Semua Bab Traded For His First Love : Bab 171 - Bab 180

Reese POVThe train swayed gently as it cut through the English countryside, bringing us back from Bath to London. My head rested on Elliot’s shoulder, our hands intertwined, and the warmth of our weekend still seemed to pulse within me. Bath had been a dream—the thermal baths, the hand-in-hand walks, the candlelit dinner, the night in the bathtub, and the love we made, eyes locked, as if the world belonged only to us. Each moment reignited our love, sealing the promise that, this time, we’d get it right. But now, as London drew closer, my heart turned to Sammy and Avie. I missed my children, their laughter, their tight hugs, and I could hardly wait to see them.Elliot must have sensed my restlessness because he squeezed my hand and looked at me with a gentle smile. “Eager to see the kids?” he asked, his voice soft.“So much,” I admitted, smiling. “Bath was perfect, but… I miss them even being so close. Do you think they had fun with Alice and your mom?”He laughed, his green eyes sp

Josh POVThe hotel ballroom in Chicago shimmered with crystal chandeliers and white floral arrangements that probably cost more than most guests’ cars. The soft strains of an orchestra filled the air, but they couldn’t drown out the emptiness gnawing at me. My tie felt like a noose around my neck, and the champagne in my hand—the third, maybe fourth—was the only thing keeping me upright. I was at my own wedding reception, but it felt more like a funeral. Bethany, now officially my wife, stood across the room, surrounded by her friends, flashing that practiced smile she’d mastered. But her eyes, sharp as knives, never left me. I knew she’d come for me. She always did.And there she was, gliding across the floor in a wedding dress that likely cost a fortune, the train trailing behind her like she was the queen of a kingdom I never wanted to join. “What do you want now, my dearest wife?” I asked, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I raised my glass in a mocking toast. The champagne burne

Reese POVThe late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the sprawling grounds of the Goodwin mansion in London, its warmth softening the crisp autumn air. Life had taken on a rhythm I hadn’t felt in years—a quiet, joyful cadence woven from the laughter of my children, the steady presence of Elliot, and the comfort of being surrounded by family. Sammy and Avie were my anchors, their boundless energy filling the mansion with life, while Elliot, my husband once again, was the rock I hadn’t realized I’d been missing. After the whirlwind of our remarriage and the romantic escape to Bath, I was finally living my best days, savoring a happiness that felt both fragile and fiercely earned.That afternoon, Alice and I strolled along the edge of the lake on the estate, the water shimmering under the sunlight, reflecting the fiery hues of the turning leaves. Sammy and Avie played nearby, their giggles carrying on the breeze as they chased each other through the grass, Sammy wielding a stick lik

Alice POVThe Chicago skyline gleamed through the tall windows of my modest mansion, the morning sun bathing the dining room in a warm, golden light. I’d outdone myself with the brunch spread—crystal flutes sparkled with mimosas, a tiered stand showcased pastel macarons, and a platter overflowed with fresh croissants, berries, and smoked salmon. Every detail was perfect, but this wasn’t just about good food. Back in Chicago after my time in London, with my wedding to Connor on the horizon, I needed to reconnect with my local friends to fill the guest list. With Venus—Reese—now settled in London, building her life with Elliot and their kids, her absence left a void. She was my rock, my maid of honor, but Chicago was my home, and I had to make an effort to bring these women into my circle if I wanted my wedding to feel like a true celebration.I’d invited Nathalie, Andrew’s wife, whose cheerful demeanor could lighten any mood, and Bethany, Josh’s wife, though I wasn’t sure she’d show.

Alice POVThe Chicago evening was cool, the city’s lights twinkling through the windows of my mansion as I sprawled on the couch, a glass of red wine in hand and a scowl on my face. The brunch earlier had been a complete disaster, a fiery clash of egos and old grudges that left me questioning whether I’d have any friends at my wedding to Connor. Bethany’s venom, Roseanne’s delusions, and even Nathalie’s awkward silence had turned what was supposed to be a cheerful gathering into a battlefield. Worst of all, I missed Venus—Reese—so fiercely it ached. She’d know how to laugh off the drama or cut through it with her sharp wit, but she was in London, living her peaceful life with Elliot and the kids, and I was here, stewing in frustration.When Connor walked through the door, his tie loosened and his briefcase in hand, he took one look at me and raised an eyebrow. “Rough day, love?” he asked, his voice warm with that easy charm that always softened my edges.“Rough doesn’t even begin to