Semua Bab Love Waits for No One: Bab 1 - Bab 10

"Hello, I'd like to reapply for the overseas assignment."On the other end of the line, the HR officer hesitated, caught off guard by the unexpected request."Didn't you turn it down before because of your upcoming wedding? It's a three-year commitment. Your fiance is completely devoted to you. Can he really bear to see you go?""He's fine with it," Maude Ellington replied, her voice steady despite the ache beneath her words.Everyone could see just how deeply Orson Winfield cared for her.Each day, he made sure to prepare three different meals for her, always careful to accommodate her sensitive stomach.No matter the weather, he was always on time to pick her up from work.Whenever she caught even a slight cold, he stayed faithfully by her side, watching over her tirelessly around the clock.He never missed a single holiday or anniversary, always delighting her with heartfelt gifts.So when Maude heard that Orson's childhood sweetheart was returning to town, she felt no trac

The next morning, Orson prepared breakfast.His eyes remained fixed on Maude, trying to read her expression. "Honey, last night was unbearable without you. Just 13 more days, and then I can finally marry you.""You're right. 13 more days," Maude echoed, her gaze cold and unreadable."Orson, can you pass me some ravioli?" Imogen asked.As Orson picked one up with his fork, Imogen leaned in and ate it straight from his hand.He shot a glance at Maude. "Don't mind her. She's just playful like that."Orson had always kept strict boundaries with other women, careful to avoid hurting Maude.However, with Imogen, those boundaries seemed to vanish entirely."It's fine," Maude said, keeping her eyes down.Orson was caught off guard."Honey, you—""Maude, do you even know what Orson used to be like?" Imogen cut in, her voice laced with defiance."He was a tough, stubborn guy, but he always listened to me. Whatever I wanted to eat, he learned to make it. He even remembered my menstrua

Maude laughed. "So tell me… Why isn't he marrying you?"Imogen went still. "Don't fool yourself, Maude. Even if he marries you, his heart will always belong to me."She shook the cup in her hand deliberately.Maude's eyes narrowed. It was one of the matching mugs she had painstakingly crafted for their wedding.Even if the wedding was called off, it was still hers."Give it back."As Maude reached out, Imogen crumpled to the floor.The cup broke, scattering shards everywhere."What do you think you're doing?" Orson's voice echoed as he entered. Seeing what had happened, he shoved Maude to the ground.Shards of ceramic dug into her palm, unleashing a sharp, burning pain."She broke my cup, I—""It's just a stupid cup, Maude. What does it matter if it's broken? You're being completely unreasonable."Maude's words faltered as blood oozed from her wounded palm, dripping onto the floor."It hurts…" Imogen murmured, her voice trembling as Orson held her close.Without hesitatio

However, Orson never showed up.Two hours later, Maude's phone rang."Honey, the company just sent me on a sudden five-day business trip to Aerisport. I won't be able to go with you."By chance, the wedding photos they'd scheduled were also supposed to be taken there."Unless… I can ask someone else to go in my place. I'm willing to take full responsibility for whatever happens."Orson's voice was heavy with regret. "Honey, I know you've been dreaming about visiting Aerisport for so long. I don't want to be the one to let you down."Maude paused for a moment before replying, "Work comes first. The wedding photos can always be rescheduled.""Alright, honey. I'll book the flights. Right after the wedding, we'll go to Aerisport."After hanging up, Maude sent a message to one of Orson's coworkers.Not long after, she got a response.As it turned out, Orson had indeed been sent on a last-minute business trip.Maude flipped her calendar to the next page and unfolded the sheet of p

Imogen emerged from the hotel bathroom in thin, revealing clothing."Orson, can you help me dry my hair?"With the hair dryer in hand, Orson kept stealing glances at his silent phone screen."Maybe I should still—""You promised," Imogen cut him off. "Today, you're mine."Orson fell silent and resumed drying her hair, but his thoughts were elsewhere.He pictured Maude, still waiting for him at the hotel.Her parents had divorced, and she'd always carried the weight of feeling like a burden. Even his parents had never truly accepted her.If he didn't show up…Would they blame her?The steady buzz of the dryer filled the room, wearing on his nerves.Once her hair was dry, Imogen knelt on the couch."Orson, we don't have much time."She leaned in, ready to kiss him, but Orson instinctively turned his head away."Orson?"His thoughts were crystal clear now. He knew he had to go to the hotel.He pushed Imogen aside and stood up."This ends now. I can't leave Maude alone."