Booked to Disappear Chapter 03

Booked to Disappear Chapter 03

I stare at the message on my screen and almost laugh.

I’d never once said I was going on the trip, yet they’d already made the decision for me and were now acting like I was the one ruining everything.

I reply without hesitation.

“You said from the beginning that this trip was completely voluntary. I’m choosing not to go. End of discussion.”

The moment I send the message, I leave the group chat.

The next day, Tiffany arrives at the travel agency as planned. My mom and I greet her personally.

“The $8,999 package includes round-trip airfare, visa processing, multilingual tour guides, hotels, meals, and visits to most of Europe’s must-see attractions,” I explain. “You won’t have to worry about a thing. Just follow the guide and enjoy the trip.”

As Tiffany flips through the materials we’ve prepared, her eyes light up.

The last page contains genuine reviews from previous customers. Almost all of them are positive.

The few negative comments aren’t really about our agency. They’re the kind of issues that come with almost any group tour.

I send her the digital version, and she immediately shares it in her group chat.

Within seconds, her phone starts buzzing nonstop.

“This is great! Everyone in my class wants to go. They’re ready to pay right away!”

My mom and I exchange a smile before taking out a stack of parental consent forms.

Most freshmen are already eighteen, but since their parents are still paying for the trip, we need their approval before collecting any money.

Tiffany takes the forms with her, promising to return in three days with both the signed consent forms and the deposits.

I walk her to the door.

In the distance, I spot a familiar figure.

Gavin walks straight toward me, his face full of excitement.

“Sarah just told me some good news. Since the travel agency got such a big booking from our major, they decided to give us one free spot. Everyone agreed to give it to you. You don’t have to pay a penny now.”

I honestly can’t figure out why they’re so determined to make me go.

At this point, I can’t help wondering if there’s something else going on that I don’t know about.

My voice turns icy.

“I don’t want it. I’m not going on that tour, so stop wasting your time.”

Gavin’s face darkens.

“Why are you so ungrateful? Sarah’s just trying to save everyone money. She’s nothing like you, willing to sacrifice your conscience just to make a profit. You should be grateful you get to travel around Europe for free.”

I’ve never cared about saving $3,999.

The reason I’m not going is much simpler.

I don’t want to die.

Once we’re overseas, so far from home, who can guarantee my safety?

I look him straight in the eye.

“Your parents don’t know you’re going to Europe, do they? Stop bothering me. Otherwise, I’ll tell them you’re signing up for a dirt-cheap tour.”

It’s not like Gavin’s family can’t afford a proper trip.

He’s their only child. If his parents find out he’s joining a bargain-basement tour like this, there’s no way they’ll approve.

Sure enough, the moment I finish speaking, he falls silent.

After a long pause, he grits his teeth.

“Hannah… you win. Just wait.”

After Gavin leaves, Tiffany looks at me curiously.

“Why aren’t you going with them?”

“They found a tour online for $3,999,” I say flatly. “I’m afraid of dying, so I’m staying far away from it.”

Tiffany bursts into laughter.

“$3,999? There’s definitely a catch. They’ll probably force everyone to shop. Once they confiscate your passports, you’ll be completely trapped. They’ve got some nerve signing up for that.”

I don’t say a word.

Forced shopping isn’t what scares me.

What’s truly terrifying is that the people behind that tour aren’t after their money.

They’re after their lives.