Todos los capítulos de After Five Missed Birthdays, I Left: Capítulo 1 - Capítulo 9

Quinn Bayer chose the diamond necklace without hesitation.Alex Feinn fastened it around her neck himself before looking at her with open admiration."You look beautiful."Quinn laughed softly, then fished for another compliment with a smug smile. "So, who's prettier? Cathy or me?""She doesn't even come close."The way Alex answered without a second thought left me deeply disappointed.Quinn slipped her arm through his with a satisfied expression and walked toward the car. They looked like a perfect couple.When she was getting in, Alex held his hand over her head to keep her from bumping it against the frame.A cab pulled up beside me.The driver rolled down his window and asked where I was headed.Watching their car pull away, I said evenly, "Follow that car."The driver followed their car with practiced ease, keeping a steady pace.The car stopped outside the hottest date-night restaurant in town, a place that was all over social media.It was where I had planned to su

Alex froze and sniffed at his clothes.With an apologetic look, he took out a gift box and handed it to me."I picked this out just for you. Don't be mad, okay? Next year, I promise I'll clear my schedule and spend your birthday with you."I was about to tell him we were through when his phone rang.He answered immediately.His eyes lit up. I had never heard him sound so excited."Really? You've made up your mind? I'll come see you right away."After hanging up, Alex let his smile fade and turned to me."Something urgent has come up with an important client. I need to go see her. I'll be home later."Before I could say anything, he walked out without a moment's hesitation.The apartment fell silent.A client?I scoffed. His so-called client had to be Quinn.After a moment's thought, I went outside, got into my car, and followed Alex.I was no longer the pathetic girlfriend desperate to prove that I mattered to him.I needed more evidence to finally end the relationship I

I was back in the home I had left five years earlier. Mom rushed over and pulled me into her arms, overcome with emotion."Mom, I missed you so much.""I'm just glad you're home. I knew he wasn't right for you the first time I met him. You've finally come to your senses."When she accidentally touched the wound on my forearm, I cried out."Ow!"Mom immediately let go.I rolled up my sleeve. A bit of blood was seeping through the bandage on my forearm.She gently bandaged my arm anew."This is what I get for not listening to you. I want nothing to do with him ever again."When she heard what I had been through over the years, she was heartbroken and furious.I talked her out of confronting Alex."Mom, I lost the bet we made five years ago. But I'm not agreeing to this marriage to get back at Alex. I want a life of my own."Five years earlier, when Mom saw how determined I was to be with Alex, she had made a bet with me.If Alex fell in love with someone else or failed to pr

For the first time, Alex pushed her away.Five years ago, he would have been thrilled.But now, all he could think about was me."But I don't feel that way about you anymore."Quinn stared at him in shock."What are you talking about? Every year, you leave Cathy on her birthday to plan extravagant surprises for me. She gets the gifts I don't want. You only started dating her because she looks like me."Alex shook his head.Even though he had indeed first asked me out because I bore a passing resemblance to Quinn, he had then gotten to know me and gradually realized that we were completely different people.I was quiet and even-tempered, while Quinn was outgoing and energetic.After five years together, he had grown used to having me by his side.Looking back, he could barely remember why he had wanted to be with Quinn in the first place.He finally realized that, somewhere along the way, I had become the one he loved."At first, yes. But then I realized she was nothing like

The next morning, Alex had nearly a thousand red roses delivered to my house. The enormous bouquet almost blocked the entire entrance.He stood there and refused to leave."Cathy, I know this can't make up for the way I hurt you. But I know you're only marrying Joe Clark for your family's business. I can't stand by and watch you give up your happiness for them. "Let's get back together. I promise I won't take you for granted this time."I looked at him calmly. My tone was cold and distant."Alex, some mistakes can't be undone, and once you've lost someone, you've lost them for good. All you're doing now is making my life harder. Please leave me alone and let me move on."Alex stared at me in disbelief.I ignored him, turned away, and headed to the office to take care of the family business.The days flew by. Soon it was time for my wedding to Joe.Long, dark wooden tables stood in neat rows on the private estate's stone terrace. The guests were relatives and allies of both fa