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Semua Bab To Love Until the End: Bab 1 - Bab 10

10 Bab

Chapter 1

“If we told Madison that tonight’s confession was just a bet between friends, do you think she’d believe it? She’s never been able to tolerate even the slightest flaw. She’s going to start something with you again. Rowan, did I cause you trouble again? I’m so stupid…” Sophie Wendell’s sweet voice trembled with concern.Leaning against a large tree outside the auditorium, I heard her cloying tone and instinctively looked up. Rowan Shelby was gently brushing her soft, long hair. “Silly girl, don’t worry. I’ll handle her,” he said.My hand trembled. Ash from my cigarette fell onto the back of my hand, and the sharp sting brought tears to my eyes.I lowered my head and let out a bitter laugh as I flicked the cigarette away. As the two of them approached, I stepped out from the shade of the tree.The moment they saw me, both of them froze.Sophie quickly pulled her hand behind her back when she noticed my eyes locked on their tightly clasped hands. However, the diamond bracelet on her

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Chapter 2

As soon as Sophie left, he returned to his usual indifference.Even after four years of enduring this suffocating feeling, I still couldn’t stop the wave of disappointment that washed over me. I gave a self-mocking smile and spoke calmly.“Rowan, I’m really curious—what kind of bet makes you confess to Sophie at the graduation party? Who was that oversized bracelet really for? You promised we’d take a trip tonight. If you couldn’t make it, why not just say so? Why lie and tell me your friends dragged you out for drinks?”The air inside the car felt stifling. It was like all the oxygen had been sucked out.Rowan rolled down the window with an impatient flick and lit a cigarette, his movements smooth, practiced. He exhaled slowly before replying in a tightly controlled voice.“The bet was made by those childhood friends before Sophie went abroad to study. She and I were childhood sweethearts—I couldn’t let her lose face in front of them. The bracelet is the style you like. Didn’t I

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Chapter 3

With Rowan insisting that Sophie was just a friend, I chose to dismiss their occasional ambiguous gestures as the kind of excessive familiarity that ignored boundaries. All the unease faded once Sophie found a boyfriend abroad and fell deeply in love.As our engagement party approached, I thought happiness was finally within reach. However, when Sophie broke up with her boyfriend and returned, all my hopes were shattered. It hit me then—Rowan had only ever loved Sophie.Rowan looked at me darkly, as if he couldn’t understand why I’d suddenly changed. After a long silence, he finally compromised. “It’s my fault tonight. I promise I’ll go on that graduation trip with you right after I finish all this work. Let’s not fight anymore, okay?”When he reached out to pinch my cheek, I coldly slapped his hand away and pushed open the car door. While he sat there stunned, I pulled off the bracelet and forced it into his hand. “Since you bought it according to Sophie’s wrist size, it was neve

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Chapter 4

Rowan was undeniably talented. He’d been pursuing entrepreneurship since his first year in college.Rachel and I had helped him.To stay by Rowan’s side at all times, I didn’t care about positioning or prestige. I was content to be the quiet assistant behind the scenes. The pay was less than my scholarship, but I worked harder than anyone else.Just because I had good grades, I was left to handle all the major partnerships. I always picked up the extra work—efficiently, thoroughly—without needing to be told.Now, I sneered and said, “Rowan, you and I are about to get engaged. She's openly disrespecting me. Are you really not going to say anything? Besides, writing proposals isn’t even my job. I used to help out of goodwill, but I have every right to stop now. Who does she think she is, ordering me around?”I said all this on purpose—to test my place in Rowan’s heart.Sure enough, he didn’t even hesitate before choosing the other side. “Didn’t you say we’d already broken up? If

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Chapter 5

I hauled my suitcase down the pedestrian street, too furious to care who stared.Passersby gave me cautious glances, stepping aside to let me through.A sudden downpour broke out. I cursed under my breath and ducked under an eave for shelter. I had planned to leave as soon as the rain let up, but it only grew heavier. My clothes were so soaked, I could wring water from them. The wet fabric clung to my skin, suffocating and maddening.Suppressing my irritation, I pulled out a cigarette—only to find the entire pack drenched beyond use. I let out a bitter laugh. My chest tightened. My eyes warmed. My nose began to sting.Then came a familiar voice, laced with a chuckle."Maddie, are you role-playing with that pitiful look? What are you, a drowned cat?"“Tsk tsk. Only Rowan would put you in such an awkward situation; Noah wouldn't have the heart to do that.”I looked up to see Jillian Jagger, my old friend from university, flashing her signature smirk.The Noah she mentioned was a

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Chapter 6

"Exactly, Madison. You've been together for four years and are about to get engaged. Stop making a fuss."I was so furious that I actually laughed. Even Jillian couldn’t help scoffing.I glanced at Rowan and Sophie, standing so close together, and said with biting sarcasm, “Drop the act. I’m not interested in men who flirt around while already taken.”My words dropped like a stone. The whole group went quiet. Several people exchanged awkward glances, too afraid to speak.Rowan got the message. He slammed his wine glass down and stormed over. “Madison, you’re really getting better at playing hard to get. Aren’t you worried I’ll actually fall for someone else?”I calmly studied his tense expression, wondering how I could’ve been so blind all these years.“I know you have a temper. Let’s say this one’s my fault, alright?” Rowan softened his tone. “I’ll take you to get a new bracelet. I’ve planned a trip too. Don’t you love matching couple items? I’ll make them myself this time. Are

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Chapter 7

My eyes narrowed as I turned to look at him. With my breath reeking of alcohol, I asked, “Handsome, do we know each other?”“Of course. I’m Noah Kempton.”At the curve of his lips, my mind short-circuited.Noah?Noah!The top student who pursued me during university—the devastatingly handsome one.My eyelids twitched as I snapped my head toward Jillian.She avoided my gaze, sheepishly rubbing her nose before grabbing her bag and backing away. “I... I’ve got something to do. Noah, take care of my honey, okay?”The door clicked shut. Silence fell.The weight of his gaze made me even dizzier.I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples, not caring if I looked pathetic.Noah noticed and crouched in front of me, his tone gentle. “Are you feeling unwell? I can take you to the hospital.”I didn’t answer. Instead, I asked, “Shouldn’t you give me an explanation for tonight? I don’t believe this is all just a coincidence.”“Drinking and Jillian finding you… Everything was arranged by me.

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Chapter 8

Jillian said, "Tell me—how long has he been pursuing you? He simps over you every day. Every woman is envious."I picked at my fingers and said nothing.Seeing I didn’t refute her, Jillian texted Noah, telling him to keep up the good work.To be honest, how could I not be attracted to such a wonderful guy? It was just... those four years with Rowan had been too humiliating. I didn’t want to taint someone as innocent as Noah.I left with the car keys in hand, trying to avoid Jillian’s further questioning. As soon as I reached the villa area, however, I saw Rowan waiting by the roadside. I passed him without a word, not even turning my head, and walked straight home.Rowan, clearly caught off guard, reached for me and pleaded, “Madison, let’s talk.”I pulled my hand away and replied impatiently, “You’re already engaged. Show some respect. I don’t want people pointing fingers and calling me a mistress behind my back.”Agony flickered in Rowan’s eyes. He slowly withdrew his hand and

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Chapter 9

"Rowan, stop. I'll speak for you."After interrupting him, I paused for a moment before continuing, "Ever since you confirmed your relationship with Sophie, you began to realize she's just mediocre. She can't shed her spoiled temper, and you're exhausted from coaxing her long-term. Over the past four years, I took care of you and spoiled you emotionally. “When the passion with Sophie faded, the contrast overwhelmed you. You remembered how good I was to you, and it drove you to seek me out again."You’ve never submitted to anyone, yet you still demand I return to your side. Because you know—if I give in and make up with you, your life gets better. One humble gesture from you gets you a nanny you can sleep with and scold forever. A great bargain, isn't it?"I smiled. "Did I say everything right?"Rowan shed a tear and choked out, "No, Madison. You're the only one I ever loved!"His desperate look reminded me of myself once—equally humble.Back then, Rowan had always been high and

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Chapter 10

It rained heavily all night, yet the room felt stiflingly hot.Early the next morning, Noah couldn’t wait to take me to the marriage registry.After receiving our marriage license, he smiled like a child. Unexpectedly, he became even more clingy after we got married, wanting to be with me all the time.Jillian couldn’t stand our lovey-dovey behavior and granted me a one-month leave.Noah was overjoyed and immediately began planning a trip. He decided to take me to the Maldives for our honeymoon.There was sunshine, a beach, and Noah, who loved me deeply. Lying beneath a parasol, I basked in the peace and the bright future ahead. I never imagined someone would appear and shatter that tranquility. I was dozing off when Rowan’s tentative voice reached me.“Madison.”I opened my eyes, and Rowan forced a smile. Not a pleasant smile. There was something hollow and lonely about it.“Long time no see,” I said lightly. I was in a good mood, so I was kind.Rowan froze, staring at me

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