#Chapter 140: Mother’s Day

Agnes I burst onto the runway, my chest heaving as I screamed her name. “Thea!!” The music cut off abruptly, leaving a hollow silence that swallowed the venue. The crowd stared at first, but then their murmurs began to ripple through the air, glancing at each other in confusion. The models up ahead froze mid-stride, turning to face me, the little girls by their sides staring in shock. But I didn’t care about them, or the fucking show, or any of it. I only cared about her. “Thea!” I shouted again, rushing forward. My heels skidded on the polished wood surface of the runway, and I nearly stumbled, but I didn’t stop or slow down. I had to find her. My eyes darted to the front row, searching for Elijah—his seat was empty. The sight twisted my stomach, a cold dread settling in my stomach. Where was he? Where was she? “Theaaa!!” Elijah. I heard his voice echoing outside the main room. Without thinking, I leapt off the runway, landing ha