บททั้งหมดของ The Earthquake Hit… and So Did Betrayal: บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 9

"Are you sure you don't want the wedding dress? You spent five months designing it."The bridal consultant looked confused as she glanced toward my fiancee, Leona Sampson, who was sitting on the couch by the entrance.We had set our wedding date six months ago. I'd put so much thought into the wedding that I even designed Leona's wedding dress myself. She had always patiently come with me to work out the little details of the dress, even rubbing my shoulders whenever I got tired.The staff at the bridal shop had always seen us as the perfect couple. But after what happened during the earthquake the day before, I couldn't even stand to look at the dress anymore.Leona claimed that she had just been showing the new intern, Matt Ryder, the ropes when the earthquake hit. Everyone was panicking, and someone had accidentally torn her blouse in the chaos. So Matt had lent her his jacket.I knew that it was a lie.We used to be so in love, but her heart had started to stray. And all I

She instinctively grabbed my hand and explained, "Don't read too much into it. Young people these days just like pulling stuff like this. Matt only sees me as an older sister and is just messing around."She walked over and took down the banner, muttering under her breath, "Didn't I text you and tell you not to come? What are you doing here?"Matt scratched his head and gave a sheepish laugh. "Sorry, Patrick. I was just messing with Leona. I didn't know you were taking her to the airport. I hope you didn't get the wrong idea. Everyone at the company knows how much she loves you."As he spoke, a quick, almost imperceptible smirk crossed his face.I waved it off and said casually, "It's fine. You two can just go to the airport together. I'll head back."Leona hesitated, looking stunned as Matt ushered her into the car.Watching the car disappear down the road, I finally understood where the Porsche I'd given Leona had gone.She had given it to Matt as a birthday gift.Back then,

Leona looked flustered, but Matt was smirking. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Yeah, we're here to pick out a dress for the wedding."I nodded. "Sure. I'll sell it to you."Matt reached for the dress, but Leona immediately grabbed his arm. "Don't touch that! I'm wearing it for my wedding to Patrick!"She pushed past him and came straight to me, taking my hand. "You spent five months designing this dress. How can you just sell it like that? What am I supposed to wear to our wedding then?"A cold laugh escaped me. She'd still be wearing it, just to marry someone else.I pulled my hand away. "Leona, we're done. The wedding is off."I'd always thought saying those words would break me, but when the moment finally came, I felt surprisingly calm. It was as if I'd finally found the courage to face reality.Tears welled up in Leona's eyes. "Patrick, what are you talking about? Our wedding is next week. We already booked the venue.""I canceled it," I said coldly. "There isn't going to

Leona stared at the form in shock and rubbed her eyes several times.Once she recognized her own handwriting, realization dawned on her. "Wait... this is the document Matt got me to sign?"I nodded and pulled her hand away. "Yeah. I wish you two a long and happy life together."After leaving the apartment complex, I took a cab to my parents' house.My best friend, Ryan Duffman, was sitting on the couch, absentmindedly petting my cat. The moment he saw me walk in, he grinned cheekily."Well, well. Look who finally decided to come home. You walked away from your family and put your career on the line for love, and now you've got neither. Talk about screwing yourself over."I rolled my eyes and sank into the seat beside my dad.He closed his book and gave me a look. "Are you really set on starting over abroad? Or is this another impulsive decision for 'true love'?"Ryan threw an arm around my shoulder. "Don't worry, Frank. As long as I'm around, this idiot isn't getting into anoth

Matt scoffed, "Why should I? I didn't do anything wrong. Why would I apologize? And why should I quit?"Leona pulled my resignation form from her bag and threw it at him. "You did this, didn't you? You lied to me about needing a signature for an emergency procedure and tricked me into signing it. And what was it really for? Patrick's resignation form! You just wanted him gone!"All the warmth and affection disappeared from Matt's face. He grabbed Leona by the shoulders and shouted, "So what if I did? I did it because I love you! Once he was out of the picture, we could finally be together. Why can't you see that I'm the one who loves you more?"Leona slapped him hard across the face."What are you talking about? I told you, I only see you as a younger brother! If you hadn't come between us, Patrick and I would never have ended up like this!"Matt held his cheek and gave a bitter smile. "Oh, please. So now you're playing innocent in front of his parents? That's not what you said in