" Now , now , " Evangeline soothed , stepping closer to him . " It was Gemma's birthday that day . It's normal for her to be upset about being stood up . She's just throwing a little tantrum . " Her tone was gentle as she continued , " Let me call her and bring her back . Don't be 1/3 Chapter 9 +25 Bonus angry . We're all family , and harmony is key to happiness . " On the surface , Evangeline appeared to be speaking up for Gemma . In reality , she was trying to play up her understanding nature to highlight Gemma's supposed irrationality . After all , Murphy had left her , the bride , alone at the wedding to attend to work , yet she had not thrown a fit . She had even called him with kind reminders to take care of himself . Yet Gemma , whose only grievance was a missed birthday , had caused such a scene . The contrast was clear , and it did not take much to see who Murphy's sympathies would lean toward . Evangeline pulled out her phone and theatrically dialed Gemma's number . Then , she let out a puzzled , " Huh ? " Murphy frowned again . " What is it ? " Evangeline looked confused . " Did I dial the wrong number ? The automated message says the number isn't in service . I have Gemma's number saved . It always worked before . Why is it suddenly invalid now ? " A foreboding sense of unease crept into Murphy's chest . He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Gemma's number himself . The next moment , he was met with the cold , lifeless voice of an automated system saying , " The number you have dialed is no longer in service ... " Gemma only ever had one phone number . And now , it was disconnected . Evangeline , feigning concern , gasped and said tentatively , " Murphy ... could it be that Gemma ran away because she was angry ? " Murphy's expression turned stormy as he strode toward Gemma's room , kicking the door open with one swift motion . The once - cozy , girlish room was now completely barren . The gifts he had given her , the bunny plushie she clung to every night , and her 2/3 Chapter 9 collection of dolls - everything was gone . Even the bedsheets and pillows had vanished , leaving only the stark , empty bed frame behind . +25 Bonus Evangeline , who was trailing behind him , covered her mouth in exaggerated shock . " Where are all of Gemma's things ? Did she really run away ? " Supp