บททั้งหมดของ Exhausted by Seven Years of Their Drama: บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 10

My mafia boyfriend, Finn, is always bickering with his childhood friend, Amanda.For my birthday, she brought me a bullet vibe. "Here. For round two, just in case. I know his stamina better than anyone."He tossed a bottle of pale foundation at her. "Slap some more on. Maybe then someone will actually want to touch you."They shoved each other on their way out, slamming the door behind them. The candles on the cake burned down to nothing while I sat alone at the dining table.The first time our families sat down for a formal dinner, she smiled and slipped him a small bottle of lube. "Take it. So you don't make the poor girl suffer."His face darkened. "Better than you crying at night, hugging a body pillow."This time, Finn had arranged a private island vacation.A mutual friend quietly gave me a heads-up, telling me he was planning to propose on a cliff at sunset.After a seven-year marathon, I told myself this was it. The finish line was finally in sight.I dressed meticulously, putt

When Finn left, he forgot his phone on the bar.The screen lit up. I glanced over and saw a message from Amanda.[Who were you glaring at? In a rush to prove your loyalty to your perfect little girlfriend?][You're so ungrateful! Who was the one who took you street racing in the garage to blow off steam when you screwed up that deal for the family and the Old Man punished you?]I reached out, picked up the phone, and unlocked it. The password hadn't changed. It was still my birthday.I opened his chat with Amanda.The chat history was endless. They talked every single day.[Ordered you a whole box of sexy lingerie. Extra small, to make you look bigger. So you won't feel so insecure.][You should stuff your bra first, flat-chest.][You didn't send anyone to mess up my turf today. Guess you've grown up?][Count your lucky stars. Consider it a mercy from me!]It was all meaningless nonsense, but Finn replied to every single message.If not instantly, then only a few minutes later.He met

"I don't."The wind howled at the top of the cliff, and below, waves crashed against the rocks.After I spoke, the world fell into a sudden, dead silence.Everyone was stunned.Finn was still kneeling on the hard rock, the ring box held aloft. His expression shifted from anticipation to bewilderment, as if he couldn't quite process what I'd just said."What… did you say?"His voice trembled slightly as he asked again, filled with uncertainty.I looked down at him.He had been kneeling for too long; his trouser knee was flecked with rock dust and dirt."Chloe."He swallowed hard. "Don't joke about this, Chloe. Our families are watching…"Behind him, the boisterous laughter from Mia and the others died away."I said, I don't."This time, I enunciated every word.Finn's expression finally changed.It wasn't anger, but profound confusion.It was the confusion of a man who thought he had done everything right, unable to understand what more I could possibly want."Chloe, I know I have my sh

It was dusk the next day when I arrived back in my hometown.My mother was in the yard watering her flowers. She turned when she heard the iron gate creak."Why are you back so suddenly? Weren't you on an island vacation? How come…"Her gaze fell on the suitcase in my hand, and her voice trailed off."Mom.""Yes?""Finn and I broke up."She froze for two seconds.Then she walked over, took my suitcase without a word, and carried it into the house."You must be starving. Let me make you something hot.""Okay."I sat on the sofa, watching the steam rise in the kitchen, and the tension that had been wound tight inside me finally began to unwind.My phone suddenly vibrated several times.A few news alerts.[Source: Partner for East Coast Trade Project abruptly replaced; original family ousted from deal.]I gave it a passing glance before flipping the phone face down on the table.The doorbell rang unexpectedly.My mom called from the kitchen, "Who is it?""I'll get it."I stood up and open

That night, a storm broke. I was working late at the gallery.By the time I left the building, the rain was still pouring, and I hadn't brought an umbrella.I stood inside the glass doors, waiting for the rain to stop, when a black armored Maybach pulled up to the curb.The window rolled down to reveal Finn in the back seat.His left shoulder was wrapped in thick gauze, his suit jacket draped over his shoulders, unbuttoned. A dark red spot had bled through the edge of the bandage.Another car was behind his, and a few men in suits stood outside holding umbrellas, keeping their distance."Chloe, get in. I'll take you home."His face was unnaturally pale, his lips bloodless."That's okay.""The rain's too heavy. You'll never get a cab in this weather.""I can wait.""Chloe."He pushed the door open and got out of the car himself.A bodyguard immediately rushed forward with an umbrella, but Finn waved him away.He walked toward me, letting the rain soak him.The rain quickly saturated the