All Chapters of The 143rd Confession: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

Dressed in a wedding gown, I had professed to Aldric Cromwell 143 times.Whenever I declared my feelings, I'd invariably stand outside his namesake, prestigious office building, clutching a bouquet of bridal flowers. Meanwhile, he would parade his new fling around, appearing in various entertainment places.It could be an award-winning restaurant, the front-row seats to a mega star's concert, or the local courthouse to register a marriage today and file for divorce tomorrow, just for the thrill of a whirlwind romance gone cold.Everything I had ever dreamed of was granted to other women, as if they meant nothing at all. I locked my phone and stood by the roadside, waiting to flag down an empty cab. I waited for a long time without a single car passing by. Then, Aldric called.His cold and unfeeling voice waltzed into my ear as the call connected. "It's late. Why aren't you home yet? You're my fiancée—at least act like one."Faced with my silence, he continued, "Hello? Have you

I wandered the streets until past midnight before finally returning to where I had lived with Aldric for five years.To my surprise, the living room light was still on, and Aldric was lying on the couch, fast asleep.Was he waiting for me?For five years as his fiancée, it was always he who drank himself into a stupor while I fretted over him from afar. I would call him countless times, afraid something might happen.Once I was sure he was safe, I would worry about his stomach from the heavy drinking and prepare antidotes for his hangover in advance.Aldric had often told me he disliked this because it made him feel old. Still, I kept doing it anyway.Deep down, I believed that growing old with him was the most romantic and happiest thing in the world.My thoughts drifted back.Perhaps hearing the door, Aldric suddenly woke up, alert and sharp. When he saw me, he instantly rushed forward and held me in a tight embrace."The musical ended hours ago. Where have you been? Why hav

The moment the plane took off, I let out a long breath, as if finally shedding a long-standing burden that had weighed on my heart for years. Then, I closed my eyes, switched my newly SIM-free phone to airplane mode, and prepared for a long-overdue rest.I had waited far too long for this sleep.Soft music played on a loop through my headphones. Melodies I loved soothed my nerves, gradually pulling me into tranquility and almost making me forget all the pain that came before.Amidst my sleep, I heard a voice. "You're finally free, Amelia Walker."For the past five years, it felt like I was imprisoned in a cage named Aldric Cromwell—willingly reducing myself to nothing, loving him so deeply that I completely lost who I was.Yet, despite professing to him 143 times, my sincerity wasn't even worth the barest hint of kindness in his eyes.I never thought of giving up, as I foolishly believed I would eventually move him and walk with him into marriage, so long as I loved him enough.

Bianca's voice rang pitifully. Her tear-brimmed face could stir sympathy in almost any man.However, not in Aldric today. Instead, his words only became harsher. "Get out of my sight! You're being a nuisance!"With that, he shoved her aside and strode off.Thanks to the development of social media nowadays, the ongoing drama unfolding before the Cromwell Tower was, of course, captured by curious onlookers.Once the footage hit the platforms, public opinion exploded."Isn't that Bianca? Did Mr. Cromwell not break up with her? Did he decorate his car and wait for Amelia while he was still in a relationship?""I know what Bianca's trying to do. She's trying to seize the opportunity while he's at his lowest. Anyway, compared to Amelia, Bianca looked like a poor imitation. Same wedding dress, same setup, but nowhere near as stunning.""Maybe that's why Mr. Cromwell is pissed. She was so loud on social media about having him as her man. It turns out she was just a homewrecking bitch."

After our marriage, life with William was sweet and fulfilling.A year later, we welcomed our first child—a son. Two years after that, I gave birth to a daughter. With both a boy and a girl, and a devoted husband by my side, we built a home filled with joy and harmony.When the fifth year arrived, William's parents, now aging, hoped he would return to take over the family business. Hence, he decided to move us all back to Amerethia."Amy, I heard Aldric Cromwell still isn't married. I'm worried that bringing you back now might burden you with some painful memories," he said gently, his eyes full of concern."I'll be fine. I didn't do anything wrong in that relationship, and I don't have to answer to anyone." I held his hand and assured, "You're your parents' only son—they and the family business need you to support them.""Thank you, Amy." He pulled me into his arms, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. "Don't worry. I'll protect you and won't let anyone hurt you again."After ret