MasukMy boyfriend Ethan Carter always had an excuse for Ava Taylor, his childhood sweetheart. She'd lost her parents when she was young, so according to him, I should cut her some slack. If she called in the middle of a date, he'd leave without a second thought and abandon me at the table. When he got his first paycheck, he spent every penny on a gift for her. He didn't even think of getting me anything. When a hurricane hit, he rushed to Ava's side and stayed with her for days. He didn't remember I existed until the danger was over. That was my breaking point. I told him to choose: her or me. He didn't take me seriously. He just laughed and leaned in to kiss me. "Jealous, baby? There's nothing between me and Ava. I only help her because I feel bad for her. You've always had everything. Can't you be a little more understanding? I promise it won't happen again! You're the only one I love!" We'd been together for five years, from college right up to our wedding. In the end, I gave him one more chance. A week later, I showed up for our wedding and found Ava standing at the altar in my wedding dress. "Baby, Ava has dreamed about having the perfect wedding ever since she was a kid. Just let her have this one."
Lihat lebih banyak"Lucas, I think one of the children still hasn't arrived. You start class. I'll go check the road."Lucas Bennett hurried over."Two more people have been bitten by snakes lately. I'll go. You teach. You're better at it anyway."I tried to object, but he was already guiding me toward the classroom before heading off himself.I shook my head with a smile and went inside.I had originally gone to Northern Europe to clear my head.After traveling for a while, I got restless. I wanted to do something that mattered.That was when I ran into an old high school friend, Lucas.He had given up his place in the family business and joined an international aid organization.He invited me to join him as a volunteer teacher for children in underserved communities.So the two of us went to Africa first, then South America, and now Southeast Asia.After traveling thousands of miles, it felt like the whole world had opened up before me.And somehow, the bigger the world became, the smaller my old pain
Ava burst into wild laughter and threw herself at Ethan.He shoved her to the floor."Ava, what is wrong with you?""I went crazy years ago! I've stayed by your side all this time because you're the only man I've ever wanted!"And you, Ethan—are you really going to tell me you never noticed? That you didn't enjoy having me depend on you? Sophia and I were fighting over you. Don't tell me you didn't love every second of it!"You said our wedding was just make-believe. But when you stood beside me as the groom, are you saying you weren't happy at all? And now you're blaming me? How dare you?"Now that Ava had finally dropped the act, Ethan felt strangely calm.He knew he had been wrong. Terribly, horribly wrong.Ever since Ava's parents died in a crash ten years ago, he had pitied the girl he'd always thought of as a little sister.He had never imagined his pity would bring them here.His expression turned cold, as if Ava were nothing more than a stranger.Ava panicked. She had risked ev
"Sophia?"Ethan called out again and again.No one answered.His shoulders slumped.When he turned around, he saw a letter on the entryway table.Did Sophia leave this for me?He picked it up, puzzled.Ava stood behind him, secretly delighted.Then she saw the letter. Ava seemed to remember something, and her face drained of color.But it was too late.Ethan had already read every word."Ms. Taylor, the fake bipolar disorder report you ordered is ready. Why haven't you paid the rest of the money? Pay up, or I'll send the report to Mr. Carter."Ethan's hands began to shake.His eyes widened in disbelief.Rachel's words echoed through his head."There is nothing wrong with Ms. Taylor. I've practiced in this field for years and have never once heard of this doctor."The letter slipped from his fingers.Slowly, stiffly, he turned to look at Ava.Memories from the past five years flooded his mind.Rachel had been telling the truth.Ava was never sick.Every helpless act, every desperate ple
Rachel said pointedly, "Ms. Taylor showed me her Instagram earlier. That was quite a wedding.""That wedding was fake. Ava wanted a fantasy ceremony—just a game of make-believe. I have a real partner."Rachel raised an eyebrow."Then your partner is remarkably generous."Ethan was speechless.Rachel seemed to understand. A hint of amusement flashed in her eyes."Mr. Carter, has Ms. Taylor become more and more dependent on you over the years? And have you given in to her every time?"Ethan's heart sank.He couldn't help defending himself."We've known each other since childhood. We're as close as siblings, even if we aren't related by blood."Rachel gave a short laugh."And does your partner see it that way? Does anyone else see it that way? More importantly, does Ms. Taylor see it that way?"When she showed me those wedding photos, she looked every bit the happy bride."Ethan felt like he'd been struck by lightning.He stood abruptly and struggled to keep his voice calm."You've got it












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