The Past Is in the Past のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 9

My senior, Spencer Salter, spoke with excitement on the phone. He was thrilled that he was able to marry me. I used to feel the same way about my boyfriend, Zeke Pedersen.After confirming my relationship with Zeke and moving in together, I had eagerly looked forward to the day we would get married. I loved him deeply, but I also felt insecure.That was why I foolishly tried to bind him to me through marriage. That was why I insisted, over and over again, that we should get married.After rejecting me for the 99th time, he turned around and proposed to my best friend instead. Her victory made all my years of effort feel like a joke.As I leaned against the couch, silent tears streamed down my face.I remained slumped there until Zeke came home that evening. He pushed open the door, frowned at the mess, and scolded me, "Why is the house such a disaster? With the way you are, what man would want to marry you?"I slowly moved my gaze to him. I supposed time truly changed people.

When Zeke saw me, he sneered. "Heidi, are you that desperate? You're even following me to a restaurant now?"He handed me a coat. "This is Brooke's. Make sure you apologize to her properly later. As long as she forgives you, I'll let this go."I didn't take it. I just looked at him.Zeke was always busy with work. Getting him to have a meal with me used to require booking a date a month in advance.Even when we did go out, he was impatient and cold the entire time. When we left the restaurant in the past, he would never wait for me by the restroom, let alone carry my coat.He used to say, "Women are such a hassle", before walking straight to the parking lot. It was as if I were some virus he couldn't wait to escape from.Yet now, he stood there willingly, doing for Brooke what he had never been willing to do for me. I felt bitter, but I no longer wanted to dwell on it."I'm here because I have dinner plans with my friends," I explained calmly.Zeke didn't believe me. "Oh, come

Zeke's smug expression froze. "What did you just say?"I slid my fingers down Spencer's arm until our hands intertwined. Then, I smiled at him. "Let's go, Spencer. We still have a wedding to plan."Spencer, who had been tense, finally relaxed. "Alright."Just as we were about to leave, a strong force yanked my arm so hard that it felt like it might break. I turned my head and met Zeke's bloodshot eyes.He let out a low and bitter laugh before saying, "You're even resorting to a fake marriage now just to get back at me?"Fine! You win."Then, as if granting me some grand favor, he finally offered me what I had once longed for. "I'll marry you. Happy now?"How ridiculous. Just moments ago, he had been on one knee, proposing to Brooke. And now, he was saying he would marry me?His arrogance was nauseating. What made him think I would still want him?"Sorry, but I'm not someone who goes back on my word. I already accepted Spencer's proposal, and I intend to keep my promise."I th

Zeke's gaze lingered on me and Spencer, studying us with an unreadable expression. A silent battle unfolded between them, and the deciding power lay with me.I was fully aware of this, but instead of feeling triumphant, I found it ironic."Heidi, come here." The words were directed at me, but Zeke's eyes were locked onto Spencer.I felt Spencer tense beside me. Then, I leaned against him with a smile. "Mr. Pedersen, whatever you want to say, you can say it in front of my fiancé."I then wrapped my arm around Spencer's waist before adding, "There's nothing between us that needs to be kept secret.""'Fiancé'?" Zeke repeated the word through gritted teeth, his glare seething with anger. It was as if he would tear me apart if I didn't explain myself.I blinked innocently and smiled. "That's right. What's the problem? Spencer already proposed to me, which makes him my fiancé.""You have a fiancée, too, Mr. Pedersen. So, congratulations in advance on your wedding. If there's nothing e

The two of them instinctively looked at me at the mention of Brooke. I smiled indifferently, and they continued talking."Actually, when Zeke was with Heidi, he had already shown interest in Brooke multiple times. She knew Heidi liked him, yet she still pushed him toward her on purpose—like she was testing him. And guess what? He actually took the bait."None of us knew Zeke had feelings for Brooke. But everyone knew I had feelings for Zeke.Back when he confessed to me, I thought it was because he finally saw and was touched by my dedication. Looking back now, it was nothing more than part of his game with Brooke.Nonetheless, it was all in the past."Zeke Pedersen is trash—he deserves everything coming to him. But honestly, Brooke played her cards even dirtier."She always acted soft and innocent, but in reality, she was ambitious. She never thought Zeke was good enough for her, so she became a mistress for a rich man instead."But the guy's wife wasn't someone to mess with—sh