Semua Bab The Bride He Never Chose: Bab 71 - Bab 80

Chapter 71: Delicate Moments in the DarkHe shook his head, smiling softly. “If we sit in the front, it’s too close to the big screen and it’ll hurt our eyes while watching. So let’s just stay here.”“But—”“Shh. The movie is about to start.”There, I could do nothing but stay quiet. After he said that, the movie lights dimmed further, and the screen flickered to life. I involuntarily swallowed.I can handle this! I screamed in my head, clutching the armrest like it was a lifeline. I tried to focus on watching, repeatedly telling myself it’s just a movie and none of it is real. But as the film started, my body betrayed me—I shifted awkwardly in my seat, trying to find a comfortable position, but the growing tension in my chest wouldn’t let me.The scene on screen was dark and chilling—a child covered in blood, clutching a knife, eyes wild and desperate, stalking through an old, creaky house.“OMG!” I blurted out before I could stop myself. My eyes were glued to the screen, horrified b

Chapter 73: Invisible StringsTravis said he’d be back next week.I sighed again.So, what was I supposed to do today?It was already ten in the morning when I finally dragged myself out of bed. I didn’t want to spend the whole day wallowing in jealousy or scrolling endlessly through my friends’ beach photos. I might as well start with something practical—like breakfast.The kitchen smelled warm and inviting as I entered.“Good morning, Kourt!” Ate Nami greeted me with a bright smile.“Hi,” I answered, taking a seat on one of the high chairs facing the bar counter.“You look like you had a good morning, huh, beb? So, what do you want—juice or hot chocolate?”“Just juice, ‘te,” I said, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.She nodded and went to heat up my breakfast. I stared at the ceiling, trying to think of what to do with the rest of my day.Mom and Dad weren’t home either. Mom was busy at the office of our main company, and Dad was tied up with projects at the Forgers.If I went to Mo

Chapter 75: Puzzle Pieces and Red FlagsTravis wasn’t around either. He was still in the US with his brother Rush, supposedly handling business matters. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t just business. Rush’s trip and Desire’s recent move to the US to give birth felt like puzzle pieces fitting into a secret picture — something hidden just beneath the surface, something I wasn’t meant to know yet.Three days ago, I messaged Desire on WhatsApp. She told me she was preparing to have her baby there, away from everything and everyone. I wondered what Rush’s role was in all this. Was he protecting Desire? Or was he involved in something else? But it wasn’t my fight. Not yet.Travis promised to be back next week. Until then, what was I supposed to do? Wait and stew in my own restless thoughts? I shook my head and shoved the phone aside.It was already ten in the morning. I pushed the covers off and got up, determined not to waste the day staring at other people’s perfect beach

Chapter 77: Where Love and Blood CollideI found Dad in the sunroom, sipping espresso while reading The Manila Chronicle. He didn’t even look up when I entered.“Good morning, sweetheart,” he muttered, flipping the page.“I got a letter,” I said.That made him pause.“What kind of letter?”I handed it to him.He read in silence, jaw tightening with each line. Then he carefully folded the page and set it on the table like it hadn’t just upended the ground beneath my feet.“Well?” I demanded.He sighed. “Not here. Come.”He led me out of the sunroom, down the hallway, and into his private study — the one I used to sneak into as a child. It still smelled of old paper and aftershave. He locked the door behind us.“I suppose I can’t protect you from this anymore,” he muttered. “You’re old enough.”“From what, Dad?”He moved to a cabinet, drew out a small box, and placed it between us. Then opened it.Inside: an old photo. A woman with dark hair, standing beside a weathered gate with the wo

Chapter 79: Clause 91: The Breaking PointJust the sound of my heels against the marble floor. Like gunshots. Like fate.The guests didn’t stand. They just watched. Like judges in a quiet courtroom. Calculating. Cold.Travis stood at the altar.Not smiling. Not nervous.Just burning. Like a storm held behind glass.Rush sat in the front row. Kim beside him, dressed in black lace. She didn’t look at me.But I saw the way her hands clenched the hem of her dress.As if she wanted to scream.The officiant was a family lawyer.No priest. No vows of love.Just legality.“Do you, Kourtney Saavedra, bind yourself to Travis Forger, under clause 91 of the Family Accord, irrevocable and infinite—”“I do,” I said.Not for Rush.Not for the Forger name.But for the boy across from me who chose to burn with me instead of running.“And do you, Travis Forger, accept this binding, with full awareness of the risks and—”“I do,” he cut in.The lawyer blinked.“Then by blood, bond, and legacy—”Suddenly,