Chapter 4

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• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 10

  He kept going, voice cracking, "We were about to get our marriage license! How could you marry someone else?! We've been together for five years—you're really throwing that away? Why?!"I stayed calm. "Shouldn't I be the one asking that?"Why?"Why, after five years of me sticking by you, did you still cheat?"Why, on the day we were supposed to register, did you run off to take care of your secretary?"Why does someone who gave you a little blood suddenly matter more than the person who gave you everything?Each question hit harder than the last. His face went pale.I leaned into Leon's chest, steady and clear. "Leon loved me for three years. I kept turning him down because of YOU. That's my only regret. Now, I'm fixing it."Michael's eyes darted wildly, panic setting in hard.Then he rushed forward, jaw tight, eyes locked on mine. "Elsa, come on. Stop this. I know you're just mad. You misunderstood things with Kallie—I was just grateful to her. There was never anything—"He

• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 9

  When I pulled up to the airport, I spotted Leon right away by the entrance.Tall, built, suit on point, sunglasses in place—he had that calm, grown-up confidence that turned heads without even trying.Everything about him screamed the opposite of Michael.Michael was the reckless little brother. Leon? Cool, collected, and put-together.I didn't say a word. Just stood there until he noticed me.He walked over, grinning. "Seriously? You saw me and just stood there?"I smiled. "Didn't wanna yell for some hot guy and have people think I've lost it.""Can't blame you. I'm kind of a walking fantasy," he said, striking a fake model pose and flipping his hair like he was in a shampoo commercial.Then he glanced over, half-teasing. "Were you this smooth with Michael too?""Stop comparing yourself to him."I turned back toward the car, and he beat me to it—already opening the door like a total gentleman.On the drive home, Leon suddenly asked, "So... still not over Michael?"I kept m

• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 8

  I hung up after that last jab.Phone rang again almost immediately."What kind of thing is that to say?" Michael snapped. "You heard how bad she sounded—this was life or death!"I scoffed. "Oh really? What'd the doctor say?"He hesitated. Tone dropped. "Said she's weak. Needs rest and care...""Oh? So even if you hadn't rushed over, she'd still be breathing. Got it."Silence. Longer this time.Thirty full seconds before he finally said, "I—I just panicked, okay? That's why I—"I cut in. "No need to explain. I get it."Then added, "I left the wedding invite on the coffee table. If you've got time, stop by. You know the bride and groom. They're really looking forward to seeing you."He sounded a little relieved, slipping back into that casual tone. "I think I'll pass. Been super busy lately...""Whatever." I hung up.***On the ride home, Leon called. "My plane lands tomorrow. You ready?"Finally."Yeah. I'll send you the address later.""No need. Top-tier business family

• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 7

  So familiar.I just nodded and let out a quiet "Mm."Didn't stop him.Just opened the door and stepped out like I'd rehearsed it.Michael didn't hesitate either—hit the gas and vanished.I waited outside the County Clerk's Office the whole day, like I was waiting for some kind of answer.And weirdly? I felt calm.Like my phone—dead silent. Not a single buzz.Even when the office closed, he never came back.No call. No text. Nothing.I stretched, looked up at the sky, and told myself, 'See, Elsa? What a joke. Why were you even hoping?'***By the time I got home, it was past eight.My phone finally buzzed—but it wasn't Michael.It was Kallie.[Sorry, Elsa. My bad for ruining your big day. I just didn't think Michael would stay with me all day, even skipping the registration, just to comfort me.]She attached a photo.Her face was flushed, pressed against Michael's bare chest.Message received—loud and clear.Gotta admit, girl knew how to play dirty.I paused, then to

• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 6

  "Impossible!" Michael snapped, not even thinking.He slammed the brakes and turned to me, dead serious."Yeah, we've had a few rough patches, but this—us—it's not some random fling. We didn't happen by accident. I really believe what we have won't change."His little speech didn't warm my heart.It just made the bitterness hit harder.I used to believe it was real.Used to think he actually loved me.But that was a different lifetime.Now, his heart was wrapped around someone else—and it wasn't me.Didn't want to drag it out, so I just said, "Got it."Reached into the glove compartment for a water bottle—Out drops a half-used box of condoms.Silence.I held it up. "Not gonna explain?"Michael's eyes locked on the box.For a second—panic.Then he smoothed it over with that fake calm of his."Oh, that idiot Peter. He was in my car last time when we went to Kallie's birthday. Must've left his stuff behind. Totally forgot."I gave him a small smile and slid the box back

• Thanks for Not Showing Up   Chapter 5

  Leon called right on cue that night."Miss me, babe?""I did," I said, no hesitation. "Especially today.""For real?" he teased, like he didn't totally believe me."Totally.""Alright, I'll take your word for it."He sounded way too happy—it was kind of adorable."I already started planning the wedding," he said. "Once I'm back, we'll pick outfits and scout venues together, deal?""You don't have to worry about that," I said, flat. "My family's got it covered. We're doing it in my hometown. The wedding will be perfect—trust me."Before he could say anything else, Michael's voice cut in behind me, loud and shocked."A wedding? I told you we weren't having one. Your hometown? Since when did I agree to that? Why didn't you ask me first?"I set my phone down, cool as ever, and turned to him."I'm not marrying you. Why would I?""What do you mean, not marrying me?"His face twisted—confused, a little panicked.Honestly? I felt weirdly entertained.Like I'd let him in on the