A whole 5

Chapter 3 Easton stood frozen, like his feet were cemented to the ground. “What did you say? That’s impossible!” He suddenly rushed over and yanked the display board from the floor, his hands trembling slightly. “Did you make this yourself? Did you put it here on purpose?” After staring at it for a long while, he snapped back to his senses and gave me a thumbs–up. “Wow, Wanda, you really came prepared! I underestimated you! So what else do you have planned? Let’s see it all!” His friends behind him looked hesitant. “Easton, the display board is at the entrance. Could it actually be real?” “Yeah, is today seriously Wanda’s wedding?” Easton laughed it off. “Look at her. Who in their right mind would actually marry her?” His friend quickly agreed. “Right? What kind of rich guy would ever go for someone like her?” Tina was still frozen in shock, muttering to herself, “How could it be Gavin Hackett? That’s impossible!” A low, magnetic voice cut through the crowd. “Wanda, what are you waiting for? Come up here.” The man standing onstage smiled at me warmly and held out his hand. Dressed in a black tuxedo, he made the dazzling stage look dull by comparison. Tony, who had mocked me, gaped. “Wow! Wanda, you really splurged this time. You hired 1/4 Chapter 3 an actor that handsome? Not bad. He’s on par with Easton- +25 Bonus But before he could finish his sentence, Tina spoke in a trembling voice. “Mr… Mr. Hackett? Is it really you?” Tina worked for one of Gavin’s business partners. She was always throwing herself at him, enamored by his wealth and looks. When she heard he was getting married, she dragged a whole group over just to cause a scene.

A whole 4

and looked her straight in the eye. “This isn’t rented. My husband bought me both the dress and the ring.” Easton burst out laughing. “You’re unbelievable, Wanda. You should write fiction. I’d actually marry you if that were true!” His friends joined in, raising their voices on purpose. “Yeah, didn’t you say today was your … Read more

A whole 3

Chapter 2 Author: Perfect Timing Tina suddenly grabbed my hand. “Wanda, this diamond ring is huge!”  Easton glanced at it and scoffed. “She probably bought it off some bargain app. Synthetic diamonds are dirt cheap these days.” One of his friends, Tony Spencer, chimed in, grinning widely. “Exactly, Wanda, don’t be so vain. If you’re so … Read more

Last Breath CH 20

95.00%  Chapter20  In the countless days Julian Lancaster spent silently watching over Charlotte Wynn from afar, he  often asked himself the same question:  Should I just take her away?  Keep her by my side, by force, if I have to?  Maybe she’d hate him.  Maybe she’d curse him.  But at least she would be his.  … Read more

Last Breath CH 19

Chapter19  After Julian Lancaster left for good, Logan Westwood made sure Charlotte had no other injuries before carrying her back to her room.  He gently laid her down, tucked the blanket around her, then sat beside her bed as usual, picking up the half–read book on her nightstand and reading softly to lull her to … Read more

Last Breath CH 18

Chapter18  The past and present collided in the blaze, and panic surged through Julian Lancaster like a tidal  wave.  Charlotte…  “Charlotte!”  He shoved aside the burning beam in front of him like a madman.  Flames licked his palms until they were raw and bloodied, but he didn’t feel a thing. He bolted out of  the … Read more

Last Breath CH 17

Chapter17  Julian Lancaster instinctively reached out, trying to grasp Charlotte’s wrist.  “Charlotte, you’re just saying that to hurt me, right?”  “You’re angry that I chose Bianca when I lost my memory. Angry that I accused you… hurt you. So  now you’re saying these things on purpose to get back at me. You want me to … Read more

Last Breath CH 16

Chapter16  Charlotte Wynn was immersed in hope overseas. Back in Northbridge, however, Julian remained mired in grief.  When Bianca Sterling stepped into the Lancaster estate, she found Julian Lancaster sitting quietly on the swing in the courtyard, hunched over, meticulously carving a small block of wood.  Northbridge had just seen its first snow.  The clouds … Read more

Last Breath CH 15

Chapter15  Charlotte Wynn had no idea what kind of storm was unraveling back home.  All she felt was a strange shift in her heart, subtle and slow, as Logan Westwood continued to stay  by her side day after day.  The villa had smart temperature control, warm and comfortable no matter how much she moved  around … Read more

Last Breath CH 14

Chapter14  Julian Lancaster could hardly believe his ears.  His voice came out raspy and hollow, as if he were trying to convince himself.  “That’s impossible…”  “Charlotte promised she’d marry me. She said we’d be together forever. There’s no way she would  leave…”  His hand clenched the doorframe so tightly, it was as if he might … Read more