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Home / Romance Short Story / When Love Came Too Late / Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

All Chapters of When Love Came Too Late: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

23 Chapters

Chapter 1

Shane Stafford quickly took off the suit he was trying on and grabbed his phone to book the next flight to Maldivea.“We’ll postpone the wedding for a few more days. Talk to your parents and explain it to them.”They had been together for six years, but Bethany Cole had lost count of how many times Shane had left her because of Yelena White.A moment ago, she had been filled with happiness thinking about the wedding, but the joy in her eyes faded quickly.Because of Yelena, the wedding had been postponed repeatedly. Bethany had become a joke among her family and friends.The frustration boiled in her chest until she could hardly breathe. Tears filled her eyes, even though she tried to hold them back.After booking the tickets, Shane turned around and saw the tears in Bethany’s eyes. His heart sank, and he spoke with a trace of guilt in his voice.“You know Yelena is sick. If we don’t go along with her wishes, she’ll hurt herself. I can’t just leave her alone.”Before Bethany co

Chapter 2

Thinking it over, Bethany picked up her phone and called her mother. “Hi, Mom. I don’t want to marry Shane anymore. Remember the match you arranged for me? I’m ready to go ahead with it. Can you ask him if he still wants to marry me?”Bethany thought her mother would find her sudden decision rash, but her mother laughed instead. “That’s great! You finally came to your senses! I’ll contact Hudson right away.”Hudson Smith was not a stranger to Bethany.They had grown up together and had been childhood friends. Later, Hudson went abroad with his parents, and they gradually lost touch.Bethany felt a sense of relief. At least it was not some stranger because she knew Hudson. Their families were well-matched, and they knew each other’s backgrounds. Hudson seemed like the perfect choice for a shotgun wedding.Soon, she received a message from Hudson. [Your mom contacted me. When are you free? I’ll pick you up from Sea City.]Bethany already had Hudson’s number. Her mother had gi

Chapter 3

Bethany finally managed to get back all the wedding invitations she had sent out. She was about to head home when Shane called.His voice was hoarse. “Get back all the invitations you sent out. We can talk about the wedding later. Yelena’s still unstable. I don’t want her to get upset right now.”Shane had already thought of what he would say if Bethany refused. He would try to guilt-trip her like usual.However, Bethany showed no emotion. She simply said, “Okay.”Shane was stunned. Even over the phone, he could sense the change in her.He knew Bethany hated anyone touching her personal things, yet he had crossed that line for Yelena.He had sent her money for the dress to stop her from arguing. That trick had always worked before. This time, she accepted it quietly, which felt strange.Shane licked his dry lips and said awkwardly, “I know Yelena’s behavior bothers you. I promise I’ll make her cooperate with the doctors and get better as soon as possible.”“Shane, the water is

Chapter 4

Yelena did not stay in Maldivea to wait for Shane. The next day, she flew back and went straight to the hospital.When she saw Bethany lying in bed with an IV drip, Yelena smiled mockingly. “Nice act! Is pretending to be weak all you can do? Only Shane would fall for something that lame!”Bethany knew exactly what she meant. Years ago, she had stood outside the boys’ dorm all night in the pouring rain while waiting for Shane. She remembered clearly how hard it rained that night. She stood there in the storm with a guitar she had carefully chosen for Shane.The rain soaked her thin shirt and drenched her face.She fainted before Shane showed up.After that, she told herself it was not the end of the world. Loving someone who did not love her back was not the worst thing that could happen. Just as she decided to give up, Shane finally gave in. He said he would give their relationship a try. That was how she finally got the man she had wanted for so long.That rain brought her

Chapter 5

Bethany had not texted Hudson for several days, and it made him uneasy. He asked, “Bethany, I’ve started planning the wedding. How are things on your side?”Hudson felt nervous. He was afraid that she would say she had changed her mind and that she was not going to marry him.Bethany took a deep breath and forced herself to sound as normal as possible. She sniffled lightly and said, “I’m almost done here. I just need to wrap up a few things with work before heading back. Thanks for taking care of the wedding plans.”Hudson let out a quiet sigh of relief. Still, he could tell something was off. “Your voice sounds hoarse. Are you feeling okay? It’s been getting cold in Sea City lately. Wear a few more layers when you go out. You’ve always been a bit weak since you were young.”His gentle voice filled Bethany’s heart with warmth.“If anything comes up, call me right away. You don’t have to deal with everything alone. You have me now. I won’t let you suffer anymore.”Bethany sa

Chapter 6

Bethany stayed in the hospital for two days, but Shane never showed up again. She opened his social media page. As expected, he was glued to Yelena again. His cover photo was Yelena’s selfie, and every single post was about her.It was almost funny. Bethany was his actual girlfriend, yet she had never appeared on his page once.In the past, thinking about it would always send her emotions spiraling. During her six years with Shane, she had turned into a bitter, miserable woman. “This terrible relationship… Maybe letting go is its own kind of relief.” Bethany smiled wryly.Once she felt well enough, she packed her things and checked out of the hospital. She was about to leave Sea City, but she needed to meet up with Mia Sanders first.Mia was her best friend. After graduation, the two of them stayed in Sea City together. Bethany stayed for love, while Mia stayed to start a business. They co-owned a coffee shop.“Mia, I can sell you my share of the coffee shop at a low price

Chapter 7

Gavin froze for a moment. It was clear he did not know anything about it. “What do you mean it’s been put on hold? Didn’t you already send out the invitations?”Shane lowered his head. He had not found the right time to tell Gavin about postponing the wedding, and he did not expect Bethany to bring it up first.Bethany threw the question to Shane. “You should ask Shane about it. It was his decision.”Gavin’s face hardened. “What could be more important than your marriage? The invitations are already out. Do you want to make this family a joke in front of everyone?”Before Shane could speak, Yelena chimed in and said, “Dad, don’t blame Shane! He postponed the wedding to take care of me.”“That’s ridiculous!” Gavin snapped. “You’re not a child anymore! When will you learn to behave? I don’t know what your mother’s been teaching you.”Yelena was not Gavin’s biological daughter, but ever since Phoebe married into the Stafford family, he had treated her like his own. He adored her a

Chapter 8

Before boarding, Bethany sent Hudson her flight number.After a few hours, the plane finally landed at Wood City Airport. Bethany pulled her suitcase with one hand and texted Hudson with the other.[I just landed. Where are you?]The message had barely gone through when she heard someone calling her name.Hudson was standing right there, tall and steady. There was something calm and gentle about him. When he saw her looking at him, he waved.He walked up to her, wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, and took her suitcase.“It’s gotten colder in Wood City these past few days. You just got off the plane. Be careful. You might catch a cold.”His smile was soft and easy. His thoughtfulness warmed Bethany’s heart.“My parents came back three days ago to plan our wedding. They wanted to see you today, but I told them you’d be tired after the flight. You can meet them once you’re rested. I’ll take you home first. My sister is waiting for us outside.”“Your sister?”Hudson smiled a

Chapter 9

“I’ll head home now. You haven’t been back in a while. Your parents must miss you. Spend some time with them.”Hudson drove Bethany home and made plans with her parents. The two families would meet the next day to go over the final details.After Hudson left, Bethany’s mother, Xandra Zeller, praised him.“Hudson is such a good man! He’s been running around Wood City for days, visiting every five-star hotel to find the perfect place for your wedding. He even came up with several designs for the decorations himself! “I can tell he truly cares about you. You should forget about Shane and focus on Hudson. You’ll be happy with him.”Xandra still had her worries. She knew Bethany had loved Shane for six years. She was afraid Bethany might be acting on impulse and that Shane would talk her into going back to him. If that happened, she would have a hard time facing the Smith family.Bethany saw her mother’s concern and said firmly, “Mom, don’t worry. I won’t change my mind.”The next

Chapter 10

The second box contained three bank cards.“The passwords for all three are your birthday. The first card is the one Hudson uses for his salary. From now on, you’ll be in charge of his finances.“The second card has ten million in it. That’s the fund Benjamin and I prepared for when you two have a child. Of course, that amount only covers one. If you plan to have a second, we’ll put in another ten million.“The third card is for you, in case Hudson ever treats you badly. It’s your safety net to start a new life. But I hope you’ll never need to use it.”After she finished with the second box, Hazel opened the third. Inside was a property deed and a contract.“The house Hudson’s living in now is near the university district. This is the house we prepared for your marriage.”Sea City was a top-tier city. Wood City might not be as grand, but it was still first-tier. A villa over 3,200 square feet would easily cost more than ten million.Bethany did a quick calculation. The Smith fam

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