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Chapter 6

Author: Peary Peary
The moment Lucas spoke, memories slammed into me like a tidal wave—being thrown out of the wedding, humiliated and shamed, the sting of his slap, the burning pain across my face.

My face drained of color. I instinctively clutched Landon’s hand.

My legs felt like they were filled with lead. I couldn’t move—only watch as Lucas closed in, step by step.

“I realized the Stone family had lied to me after reading your message. That wedding should never have happened. I confronted your parents with the photo, and when they couldn’t hide it anymore, they admitted the truth. Quincy’s heart condition is congenital. She never attempted extreme activities, let alone saved me in that avalanche.

“I targeted the wrong person from the start.”

Lucas’s voice was hoarse.

A year apart had hollowed him out. He was thinner, almost gaunt. Red veins streaked his eyes; stubble shadowed his jaw. I barely recognized him.

He grabbed my wrist. His cold fingers made me flinch.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
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    A year later, Landon finally proposed.Even though we knew each other inside and out, the moment still hit me hard. Tears welled up and slipped free before I could stop them.Landon knelt on one knee, hands trembling as he held the ring.“Layla, from this day on, I want to spend every single day with you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.”I extended my hand, and he gently slid the ring onto my finger.On our wedding day, my mentor smiled warmly.“When you took that leave of absence, I saw right through Landon. He couldn’t focus on anything else. Sure enough, he applied to the nature reserve—obviously for you.“Seeing you two married fills my heart with joy. You’re both wonderful. Cherish each moment together… Oh, and I’ve saved a spot for you as a doctoral student, Layla. You’re brilliant, diligent, and have a true gift for research. Please, think about it seriously.”Her tone was solemn. I looked at her with deep gratitude and took her hand.“Thank you.”The we

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    I’d already made my position clear that day. I thought Lucas would take the hint and leave.To my disbelief, he stayed outside the institute for the next ten days.A senior colleague asked if someone was bothering me and offered to help.I glanced at Lucas’s thin, stubborn silhouette and declined.Sometimes, I truly couldn’t understand what went on in Lucas’s mind.When he was with Quincy, he treated her like fragile, precious porcelain, terrified she might break. He would have given her the world just to make her smile.Yet once her lies were exposed, he severed every tie without hesitation. Years of affection vanished in a heartbeat, leaving him cold, as if he had never loved her at all.That kind of sincerity… That kind of love… It was poison sweetened with honey.I intended to ignore Lucas until his mind cooled, and he left on his own. So, I set off alone into the mountains on a mission. I never expected him to follow me.When heavy snow suddenly came down in the mou

  • Better Tides Than Love Turned Hate   Chapter 6

    The moment Lucas spoke, memories slammed into me like a tidal wave—being thrown out of the wedding, humiliated and shamed, the sting of his slap, the burning pain across my face.My face drained of color. I instinctively clutched Landon’s hand.My legs felt like they were filled with lead. I couldn’t move—only watch as Lucas closed in, step by step.“I realized the Stone family had lied to me after reading your message. That wedding should never have happened. I confronted your parents with the photo, and when they couldn’t hide it anymore, they admitted the truth. Quincy’s heart condition is congenital. She never attempted extreme activities, let alone saved me in that avalanche.“I targeted the wrong person from the start.”Lucas’s voice was hoarse.A year apart had hollowed him out. He was thinner, almost gaunt. Red veins streaked his eyes; stubble shadowed his jaw. I barely recognized him.He grabbed my wrist. His cold fingers made me flinch.“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?

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