The Groom Who Stayed のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 8

Mom's crying. "Hannah, we messed up before. But this time, we're really here to bless your marriage!"Dad's voice cracks. "I know you hate us, but we had our reasons. All I've ever wanted is to see you walk down that aisle."He claps Leroy's shoulder, eyes soft. "You clearly love her. Just know—marrying into old money's no joke. Take care of my girl."Leroy glances at me. "They're all dressed up. I think they actually came to support us."I stay quiet. Seen this scene four times already.Every time, it was the same act—tears, promises, begging the groom to protect me. Then bam—we'd barely step outside before their faces flipped and they dragged us straight to court for a divorce.But this time...Dad pulled out a bank card, eyes glassy. "Hannah, there's $40K on here. From your mom and me."He looked at Leroy. "I know your family's loaded. Maybe this isn't much to you. But our daughter deserves everything. And if your people ever mess with her—we'll come swinging."I stared at

By the time I got to the hospital, I was already at risk of losing the baby.The surgery worked. The baby was fine.When I came to, Leroy was right there, gripping my hand. His face was still a mess—bruised, untouched—but he never let go.I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it. "Your parents are fine. They're outside. I've got bodyguards watching them—I wasn't about to let them near you again."I nodded, guilt twisting in my gut. "I'm sorry."He brushed my hair back. "Don't be. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't get half of what you've lived through. None of this is on you."I sniffled. "But my parents—""I don't blame them."My mind flashed to the four wrecked weddings. Every time, different guy, same ending—once my parents stirred up chaos, the groom bailed.Even my first love ditched me with, "A marriage without your parents' blessing won't be happy."But Leroy wasn't like them. He stayed. Told me our baby was okay. Promised we'd face everything together.

"Then your sister...""Gigi was stubborn. Even after calling them out, she still took the exam. Right after? Car crash. They couldn't save her."My parents never stopped blaming themselves.I was eight. None of it made sense—how a test could kill her. Why our parents were so desperate to stop her. Just like they are with my weddings.Leroy's voice was quiet. "You think they stopped her for the same reason they ruined our wedding today?"He was finally getting it.I nodded. "If I'm right—yeah. Same reason."I grabbed the diary from the tin. "This... This is their love story."I flipped it open.Their love? Simple. What they lived through? Anything but.They were high school sweethearts—sixteen and inseparable.A year in, they got caught in a massive flood. Everyone else on that trip died. Only they made it.The next year, avalanche. They barely escaped.Third year? Earthquake. Trapped underground, clinging to each other—until a rescue crew somehow found them instantly.Aft

I was bawling as I dragged him into the ER.Leroy, what were you thinking?Why would you do that for me...?After a full day of surgeries and no sleep, he pulled through—barely. But he didn't wake up.My parents showed up, holding me while they cried."That kid... Leroy was too selfless...""Dad, Mom... your hair..." I blinked. Their grays were gone. Jet black. "Your bodies...?"They exhaled like they'd been holding it forever. "It's over. The curse. Leroy must've read that note in our diary.""What did it say?"I had to know."The curse could only break if someone chose to die for the other. Your dad and I kept dodging the Reaper because we would've done it, no question.""He couldn't take us, so he went after your sister... then you.""Gigi was our biggest regret. We couldn't let it happen again. But we were scared—scared no guy would ever be willing. They all bailed the second we stirred up drama. How could we trust any of them would actually die for you?"They weren't