บททั้งหมดของ The Afterglow of Us: บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 10

Over the years I'd lived in the Chase household, anyone could see the growing heat of my feelings for Liam.But now I shook my head. "Catherine, I truly don't want to marry Liam. I'm planning to go abroad for further studies next month."Catherine sighed. She could see the resolve in my eyes.Patting my hand, she said, "Even if you can't be my daughter-in-law, you'll always be my little girl. Don't grow distant from me."I couldn't hold back my tears as I hugged her.When I was eight, tragedy struck my family. It was the Chase family, from thousands of miles away, who adopted me and gave a helpless child a home."Catherine… thank you for all you've done for me over the years," I said softly. "But Liam and I aren't suited for each other. We'd only end up hurting one another."She stroked my back with a mother's tenderness. "Silly child, you grew up together. How could you not be suited? Did Liam say something harsh to you?"I thought of the disgust in Liam's eyes in my previous

I let out a cold, mirthless laugh. My gaze slipped past Liam to the overly theatrical Alexa.Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her hands twisted together as if she had suffered some grievous injustice."It's my fault. I shouldn't have troubled Khloe… I…"Judging from her persistence, Alexa wouldn't rest until she got her way. I gave in—not out of kindness, but because I wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble before my departure.The moment I agreed, her expression brightened instantly. She even leaned toward Liam, her voice laced with deliberate sweetness."Liam, you always say Khloe has a terrible temper, but I don't see it at all."Liam cast me a fleeting, uneasy glance. I pressed my lips together, offering no reply. My indifference seemed to unsettle him, but I no longer cared."Let's go," I urged flatly. "Weren't you in a hurry to try on the dress?"I had already let go of Liam; his opinion mattered even less.The drive was filled with Alexa's cheerful chatter about wedding-h

When I glanced down, I saw an endless stream of messages from Alexa.Each one was a cheerful photo of Liam with her and her family.In the restaurant, Liam gently placed food onto her plate. They looked at each other and smiled.He chatted politely with her parents, wearing that practiced, courteous expression.Alexa leaned into his embrace, glowing with a happiness that seemed almost blinding.All the time, she continued texting me.Alexa: [Khloe, do you see this? This is the kind of happiness you can never have.]Alexa: [Go ahead and enjoy the rain. Learn your place, and stop coveting what isn't yours.]Alexa: [Liam will never truly love you. You're nothing more than a parasite in his family.]A sharp pain gripped my chest.Almost without thinking, I opened Liam's Instagram, ready to say something.But the moment his profile picture appeared, I froze.The simple sketch of two little dogs I'd drawn as a child—the one he'd used for ten years—was gone.He used to praise that

"Khloe?"The moment I saw him, the smile on my face faded."What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Celandre City, preparing for your wedding with Alexa?" I said.He had grown thinner, more haggard, with dark shadows etched deep beneath his eyes. His gaze locked onto me with such intensity that it felt as though he wanted to bore two holes straight through me."There's no wedding. I've already broken off the engagement with her.""Oh." My reply was flat and indifferent. I turned away and continued toward the library.He quickly caught up. "Khloe, can we talk?""There's nothing to talk about.""Khloe, don't be stubborn. Come back with me," he pleaded.I stopped in my tracks, turning to him with a mocking smile in my eyes."Liam, are you mistaken about something? I didn't leave the country to escape anything, least of all you. You should go back and return to your own life."My words seemed to ignite his anger. He seized my shoulders."Khloe, how can you just walk away l

As I was speaking, I spotted a familiar figure in the audience.Liam stood there in a perfectly tailored suit, a bouquet of white lilies cradled in his hands, his gaze brimming with tenderness.He was noticeably thinner than he'd been a few years ago, but there was a new, unwavering determination in his eyes."Welcome back," he said.I gave a polite nod but did not take the flowers."I've been waiting for you to return." His voice trembled slightly."What exactly have you been waiting for?"Before I could respond, a strong arm slid possessively around my waist.My boyfriend, Aiden Bryson, wore a handsome smile tinged with mock grievance, his tone thick with jealousy."Babe, you just thanked so many people, but somehow, my name wasn't on that list. Do you know how hard I worked for your exhibition? I've been running around nonstop for you."His exaggerated complaint made me laugh. I gave him a playful push and tilted my head up to coax him. "Next time, I promise you'll be the