LOGINAnd so, Edward's regretful confessions felt painfully out of place.His gaze burned into me as he said, "You can still get a divorce. Leave him, and we'll get married right away. I—"I cut him off. "Have you ever considered that…"You don't actually love me at all? You're just bitter and uncomfortable because I suddenly left you and married someone else. Even now, you're just trying to reclaim a toy you lost."I chuckled bitterly. "If you truly loved me, how could you have ignored the person you claim to love?"Edward staggered back as if he had just been hit, barely able to stand upright."If what you're saying is true, then I don't understand it, and I don't want your love anymore."Edward's pupils shook violently, his voice trembling as well. He fumbled for his phone, desperate to prove himself. "Alison, look. A year ago, I hired the world's top wedding dress designer to create your dress."On the screen were email exchanges between him and the designer from a year ago. He'd
Mom told Edward she understood that his rare visits and repeated wedding delays were because work had kept him swamped, that I had already explained this to my family on his behalf. And though he barely dropped by in person, he never skimped on gifts.As Mom recounted all of this, Edward couldn't bring himself to admit the truth. He knew full well I sent all those gifts in his name to preserve a favorable image of him in front of my relatives.He forced an awkward smile. "Mrs. Moore, actually…"The tall man hung his head low, looking like a lost child who'd done something wrong. "There were misunderstandings between Alison and me. I want to win her back."Mom's hand jolted, spilling the glass of water beside her. She grabbed some paper towels to mop up the mess, staring at the absorbed water until she composed herself. Finally, she answered awkwardly, "Ed, what are you saying? Alison is already married. They've gotten their marriage certificate and said their wedding vows. Don't
Edward spoke without mercy. "Stop saying things like that, and stop dropping hints that there's something going on between Jolene and me. We're just friends, nothing more."If you're so hung up on this supposed regret and unfulfilled wish, Charles, break up with Lynn, and you can be Jolene's boyfriend instead."Charles' breath hitched, his face darkening instantly. "Edward Colton, what the hell are you talking about?"Edward huffed. "What, you don't like hearing it when it's aimed at you?"Charles balled his fists and grabbed Edward by the collar. "Have you lost your mind? Of course, I don't like hearing that. I have a girlfriend that I love. Besides, I was never Jolene's ex, and I never act flirtatiously with her."But you? Now, you're offended? Who was the one always sharing everything with Jolene? Who always bent over backward to do what she wanted? Who kept pushing back their wedding date again and again just because Jolene said no?"We've been friends for years. We saw Jolen
"Edward, speaking without thinking only makes you look like an asshole. And Brandon is neither some random man nor the disgraceful man you described. He was my first love."We only reconnected privately after I ended things with you. Our relationship is normal. The term 'hookup' is more suitable to describe you and Jolene. I've said everything I need to. You can do whatever you want now. But you're not welcome here."I gestured for Brandon to take me away. But Edward blocked our path again, his eyes suddenly bloodshot. "Alison, I never agreed to break up, nor did I give you permission to marry someone else."I smiled faintly. It was as if I was facing a child throwing a tantrum to get their way. I said, "I don't need your permission. You were never qualified to be a boyfriend."Several people stepped in to escort Edward away.That night, we held a fireworks show. As bursts of color lit up the sky, Edward tilted his head to watch, listening to the cheerful chatter coming from the
"Edward, you're too busy with endless commitments. Marrying me or caring about how my family and I feel has never been your priority. I have no idea how much longer I'd have to wait for you to marry me. "I never saw the slightest willingness from you to settle down with me, and I can't force you to do something you don't want. "I've already asked you countless times, and I told you that I would get married on this date no matter what. You turned me down, and I accepted your rejection. That's all there is to it."Edward repeated my words in disbelief. "That's all there is to it? I thought you were just throwing a tantrum, and that we just needed some time to cool off. But now you're telling me this. Have our five years together meant absolutely nothing to you?"I had no desire to argue with him over who was right or wrong in our relationship. Baring all my old wounds wasn't an easy thing to do, but he clearly didn't seem to think so."Edward, I'm exhausted. For the past five year
Edward stepped out of the airport. The wait was longer than he had ever known, every emotion tangled up inside him, close to breaking point.Finally, his people tracked down the hotel where the wedding was being held.It was a small ceremony, attended only by close relatives and friends. By the time Edward arrived, the ceremony had already ended.My mom and grandmother spotted him first. Mom nervously smoothed her hair. She had never been particularly close to Edward, after all. "Ed, you've come too? Oh, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be here."This is the first time I've seen you since you and Ally broke up. There were some things I never got the chance to say to you back then. Parents try not to meddle in their kids' affairs. If Ally ever did you wrong in any way, please forgive her."Edward gulped, his voice slow and strained as he spoke. "Mrs. Moore, Alison told you we broke up?"Mom was taken aback by his question."Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Moore Senio







