Chapter 7 The day after I accepted Lucian’s proposal, I stumbled upon him outside his office, offering empty comfort to a tearful Ophelia. “I don’t really love Savannah,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “She‘ s just clung to me like a lapdog for so long that I feel obligated to keep her quiet.” … Read more
Chapter 6 Two years ago, on an ordinary day that felt much like any other, Lucian had made a casual promise to find me a pair of crystal earrings worthy of formal occasions. Now, he had finally kept that promise. Unfortunately, the irony was not lost on me; I no longer needed them. “Savannah, aren’t … Read more
Chapter 5 I stole a glance at the landlord, who was anxiously hoping the sale wouldn’t slip through his fingers. Just as I was about to hang up, Lucian‘ s tone softened, drawing me back in. “Savannah,” he began, “I know you‘ re upset because I forgot your birthday. I admit that was my mistake. … Read more
Chapter 4 To be precise, I received a stream of messages, all echoing the same enthusiasm from various friends, [Oh my god, Savannah! Congratulations on your love finally crossing the finish line! I’ll absolutely be there for the wedding, and I’ll make sure to bring you a hefty red envelope!] [Savannah, sending heartfelt wishes for … Read more
Chapter 3 At the break of dawn, he appeared at my door, holding a thermos filled with food. “Savannah, I’ll be going abroad next week. I plan to take some time this Saturday to have dinner with your parents and talk about our wedding…” Before he could complete his thought, I interjected, “That’s not necessary.” … Read more
Chapter 2 Around noon at work, I headed to view an apartment when I stepped into the elevator and unexpectedly encountered Lucian and Ophelia. Her hair was tousled, and Lucian helped her gather it neatly. The moment Ophelia spotted me, she placed her hands on her hips, pouting dramatically. “Savannah, you‘ re just in time! … Read more
Chapter 1 As my asthma attack took hold, Lucian Hayes remained at the ballroom’s center, entwined with his secretary, laughing softly against her cheek. Even as I struggled for breath, slipping toward the edge of consciousness, he didn’t falter, lost in their whispered exchanges. On the drive home, I stumbled upon a diamond ring in … Read more
11 Things didn’t unfold the way Tiffany had envisioned, yet again. “How can you be so heartless?” I was at a loss for words. “What did you think I’d do? You think I’ll shed tears and then just forgive you? Keep dreaming. You’ll find all sorts of things in your dreams.” I maintained a safe … Read more
10 “It’s time you returned what my mother left to me after you hog it for so many years.” In a fit of rage, he swiped everything off his desk. “You ungrateful child!” I stood my ground, tipping the table over with a kick. “I’ve tolerated you for far too long!” Despite his long tenure … Read more
09 I had provoked him on purpose, knowing that a heated argument would give me the perfect excuse to storm out. In their minds, I was storming off, too upset to cause any real trouble. But unbeknownst to them, I had already extracted the audio from the voice recorder that night. Tiffany had handed me … Read more