Chapter 17

**FLASHBACK** Izaak froze in place. His whole body was petrified by the woman standing in front of him. The woman he was waiting for years to come back. She looked different than what he remembered. He remembered she glowed, and her eyes could enchant anyone. The woman in front of him was black and blue. She had a black eye and a swollen cheek that she failed to hide beneath her makeup. She also had bruises and scratches on her arms. She looked at him from head to foot. “God, you look amazing,” she genuinely said with a tearful smile. Izaak staggered on his steps, unable to process what was happening. He was in his groom suit, about to get married, and the mere appearance of the woman had him reconsidering all his decisions leading up to that day. He wanted to ask too many questions, but he couldn't gather the words. Este took one step closer to him, and in return, he stepped back. He was afraid he would ditch his own wedding if she touched him. “I missed you, Zak,” she softly murmured