Semua Bab Tugged the Wrong Heartstrings: Bab 1 - Bab 10

Main Story: Anya's POVNo one knew I had been to Oakmont. I returned quietly to the house Eli and I shared in Marrowfield.Once inside, I gathered every gift he had ever given me—necklaces, watches, and even the Valentine's Day card he'd written by hand. One by one, I tore them apart.My mind was empty, yet the tears came relentlessly.I rose to my feet, dragging the custom-made white wedding gown from the closet and laying it out across the living room floor.Without a second thought, I grabbed a pair of scissors and cut through it.After today, there was no turning back.I packed up all the remnants of what I'd destroyed and shoved them into the attic.Later that night, I picked up my phone and found myself scrolling through a young woman's social media account. She had been documenting her secret crush.Her latest post pinned her location to Newstone, Oakmont.The caption read, "My dream guy is getting married. I'm going to give it one last try before the wedding. Let's go

Main Story: Anya's POVEli instinctively shielded me. "Are you okay?"I shook my head, trying to look innocent. "Why did you react like that?"He pulled me into a tight embrace. I could hardly breathe."Please, don't joke about our marriage," he whispered. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this day."His voice deepened. "Don't downplay this, baby. I've waited three years for us to get here."I managed a bitter smile.This was clearly a script Eli had orchestrated all along.From attending dress fittings to designing the invitations, he played his role to perfection. He guided me through every detail of the planning, raising my hopes higher with each step.Once I was fully invested, he'd strike the final blow.I was just going along with his performance.So why did he look so on edge?…Later that night, we arrived home.Eli grabbed my legs and pinned me against the door the moment it clicked shut. I barely had time to take off my shoes.His breath scorched

Main Story: Anya's POVIt was just one day before the wedding.I didn't expect that young woman to show up in person.The moment I saw her, a memory surfaced.She was none other than Maggie Alden—the same woman Eli had supported years ago.I'd heard she was ambitious. Despite coming from a small town, she'd made it into a top medical school in the city.She'd relied on scholarships every step of the way.When our eyes met, Maggie's expression was calm and measured. "While your heart belonged to someone else for a decade, mine was always with Eli."A faint smile curved her lips. "Tell me, Anya… doesn't that make my love the more genuine one?"She watched me closely as she spoke. "You saw the photos I posted, didn't you?"I remained silent. Her smile only broadened."Looks like it was no secret to you. Yes, we kissed. We made love. What we have is undeniably real."For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Yes, I had spent ten years chasing Carter. After finally letting go, Eli

Main Story: Anya's POVIn my third year in Englandia, I secured a position as an assistant professor with the Behavioral and Psychology Research Group at Wessex Crown University.For three years, I immersed myself completely in academia. I spent my days in the lab and my nights sifting through data and writing papers.I became a machine, numb to everything around me.The night before my dissertation defense, Belinda asked me to meet her at the old pub near campus.She lifted a pint of stout and took a slow sip.Leaning in close, she said, "You won't believe who I spotted during my layover in Oakmont before heading back to Londhurst.""Who?" I asked."That doctor ex of yours—the one who used you as a tool for revenge," Belinda answered in a low voice, her eyes widening.My glass froze halfway to my lips, but my tone stayed calm. "He went to Oakmont?""Not just Oakmont. He's been checking with everyone back home who knows you. He even tried to make me tell him where you are now

Main Story: Anya's POVCarter's face hardened. "Anya's the one who asked me to come."With a nod, I sat down. "Let's begin.""Anya—" Eli began.I stopped him mid-sentence. "I'll say everything just once. I hope you both listen closely."We've known each other for years, so I'll keep it brief."Turning to Carter, I continued, "I'm grateful for what you did when I was at my lowest, but thinking back on it, I was more swept up in the idea of being saved than loving you for the person you truly are."You never returned my feelings, and in time, I moved on. But now, it's not me you're obsessed with. It's the fact that the quiet, obedient girl has carved her own path, and you can't bear that she's no longer part of your world."But unfortunately, I'm not here to be your emotional punching bag, nor am I a piece in your battle for pride."Carter, stop clinging to me, and stop punishing yourself."Carter didn't say a word. He simply stood up and walked out of the restaurant.His silh