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All Chapters of Gone With the Secret: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

8 Chapters

Chapter 1

My sister, Yvette Smith, texted me a photo of some guy she wanted me to meet. I barely gave it a glance before closing the message.I texted her back.[Sure. Set it up, but give me three days to sort things out here.]I needed three days to say my goodbyes to that whole mess.My engagement party was hijacked and turned into a welcome party for Sophia Green. Sticking around was like being the punchline of a cruel joke.I tossed the ripped-up dress in the trash and got ready to head home.However, of course, Sophia just could not resist twisting the knife."Yoana, I'm so sorry about your engagement getting sidetracked. Simon just had to throw me a welcome party today, and I couldn't say no. Don't be mad, okay?"She strutted up to me, chin high, her smirk wide, making sure I did not miss the love bite on her neck.She was showing it off, waiting for me to lose it like I used to.Too bad for her. I was over it."Yeah, I don't mind," I replied, not giving her the satisfaction.H

Chapter 2

My heart did a little flip-flop. I had no idea how much Simon had overheard.Since I was determined to leave for good, and maybe out of respect for the 15 years he had taken me in, I should at least tell him.I shut off my computer and put on a neutral expression. "It's me and—"I got cut off by his phone ringing.He rushed to the living room to take the call.There was no point in finishing what I was saying.Simon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and left without another word.I pulled out my phone, booked a flight, and sent off the wedding announcement and my goodbyes to Tracy Drake, Simon's aunt.However, to my shock, Tracy showed up at my door in a whirlwind.She wrapped me in a huge hug the moment she saw me."Yoana, why am I only hearing about you getting married three days before the big day? Simon didn't clue me in either."Tracy had a unique job that meant she could not keep me at her place, but she made sure to invite me over every weekend. Out of the whole Dra

Chapter 3

Simon sounded cautious. "Yoana, don't get it wrong, I just ran out of time to grab a birthday gift for Sophia. I'll get you something way better later on.""Yeah, I get it. Making do isn't so bad."I was on the verge of marrying someone else anyway. Clinging to that ring would just be a constant thorn in my side.Simon let out a relieved breath before asking, "I caught your resignation letter. What's with the sudden exit?"He had seen it but had been too busy to care.I replied, "Need a break. I'm burnt out."He did not even pause as he responded, "Good call. Quit, stay home, and chill. I'll take care of you. Dinner's at our place later."My hand brushed over where my belly used to swell and I murmured, "Sure."I packed up and took a cab home.Simon, who never touched a pot or pan, had a feast laid out.One look told me it was all spicy fried chicken. My stomach churned at the thought. I could not handle spice with my gastritis.It was clearly not for me.Simon caught my ey

Chapter 4

I shook my head and whispered, "I'm fine."Simon did not need to know that I was about to leave.He seemed to relax.His voice was heavy with regret as he apologized, "Yoana, I'm sorry. I had no idea you were allergic to mangoes."However, he did know. He used to remember everything about me, down to the smallest detail. Then, those memories were just gone.I shut my eyes, not wanting to speak.After a while, he left, called away by Sophia. Once the IV drip was done, I checked myself out and headed home alone.It was the final day of the countdown, and I began to pack.Opening my closet, I found all the clothes I had excitedly picked out for the baby. Clothes that were no longer needed.I packed them up, along with some of my own things and the birthday gifts Simon had given me over the years—treasures, once upon a time.Then, without a second thought, I dumped everything into the trash bin downstairs.Simon returned that afternoon to an empty room, his confusion clear as da

Chapter 5

I glanced at the screen—it was Simon.Annoyed by the incessant ringing, I shut off the phone, slipped on my eye mask, and reclined my seat.I drifted into a deep sleep and had the sweetest dream.In that dream world, Sophia was nowhere to be seen. Simon and I were together, just as everyone imagined, and we were married.We had the perfect set of twins, a boy and a girl, and he adored me.Simon treated me like his princess, always taking me to the beach.Our family of four was truly blissful.I woke up with tears on my cheeks, the remnants of a dream too sweet to be true.The feelings hit me hard as I gazed out at the endless blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds.My throat ached from holding back sobs, and all the pent-up emotions I carried burst free.Was I really so terrible? Why did he have to do that to me?I curled up, my face hidden in the crook of my arm, and let the tears flow quietly.The lady next to me did not know my story, but she saw my pain and offered me a tis

Chapter 6

Stepping into the airport restroom, I whipped out my makeup kit and gave myself a makeover, hiding the signs of weariness from my face.Once I was all spruced up, I headed out of the airport.Yvette caught sight of me instantly and dashed over, wrapping me in a massive bear hug.Inhaling the scent I knew so well, a wave of sadness washed over me.Back when our parents passed away from their accident, my sister was still in college and could not look after me, so I ended up staying with the Drake family.Once she graduated and landed a steady job, she wanted to bring me to live with her.However, by then, Simon had become my world, and I knew leaving would mean losing him forever.I turned down Yvette to stay with Simon.I could not help but think how dumb that was. Why did I cling to someone who only left me with scars, when my family was right there all along?I cupped Yvette's face and planted a kiss on her cheek, my tears spilling over.She cooed at me, trying to cheer me

Chapter 7

Yvette channeled her rage into action, picking out a whole lineup of wedding dresses for me to try on.Then, out of the blue, Tracy video-called me."Yoana, didn't you tell Simon when you left?He just showed up out of nowhere, freaking out, asking where you were. I could tell you hadn't clued him in, so I didn't mention your wedding."Yoana, I've never seen Simon so rattled like he was today..."I never thought Simon would go to Tracy for info on me, but I just brushed it off. "Aunt Tracy, whatever he's up to, it's none of my business now."Tracy must have realized I was truly over it when she saw how unfazed I was.She let out a sigh. Then, her face brightened into a smile as she said, "Exactly, it doesn't matter. All that counts is your happiness."It looked like Tracy caught a glimpse of the wedding dress I was wearing, and her eyes sparkled. "Show me how you look in that dress, Yoana."Hearing her, I had Yvette hold up the phone and I did a little spin. "What do you think

Chapter 8

Memories of Simon and me raced through my mind, a whirlwind tour of our years together.There were moments of joy and times of pain.Lost in thought, tears just started falling.15 years of memories, and they all included him.However, I was determined to let go, to sever the ties with who I used to be.After the wedding, I would start a new chapter.I would not be like the old Yoana who used to orbit Simon non-stop. She was gone for good.The makeup artist noticed my tears and kept reassuring me.Once I collected myself, I dabbed away the tears and managed a smile. "I'm okay, really. Today just feels so unreal."Yvette walked in right then and saw my tear-streaked face, but she did not try to talk me out of anything. She knew Simon all too well.Staying with him would mean a future filled with endless heartache.Yvette simply smiled softly and said, "You look absolutely stunning."Once my makeup was set, I was escorted into the wedding hall.I had only ever seen scenes li

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