Chapter: CHAPTER 18 The DressThe boutique smells like fresh fabric and has a faintly floral note.Soft music hums in the background as racks of white dresses surround me—lace, satin, tulle… all of it overwhelming.“I feel like I’ve walked into a cloud,” Ava mutters, running her fingers over a rack. “A very expensive cloud.”I let out a small laugh.Evelyn smiles warmly. “It does have that effect.”A consultant approaches us, all smiles and polished elegance.“Good afternoon. Are we here for the fitting?”“Yes,” Evelyn answers smoothly. “For Sydney.”The way she says my name makes something in my chest shift.The consultant turns to me. “Lovely. Do you have a style in mind?”I hesitate.“I… not really.”Ava snorts softly. “She’s been too busy being dragged into a marriage to plan aesthetics.”“Ava,” I hissed.“What?” she shrugs. “I’m just saying.”Evelyn chuckles lightly. “We're here to figure it out together,” she smiles reassuringly. I tried on the first dress and it was… a lot.It's a ball gown. Layers of tull
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-20
Chapter: CHAPTER 17 The Mom Effect“What’s going on here?”The voice is soft. Feminine.Not the deep baritone I was expecting.I use the distraction to yank my arm out of Bianca’s grip, swallowing my disappointment at who came to my rescue.Bianca’s expression shifts instantly.Her eyes gloss over, her face crumpling as if she’s on the verge of tears.“She attacked me!” she shrieks, pointing at me.Jane straightens, folding her arms, a deep frown settling on her face. She doesn’t look convinced.“She attacked you,” Jane repeats slowly, her gaze flicking between us, “yet her wrist is bleeding… and you’re the one with those claws?”Bianca stiffens.Jane takes a step forward, her voice dropping so low, firm, and controlled.“Look… if you don’t want to embarrass yourself further, I suggest you leave. Quietly.”A beat.“Or I’ll have security escort you out.”Bianca glares at her, fury flashing across her face. Then she turns sharply, her heels striking the floor as she storms out.Silence.Jane exhales.Then she turns to me
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-16
Chapter: CHAPTER 16 No escape“So when are you flying in, Mom?” I asked over the phone. “Erm… this is such a rush. I had things planned.” She says slowly, as she always does. “So you’re not coming?” I ask, a frown forming on my face as I brace for the worst.“Oh no, honey, I will,” she says finally then pauses. “Sydney….. not that I don’t support this union, but… isn’t this a bit rushed? Are you under duress?”For some reason, that puts a big smile on my face. This is the most reaction I’ve gotten from my mother in a while. She has always seemed like a brick—no emotions or whatsoever—so hearing concern in her voice feels… new.It feels good.“Oh mom, you’re worried!” I say, my voice lifting with surprise and affection.“Of course I am. I care about you. “Of course I am. I care about you,” she says quietly. “I know I don’t always show it well, but I do.”My chest tightens.“Well….. something is going on right now,” I say carefully. “That’s why we have to move things along.”Maybe I was expecting too much when I
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-04
Chapter: Author’s NoteHey, lovely readers. I’ve been working on this story for a while now, and it truly means so much to me to know that people are reading and connecting with it.I’d really love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Xavier, Sydney, Bianca—or even Kendrick (Drake)? 👀Let’s talk in the comments!Also, if you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to leave a rating—it really helps and means a lot to me as an author.Thank you so much for being here.
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-04
Chapter: CHAPTER 15 Three Weeks and Four Days“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Xavier says to me, reaching for my shaky hands. Xavier's parents rushed into the library. His mother immediately turns on Kendrick, scolding him, though she doesn’t hide her disappointment in Xavier for hitting his brother.His father says nothing.He simply stands there, staring ahead, his expression unreadable.I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand.Without a word, Xavier reaches for my hand and pulls me gently to my feet. His grip is firm, controlled.He leads me out.His jaw is tight, his expression hard. He’s trying to hold himself together.A few minutes later, we’re driving home in silence.Not just quiet—heavy, suffocating silence. Even the radio is off, leaving nothing to soften the tension between us.I stare out the window, exhausted, completely drained by everything the day has thrown at me. A dull headache begins to settle behind my eyes.When I can’t take the silence anymore, I lean forward and switch on the radio.The soft music fil
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-22
Chapter: CHAPTER 14 JerkI was utterly alone in the dining hall for the past 45 minutes. Xavier's parents and his sister left a while ago and I was here, sitting with my thoughts. His mom left a few minutes ago. I sat rigidly, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill. My mind raced as I tried to understand how my life had turned into such a mess. I never imagined that Drake was Xavier’s brother — Kendrick.What did he mean that we slept together? Why would he lie like that? We didn’t get to that point and he knew that. Why would he try to tarnish my image on purpose? The dining room doors burst open.Before I can process what’s happening, Drake—no, Kendrick—is in front of me. His fingers wrap around my wrist.“Drake?”“Where are you taking me?”He ignored me and continued pulling me away until he stopped at a door, then opened it, and on entering, I could see shelves of books, old and new—with the old, musty smell of books. The smell hits me first—dust and old paper.Shelves line t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-03-12
Masuk
