Semua Bab Happiness, Just Out of Reach: Bab 1 - Bab 9

Everyone in the hospital room understood exactly what I meant when I said I wasn't marrying Layne Harper.My parents glanced at Layne, then at me, and simply sighed. "Maybe that's for the best. A clean break is better."It had been ten years. It was time to end it.I exchanged a silent look with Layne, signaling for us to step out into the hall.He followed behind me. For the first time that night, he took off his earbud, smiling as he ruffled my hair."Aleah, thanks for being so understanding. Things are different now. A marriage certificate doesn't mean much. We should stand our ground, not give in just because your grandpa wants us to get married. Besides, aren't we happy like this?"Layne's voice was gentle, but it cut through me like a blade.Two years ago, Ruby's parents were abducted and killed after saving the Harper family. Since then, she'd developed severe separation anxiety.That was when she quietly started becoming a constant presence in our lives.Layne spent 18

As Layne looked back at my calm expression, hesitation flickered across his face.But at the insistent ringing of Ruby's call, he turned once more and walked away.…Julian and I had agreed to meet at City Hall at 9:00 am.After getting the marriage certificate, Julian had to deal with a sudden issue at his company and went to a cafe next door.He checked his watch. "Give me ten minutes. After I'm done, we'll head to the Sandoval residence."I nodded. "Okay."I didn't want to interfere with his work, so I stayed outside City Hall to wait for him. I never expected to run into Layne there, with Ruby by his side.The moment he saw me, he instinctively let go of her hand. "Aleah, what are you doing here?"His friends, standing with him, glanced at me and immediately started mocking me."Well, look at that. Dressed up all formal. Don't tell me you came here to stop Layne after finding out he's marrying Ruby today.""Ruby's parents saved his whole family. Meanwhile, all you do is

The Sandoval family held power in both the political and business circles in Javora. No one dared to cross them.Layne clearly understood that too. His eyes stayed locked on me. "Aleah, think carefully. You're throwing your whole life away just to spite me and marry someone you don't even love?"Once you walk out of here today, you can never marry me again. And don't go begging your grandpa to call me and use his illness as a threat to force me into marrying you."My voice was flat as I replied, "Don't worry. That's never going to happen. A relationship that's already rotten to the core isn't worth looking back on."A vein pulsed at his temple. He turned away sharply, furious. "Fine! Don't regret it! Since we're broken up, go back and clear out your things! Ruby likes your room. She'll be moving in. Make sure it's empty."As Layne spoke, he kept watching my expression closely, like he was searching for a crack in my calm.But there wasn't one. I remained indifferent. "Throw it al

It felt like all the strength had been drained out of my body. Even the thin sheet of paper in my hand felt too heavy to hold. I swayed, about to collapse.At that moment, a pair of hands steadied my arm. Layne had rushed over."Aleah, are you okay? Let me sign it. I'm her boyfriend. The patient inside is like a grandfather to me."He reached for the surgical consent form, but the doctor exchanged a glance with the nurse and didn't hand it over. "Isn't Ms. Dawson married?"Upon hearing Layne's voice, I finally forced myself back to clarity. I took the form and signed it myself.After that, I turned to the doctor, pleading, "Please, save my grandpa. Money is not an issue. Just please make sure he survives.""Don't worry. We will do everything we can."Throughout the whole process, Layne kept staring at me with a complicated expression. He followed me and sat down on the cold bench outside the operating room."Mr. Dawson Senior is having surgery. Where's Julian? And why didn't yo

Layne came to Grandpa's funeral. His eyes were red, his entire presence worn down and hollow. He called out in a rough voice, "Aleah, I'm sorry. I really realize my mistakes."He had always believed that if he made me dependent enough on him, I would never leave. But he was actually the one who couldn't let go.I glanced at him without emotion and didn't respond.Yet, Layne didn't seem to notice my indifference. He stepped forward, closing the distance between us."Ruby and I are over. I finally understand why you wanted to break up with me. I'm sorry. Aleah, I was too slow to realize how wrong I was. I didn't understand how much I was hurting you until I lost you. Give me one more chance. Let's start over, please."I picked up a white flower from the table and held it out toward him. My voice held no emotion as I said, "Thank you for coming to Grandpa's funeral, Layne."Even if we're not lovers, we still had ten years together. I don't want to end things with even those memories