All Chapters of A Promise He Never Kept: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

For a moment, I couldn't even process what Oliver Holland had said. All I could do was fumble around awkwardly.I didn't dare look at him. I pushed him away, grabbed my clothes off the floor, and threw them on in a panic."Geraldine, look at me," he said, propping his chin on his arm with a teasing smile. "You didn't actually think we were a couple, did you?"The words "just sleeping together" echoed in my head. My hands trembled, and I couldn't even fasten my bra.Oliver lifted the blanket, revealing his lean, toned abs as he knelt halfway on the bed. Then, he reached out and helped me fasten it with practiced ease.I kept my head down and let out a bitter laugh. "Who's the blind date? Don't tell me Mr. Holland just grabbed someone random from a matchmaking event for you."I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My body was still covered in faint red marks, and my legs were sore and weak.Oliver, wearing only gray sweatpants, came up behind me and buried his head in the cur

Oliver suddenly seemed to come to his senses. He remembered that year when someone had confessed to me.In a panic, he had gotten drunk, stolen his family's bracelet in the middle of the night, and come to my house. He cried and begged on his knees for me to wear the heirloom bracelet.Now, he tugged at his tie, exhaled deeply, and forced a smile. "I overreacted. I… don't take back things I've given away. You can keep it.""It's fine. I'll return it. I'll grab it from home right now," I said evenly. "I'll be quick. It won't take long."Before anyone could react, I grabbed my bag and left....When I came back with the bracelet and was about to knock on the door, a burst of cheerful laughter caught me off guard."Welcome—" Oliver froze the moment he saw me. "Why is it you?"He clearly hadn't expected me to come back, let alone actually return the bracelet to him.When I held it out to him, disbelief flashed across his face. He took it at last, leaned close, and whispered, "Gera

Mom hesitated, frowning slightly. "But... Gerry, you…"I glanced at the time and said, "It's fine, Mom. I'm serious about this, and I've thought it through. You don't have to worry about me. If anything, you two should be thinking about money."I leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I've got something to do, so I'll head out first."The thought that time and distance might dull the pain made me feel a little calmer.My sincere and passionate love for Oliver had gone unspoken, but at least I had kept my dignity. I thought Oliver and I would end things on decent terms.What I didn't expect was to find myself locked out. Standing at his door, I entered the passcode repeatedly, only for the message "incorrect password" to pop up.Frustration flared. I knocked, but no one answered. When reason finally returned, I called him. The call rang several times before cutting off.By the fifth attempt, he sent a message. "I'm on a date. Don't bother me."I took a long, deep breath, swallowing th

Abigail slipped her arm through Oliver's and gave me a gentle, graceful smile.I returned a polite smile, set my wine bottle down, took a deep breath, and turned back to my conversation with the senior alumna.I pretended not to notice the gaze burning into my back. Oliver didn't look away for a long time.Two glasses of red wine in, I was still clear-headed.Later, I made my way to the restroom, fixing my makeup while I was there.Everyone was talking about visiting one of our former teachers later that evening, including my old mentor, the respected head of the dance association. She had always valued me back in school, so of course, I had to go.When I confirmed everything looked perfect, I pushed the door open."Geraldine?" Abigail appeared in a white dress, every step measured and elegant."Hi," I answered politely.I was ready to walk past her when she suddenly grabbed my wrist. Her grip was so strong that I winced. I was surprised by the strength hiding behind her fragi

Oliver continued, "But what I feel for you is—""Oliver," I cut him off, my voice calm and detached, as if I were speaking to a stranger I had just met by chance. "Weren't we just hooking up?"I paused before adding, "I hope you find someone who suits you better."I had plenty of other things to do.Finally, I added, "Don't contact me again. You were pretty quick to block me before, so don't get clingy now."After a brief silence, I said, "It's annoying."...I didn't know if it was because of retirement or the tropical air, but my parents looked healthier and happier than they had in years.If it weren't for the need to go back and finalize the property transfer during the New Year, they probably wouldn't have returned at all."I can handle it myself," I said while reviewing some paperwork. "You don't have to worry."My parents exchanged a glance. "Forget it. We don't feel at ease letting you go alone. Besides, the Holland family invited us to a small New Year's gathering. W