife was so close. The actress was well-trained.

"Madison!" My mom hugs me from behind. "Your dad told me he fixed everything. I'm glad." She takes a seat. "You don't have to tell me now...I'll wait until you're better."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Now, let's keep the good times rolling. Us three will have to handle the destination since Jess is busy."

"Busy?" I wonder.

"Yes, she's styling my dress for the wedding to fit my era. 1980s with a modern twist. I gave her my prom picture for reference."

"My artist is in paradise; she hasn't left the mall. Should I be concerned?" Lil cracks.

"Maybe a little." I muster enough energy to play along.

"This island is so beautiful! I don't see how we'll ever choose a location." My mom is through the roof with joy. She's trying to lift my mood. Parents must do this a lot with a depressed child.

"Let's narrow it down, shall we?" I give in to her positivity...although I'm still pondering what to do. I think dad is right. If I go forward or forfeit the wedding, the outcome will still be the same. This is a tough spot. I think it's selfish to have my family pack up and leave because I chose to stay with Jace. Their lives will never be the same. 

Us three explore the island. I forgot how massive the forest was. Of course, we have drones leading us, so we won't get lost. Mom finds a spot in the woods. An open meadow with a trimmed tree line. The ground is too muddy, though. "We could add planks to the ground." She suggests. 

"I'll put it on the list." Lil copies the location from Apple Maps and pastes it to her notepad.

There's another in the forest. A place surrounded by trees with hanging vines. I think they're weeping willows. It's so ethereal. I never thought droopy trees would be so dazzling. The next area is a long strip on the beach, perfect for a ceremony. Leveled ground. Shaded from the sun. Caged in by colorful flowers. "Oh, I like this one!" Mom claps. "It's far enough from the ocean to keep everyone dry. Imagine the sunset!" I giggle at her hyperness. 

Lil adds the destination to the list. A monstrous gazebo goes onto the list as well. It stretches hundreds of feet. The domed roof, wooden beams, and chiseled archways are fabulous. "This can work for the ceremony." Lil nudges me. "Fancy fancy."

Nighttime arrives. The drones light us a path so we can see. There's a raised cliff. I spot the silhouette through the moonlight. I point it out. "We can try that one tomorrow."

"Oh wow, good catch." Lil tracks the coordinates into her notes.

I lay in bed holding my phone. Waiting for Jace to call or text. He hasn't communicated with me since I flew off...and he doesn't for the rest of the night. 

In the morning, we find a stairway leading up to the cliff. It has railings...meaning it was built into the side of the mountain. The incline is steep, and the wind is hostile. My baggy clothes ripple in the wind. I'm glad my hair is up, or it'll be flying in every direction.  

Up top isn't as spacious as I thought it would be. It's pretty narrow and tight. "If only it were big enough." Mom ticks her tongue. "The view is to die for." We look out onto the ocean. It's so high up that the stone is an optical illusion. The stone seems to be one with the sea. An extension of the thrashing water. 

Once again, we search on. It seems our options are limited. Either that or we need to get airborne and fly to cover more ground. There has to be a destination here that's fit for a wedding. The ones on the list are nice...but none of them scream yes. None of them feel like destiny. That's how it should be. The same way I fell in love with my dress...and my dream ring. I need to love the destination...not like it.  

My mom picks up on my mood. "We'll find the right one."

"Yeah, we have a week...well, actually 6 days excluding the wedding day," Lil says.

"Wow, 6 days!" Mom is dumbfounded.

Wow, is right. That's so soon. And still, I'm not entirely on board with walking down the aisle. I'm stuck. The best way to find an answer is for me to come to terms with everything. My dad spoke sense into me. Whatever I choose will have the same impact on us.  

I love Jace. But I'm still tangled. The answer isn't clear yet. Only Dad knows the truth. Mom, Lil, and Jess won't take well to being exiled from America. I have to inform them. My biggest challenge is them wanting to leave willingly, not because they want to make me happy.   

I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see the metal blade rushing at my chest. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Too afraid to close my eyes. I'm too unhinged to sleep. I get out of bed to make strong coffee. Double shot expresso. As I drink, the count down dawns on me again. I have 6 days to make up my mind. Do I cancel? Or go ahead with the wedding?   

"Morning, sweetie." Mom beams at me.

"Morning." My voice is flat, it gives away my sadness.

She analyzes me; her smile droops into a frown. "I thought you'd be happier. I know yesterday was hectic, but was it that bad?"

I drink my coffee. How do I tell my mom we're trapped on the island and can't go home? I wish Dad had told her so I wouldn't have to. "You should talk to Dad...he's better at explaining it than I am."

"I tried; he won't budge." I'm guessing it's not easy for him. I have to put myself in his perspective. Dad is struggling to tell her the truth just as much as me. He's hiding the bad news from his wife. Just as Jace did with me. I guess men naturally shield women. "Do I have to call Jace to get an answer?" She places her hands on her hips. 

"No...I'll tell you...I'm just trying to find a way to word it." I set the cup down and sigh.

"Well, that's a start."

"It is..."I'll have to ask Dad to help me. He'll have to explain what he meant by "these people".

JACE

She's out and about. That's good. Paul's talk seemed to have fixed things. I wish I knew how to do that. I have no clue what to do to bring her back to life. I've never had to heal a woman before. I'll have to learn how. We'll be husband and wife soon.   

Although I have my doubts. I was sure she'd leave me. Instead, Madi's been scoping out a destination for the wedding. Her father has been updating me. I believe my darling will say yes. I want to ask if she will, but Madi still needs space. I won't bug her. Well, talk when she's ready.    

I watch the clear sky from the jet windows. Today I'll be flying to Brazil to aid with starvation. Of course, this act of kindness will be publicized. 

Velma: Madison has to accompany you. Where is she?

Me: She won't be accompanying me, she's resting.

Velma: Resting? You can't be serious, Jace. Madison can't afford to go AWOL. She has obligations!

I lock my phone and power it off. I don't have time for this. Velma is being inconsiderate. Madi had a traumatic experience yesterday. This woman doesn't have an ounce of empathy. 

The jet lands on an airline strip beside my hope vessels. Navy ship-sized drones stacked with essentials. Water. Grains. Beans. Fruits. Vegetables. Medicine, clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Coloring books. Toys. Baby food, formula, diapers, bassinets. Each is packed in large crates covered in plastic wrap. 

I step aboard one of the drone ships. The five vessels are synchronized to move as one. No captains. Artificial intelligence will be steering me to South America.

I'm not completely alone. The mafia is still a predator. I hired a hundred more men. 50 are with me. The rest are being flown to Alodia by Alonso. He said he's fine...and that he's had worse injuries. A blade through the arm didn't incapacitate him.  

Alonso was quick to start physical therapy and ingest healing herbs. The man is incredible. He had no fear...no hesitation. If only I'd had done the same. I was a deer caught in headlights. I could've saved her...instead, my bodyguard did. I'm less of a man because of that. I let her down. My baby has to be thinking the same.  

The sea drones sail the Pacific Ocean. The ships cast a wake vortex upon the water. This distracts me. The sharp ripples. The pattern each makes around the bottom of the boats. The sea water vibrates random designs. I'm hypnotized. I daze off. Our wedding song sounds in my mind. A breathtaking cover of Unchained Melody. One of the best love songs ever recorded.  

I played the instrumental for Madison when she was in the coma. It grounded me...reassured me that we'd be together. Hopefully, the song will unite us again. 

She needs to hear it. The lyrics are destined for our story. The music calls our names...and summons our souls. Even the mention of time going by so slowly...the seconds drag when she's away. It's torture. The opening lyrics haunt me:  

Woah, my love, my darling.

I've hungered for your touch.

A long, lonely time.

And time goes by so slowly.

And time can do so much.

Are you still mine?

I need your love.

God speed your love to me.

I'm dying for her. My body...my soul, my heart. If only I could speed up time. 6 days is too far. 

The ships dock in Brazil. This country has 125 million residents, 58% of the population faces food insecurity. The beach is filled with starving residents. Infants, children, women, men, and elderly. Their famine-riddled bodies would horrify others. But I'm used to the bony limbs and exposed ribcages. 

Cameramen and photographers un-board one of the ships. Velma's crew. The crates are risen from the floor of the boats by smart bots. Each transports the supplies onto the beach. Their metal-hoofed feet stomp down the bridge like odd dinosaurs. 

I use my phone to order the bots to unwrap the toys first. The children race to the crate, full of glee and laughter. Fantasy costumes. Teddy bears. Barbie dolls. Frisbees. Light up swords. Play cars. Bubble machines. Magical Misting Crystal Balls. Remote-controlled robots. Cooking play sets. Pogo Jumpers. Karaoke Microphones.  

My heart grows at the sight of their goofiness. The silly singing and dancing. The delighted expressions. How they play dress up and bring their imagination to life. 

The mothers feed their infants, crying tears of joy. The elderly collect prescription medicine. Others sort through clothing to replace the rags they wear. The flashing camera captures candid moments full of bliss and gratefulness. I smile, loving the change I've brought to this land.  

There are enough supplies on these 6 vessels to halt starvation for 10 years. These children won't starve again. That's the most important thing. Children are the future; their upbringing is vital. A child that wants for nothing is happy. Mine will be the same...only twice as spoiled. Maybe five times more spoiled. They'll be rotten because of me. 

Madi will most likely ground them in reality while I give them a fantasy world. I recall how comfortable she was with the kids at the shelter. How they gravitated to her. She'll be a wonderful mother. 

I get a text: Paul: I told Madison the truth...we're telling the others tonight.

Me: Keep me updated.

I stay in Brazil until sundown. The thrilled children rip and run the entire shoreline. Their energy is insane. They'll be exhausted tonight. I board the ship, waving a farewell to the vast crowd. 

An explosion of cheers erupt the entire beach. The kids chase after the ships as they sail off.

"Fireworks! Fireworks! Fireworks!" The little ones scream to the top of their lungs flapping their arms wildly. I cheese at how demanding they are. I use my phone to command the fleet of five ships to eject fireworks. Every color possible blasts the sky. The kids jump like drunken bunnies, reaching for the sky as the fireworks pop.

I'm reminded of Madison's hilarious hopping. I adore how childish she is. I miss her. I wave until the people on the beach are nothing but dots. The fireworks burst in the sky until the land is completely out of sight. I get a call. 

It's probably Alonso or Paul. I'm shocked to see that it's my mother. Why is she calling? I answer. "Why are there guards at the hotel??"

"For precaution."

"Is it the Bacia family?"

"Yes."

"You should have told us sooner!" Her high and mighty tone irks me.

"There's a lot going on..."

"What are we supposed to do? We're booked at the Hilton all month! We can't enjoy our stay if we're accompanied by your men in black!"

"I'll reimburse the expenses. You all need to come to Alodia."

"Nice try...but no, we're not attending the wedding."

"I'm not trying anything. The US isn't safe."

"Will we have the island to ourselves?"

This snarky comment is felt in my bones. She's not even trying to compromise. How can she be this cruel? Why am I letting her?? I can't play nice anymore.

"No, you won't! Either you stay at Alodia or go home to Singapore. It's your choice. I'm done with the games. I gave you time to accept the wedding. It's not a phase. I love Madison. If you want to lose your son over nonsense, go ahead. I'll never speak to you or them again. You won't be my mother...you'll be nothing!" I say through gritted teeth. The line is silent. She knows I mean it. I'll block all of their numbers and erase them from my life. Sometimes the family you receive isn't the one you deserve. 

I make out sniffling. She's crying. "We'll fly to Alodia."

MADISON

Dad and I stand before Mom, Lil, and Jess. They're seated on a sofa. We thought that'd be best if they sat down, in case this is too much for them to handle. I can't believe I'm about to say the word Mafia. Dad filled me in. He had to. I knew there was something more. I pressed him about what he meant by "these people." 

I can't be scared of the truth. Nor can I change it. I have to adapt. I can't give up on love. I can't leave Jace. I mean the world to him...he'd break into pieces if I left. He may even go back to therapy. I can't cause his downfall...or mine. We can't live without each other. Destiny always brings us back together. 

I prepare to share the truth about yesterday. I push myself to be blunt. "I locked myself in the room yesterday because a woman tried to kill me." My breaths catch in my throat. "I was almost stabbed to death...." 

Mom screams, holding a hand to her mouth. Lil goes as still as stone. I hear her hyperventilating. The sound crushes me. Jess claws at the sofa so hard that her nails imprint on the fabric. Her breathing is labored too. Mom doesn't blink....or breathe. Dad goes to calm her. "It's alright...breathe."

"IT'S NOT ALRIGHT, PAUL! DID YOU HEAR WHAT OUR DAUGHTER JUST SAID??!!!"

"Yes...but it's not as bad as it sounds."

"NOT AS BAD!!! Someone tried to kill her!!" Mom rages at him.

"I know...I know."

"Why would someone try to kill our baby??!"

Dad caresses her hands. "Please let Madison finish." He uses a pacifying tone. Mom listens.

"Alonso stopped the knife." I omit saying how close it got. Dad and I agreed not to reveal that part. "It was scary...but I made it out unharmed. Jace gave me the choice to leave..." I expect questions, but everyone on the sofa is speechless. Motionless. So, I continue. "He offered that choice for a reason. This is only the beginning. The Mafia is involved....it seems they ordered a hit on me." 

"MAFIA???!!" Mom yells hoarsely.

"THERE WAS A HIT PUT OUT ON YOU?!!!" Lil exclaims.

"Yes..."

"This is unbelievable! Why are they after you??!" Lil frets.

"To threaten Jace."

My dad eyes Lil. "It's their way of intimidating him to leave the Tech Industry."

"Meaning this isn't just about me anymore. It's life or death ...for all of us." I swallow hard, knowing the difficult part is coming. "Jace's family lived through this...they left America to stay alive. That's a solution. The only problem is I can't expect you guys to be on board. You'd have to flee America." I wait for their responses. The room goes dead silent. I eye dad. He surveys them the same as I do. I think the shock has paralyzed them. I sense stress and anxiety. 

I know this is a lot to process.

So, I stay quiet. I follow my dad's lead and go to console Lil and Jess. I bend before the couch to hold their hands.

Lily's caramel eyes are dull and frozen on the floor. Jess lets out long, edgy breaths. "Give them a few minutes," Dad says, levelheaded. 

I'm scared of the silence. I can't imagine how fast their minds are speeding right now. Not only did they discover that I was nearly killed...they're also dealing with being on a death list. Mom is tearful. "So...we can never go home?" 

My dad gives her a heartfelt glance. "No, we can't. We'll have to stay here until further notice."

"But I can't leave everything behind. My fashion business is set in America...I can't lose that...or my clients." Jess speaks in a distraught whisper.

"I'm so sorry Jess..." I emphasize. "I'm sure we can work something out."

"I don't know..." Jess's nerves spike her voice to a higher octave. "My shop isn't here...everything I need is at home."

"We'll figure it out," Dad eases her.

Lil is still white as a ghost; she attempts to give me a grin, but it's shaky. "We'll...get through this."

Mom is still sappy over leaving our family home forever. "I'm not sure about this..." She locks eyes with me. "I don't want you...or any of us to get hurt. Are you sure about the wedding, Madison?" 

"I'm still trying to figure it out."

"Jace gave you a way out for a reason. The mafia isn't something to play with. I know you want us to support you...but this can end very badly." 

Mom is right. I've never been involved with the mafia. I've only ever witnessed them in documentaries and TV shows. All I know is what's on the screen. If that's anywhere near the truth...then life as I know it will change forever. The ruthlessness. The deadly tactics. The lack of a heart when it comes to killing.  

The spies they plant to sabotage the enemy. The brutal force towards families...including children. Especially unborn children. Am I strong enough to take on that life? 

An eerie silence condemns the rest of the night. I'm aware that the dilemma is being discussed behind doors. As expected, I'm relieved that the tough part is over. I think they held back their true frustration for my sake. Especially mom and Lily. There wasn't enough pushback. 

I was prepared for a huge argument. Maybe that reaction is delayed...sometimes people don't blow up right off. They're processing everything. The hysteria is bound to come later.

I locate the same bridge I ran to after Brad texted me. I sit in the middle and watch the half-moon in the sky. My mind is burdened. 

So far Mom and Jess are on the fence. Both are worried about their home life. Jess would be sacrificing her stylist career because of me. I know it's her passion. Her entire client list took years to build. She meets face-to-face with each one. I could suggest virtual appointments as a solution. But why should she have to change everything to suit me? I told dad this would be selfish. It is. 

Lil supported me because she'll have my back through whatever. But if it unravels her girlfriend's life...will she still be on my side? I'm not the only thing connecting her to America. Jess is her other half. If there were a fallout....if Jess decided not to flee the US. Would Lil go along with her? 

I would want her to follow her heart....but I'd stress about her safety. And my mom's. I sigh deeply. Maybe Dad can persuade her as he did me. I'll have to leave that to him. I can't control anything. Or anyone. All I can do is determine my future. 

The headache returns. I close my eyes and press my fingers into my temples. I let my thoughts die. The soundscape of the island take me away. The rustling river. The wavering trees. The delicate wind. I zone out on the appeasing noises.