Semua Bab What Was Mine Wasn't Mine: Bab 1 - Bab 9

After placing the final order for the setup, I shut the laptop.Three more days. Then I disappear from Aurelia's world for good.I turned—and ran straight into her smile.She'd waited outside till the perfume wore off, only stepping in after the chill left her skin. Then, slowly, she wrapped her arms around me from behind."Why aren't you asleep yet?"Her warmth should've been comforting. Instead, it burned.Seven years married. Everyone thought she adored me.In Brieton's high society, Aurelia Spencer was the poster wife—loyal, perfect, doting. I said jump, she leapt. Whatever I wanted, she handed over with a smile.She swore it was love at first sight. Said she'd crushed on me for fourteen years.On our wedding day, she cried through her vows. Told me marrying me felt like a dream.She knew everything—my past, my scars. Used her family's pull to go head-to-head with Naomi, the ex who bailed on me. Messed with Leonard's career just to back me up, swearing she hated anyone wh

Leah Pence was Aurelia Spencer.Leonard was the love she never had the guts to say out loud.I'd suspected it for a while, but seeing it in black and white still hit like a punch to the chest.Issac came over, voice low. "It's alright. You'll always have a spot as my lead."I gave him a bitter smile. "Thanks. But maybe... this was my last shot."***Aurelia snuggled into my arms, all fake innocence. "I'll fund a few films for you too, just for fun, okay?"I planned a surprise tonight by the river. Isn't my love worth more than some lead role?"I forced a smile. Words that used to feel sweet now tasted like expired candy.Still, I played along. "Okay."After thanking Issac and the crew who'd backed me, I tried to dip out early.Aurelia waved off the driver—said she'd take me herself.Right as the engine started, her phone buzzed. I glanced—Leonard's name lit up the screen.Her face shifted. She hesitated, then turned to me. "Babe, something urgent came up at work. Can you g

But now, there was no denying it.Leone was gone.Aurelia couldn't sleep—just lay there, night after night, staring at the ceiling.For seven years, there was always that steady warmth beside her. Someone to curl into, to drift off with.There was something she'd never told him.She'd battled insomnia her whole life. Lucky to get one or two hours, max.The Spencer name came with weight—too much of it. Yeah, they were powerful, but the pressure was brutal.No one ever really saw how much she carried.Except Leone. He felt it. He got her.He saw the fatigue, the pressure behind her perfect posture.Only in his arms did she ever really rest.He was the peace she'd spent her whole life chasing.And now, he was gone.For real.Where was he?Aurelia lit a cigarette—her first ever—and stared into the quiet night.Then, a tall shape showed up outside.She bolted out, grabbed at the silhouette."What are you doing, Aurelia? You're hurting me."***"...It's you."Not Leone.

Most people thought being a forest ranger was boring.Same snow. Same trees. Day after day.Even the animals kept quiet. Mountains too.But I kinda liked it.Acting had always been about slipping into someone else's life. This was just another version of that.Life's short. Why not live a few extras?So yeah, I took the ranger gig seriously.Living someone else's life. Literally.When I wasn't on patrol, I holed up in the cabin with a book.Weirdly peaceful.Cut off from the world, this place felt like heaven.Until today.A knock at the door.I opened it. Woman in black. Tall. Vaguely familiar."Aurelia?"She looked up.Nope."Naomi."***Snow started falling again. No way Naomi was making it back down tonight.I turned, poured her some tea, and motioned to the chair.The cabin was warm. Cozy.She looked around."This place... it's so you. Everything in here screams Leone."I didn't say anything. Just smiled.Then she goes, "Not even a little curious why I cam

I couldn't just stay stuck.Time to move forward. Maybe... even try being with someone new.***The wedding march kicked in.The couple was all about white—clean, classic vibes. They stood across from the officiant, ready to say their vows.Bright spring morning. Love-in-the-air kind of perfect.I walked the aisle in a sharp suit, heading up front.Surrounded by flowers, smiles, soft music. A moment made for fresh starts.Then—"Wait!"Right as I pulled the ring from my pocket, the doors slammed open.Aurelia."Don't marry her... please, we're still technically married. We never signed the papers. Just—don't do this."Her eyes were red, full-on crying, locked onto the ring in my hand.I raised an eyebrow, but handed the ring off anyway.The bride cut in. "Ms. Spencer... Leone's not the groom. He's my groomsman."And just like that, Aurelia's whole body deflated.But then, something shifted in her eyes—like she finally got it. Maybe even felt lighter."I'm sorry for cr