All Chapters of Writing Goodbye in My Vows: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Mom seemed genuinely surprised. She was never fond of Jared Hammond, but she knew how much I loved him. If he hadn't broken my heart the way he did, I would've never let him go so easily.Dad, who was also a professor, spoke up. "If you've decided to end it, at least talk it through with him. It's best to part on good terms."I swallowed the bitterness rising in my chest and shook my head.Just last week, while I was still in the hospital, Elsie Sandberg posted on Instagram. "A spontaneous getaway, all thanks to Professor Hammond's generous sponsorship."The photo showed two suitcases side by side—one black, one pink. I recognized the black one right away. It was the limited-edition celebrity collab that I'd given Jared for his birthday this year.I called to confront him, but he brushed me off. "Elsie's thesis focuses on traditional tapestry weaving. It's recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. I just took her to Saffbury for some research. As her advisor, I'm responsible

Elsie seized the moment and broke down in tears. "It's true. I'm sorry… I know I wasn't brought up properly… My parents died when I was born. There was no one to teach me how to be better… The only one who ever tried was Eleanor… and now she's gone too…"She sobbed into Jared's chest, shaking as if she'd shattered. But when our eyes met, there was no mistaking the hatred hiding just beneath the surface."Elsie, none of this is your fault. It has nothing to do with you." Jared looked down at her, sympathy in his eyes. His hand lifted on instinct to wipe away her tears, but stopped halfway when he finally took in what she was wearing. "Why are you dressed like this…" His voice faded, swallowing hard as desire smoldered in his gaze.Elsie bit back a smirk. She dipped her head, feigning a shyness she didn't feel. "I've got a club event tomorrow night. It's just a costume for the performance. Professor Hammond, if it bothers you, I'll take it off right now!"And with that, Elsie actua

"Of course not. Why would I be mad? Elsie's just your student, not your girlfriend," I responded with a tone dripping with sarcasm.The silence stretched, thick and tense. Jared finally exhaled, like he'd been holding his breath. "Don't worry, Willow. Once this is all over, I'll make it up to you."Make it up to me? I let out a laugh, cold and amused. Too bad I no longer needed anything from him."Professor Hammond!" Elsie's voice suddenly rang out from the bathroom.Jared bolted toward the door, panic written all over his face. "Elsie? What happened? Did you fall? Elsie?"He kept calling, but there was no answer.I couldn't take my eyes off the frosted glass. Jared was too rattled to notice the faint shadow moving just behind the door.He called her name a few more times, but still got no answer. After a beat of hesitation, he pushed open the unlocked door.Almost at the same moment, Elsie, barely dressed, threw herself at Jared. She let out a soft, breathy moan, her voice s

I couldn't help but smirk. "Of course, I'm here to pick out a wedding dress. What, did you think I was stalking you?"Jared opened his mouth, then closed it again, moving a little closer like he couldn't decide whether to speak or walk away.Elsie cut in, her voice sharp with impatience. "Jared, let's go. We're going to be late. Do you have any idea how hard it was to book this photographer?"He gave me one last look, lingered a second longer than he probably should've, then finally turned and followed her into the car for their outdoor shoot.I shrugged off the run-in without giving it another thought.After I narrowed down my selections to three dresses, the bridal consultant led me into the fitting room. When I stepped out, I noticed someone new had arrived, Sean Lennon.We'd only seen each other once since that first meeting. He wasn't as sharply dressed this time, but he looked even more refined and gentler.I felt a little awkward, not sure what to say.He held out his ha

Jared slammed his fist into the wall, eyes blazing with fury.Elsie flinched at the sudden outburst. He'd always been so gentle around her, so she'd never seen him like this before. She mustered up her courage and reached for his arm. "Jared, isn't this our chance now that Willow's gone? Don't worry. I'll love you just as much as Eleanor did!"He pushed her off with a hard shove, his face stone-cold. "Get out!"After he drove Elsie away, Jared realized something too late. He jumped in his car and tore off toward my house.Lauren Brown, the maid, answered the door. "Ms. Clarke isn't home. She left town with Mrs. Clarke."Jared didn't believe a word of it. He tried to push past her, only to be stopped by security rushing in at the sound of the commotion. He wouldn't back down. He raised his voice and shouted toward the house, "Willow! I know you're in there! Are you still mad at me? Just give me a chance! Let me explain!"Lauren shot him a glare, her patience snapping. "Save y