جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 20

Normally, Avery's status would've made the staff back down.But Ryan had requested cremation and burial beside his parents. They had to honor his wishes.The staff moved in to take him.Someone pressed against Avery's injured hand. Pain shot through it, loosening her grip. They pulled Ryan away."No! Don't!"She screamed and lunged after him.Too late.They slid his body into the cremation chamber.The heavy door slammed shut in her face.Avery coughed up blood and blacked out."Ms. Carter!"Overnight, all of Crestview was saying she'd lost her mind.She'd walked out on her wedding. Now she stayed locked in her room, clutching a servant's urn.Dylan's parents were furious. After how she'd treated their oldest son, they wanted the engagement off.Dylan refused. He'd spent his whole youth waiting for her. He couldn't give her up now.Defying his parents, he went to the Carter estate.He was still her fiancé. The wedding had fallen apart, but he was sure they'd still marry

The day Ryan was buried was as beautiful as the day Avery met him.She'd been sixteen. Sunlight warmed his handsome face.His eyes lit up as he smiled. "Hey, I'm Ryan. Nice to meet you."Now she was twenty-six, saying goodbye. That lively boy was a handful of ashes. Even his urn weighed almost nothing.She watched the workers cover it with dirt, shovelful by shovelful.Only then did she accept he was dead.She'd never wanted this.When they'd met again, she'd been thrilled. Then scared.What if he left again? She'd done anything to keep him close.But once he was back, she couldn't forget how he'd humiliated her and walked away.Love and hate tangled inside her.Hate won.Avery slept with other men in front of him. Watching him break down filled her with regret. She'd thought about taking him back, loving him like before.Then hate swallowed her again.She swung between love and hate until Ryan's cancer diagnosis.He knew her too well. If he died, she'd follow him.So h

Soon, school started.Ryan and his parents said goodbye, telling each other to stay safe. They lingered as he wheeled his suitcase onto campus.He settled into his dorm, met his roommates and classmates, then headed to class with them.Passing Avery's homeroom, he glanced inside.She sat by the window in her uniform, head propped on one hand, flipping through a new textbook.He couldn't look away.She'd been sitting just like that in his first life. He'd spotted her the moment he entered their classroom.So he'd walked over and introduced himself.Then he'd pulled her out of her privileged world and trapped himself in endless pain.This time, Ryan looked away and headed to his homeroom down the hall.His parents had spent a month choosing Brookfield High. He wouldn't waste their effort.Avery's science classes kept her with the same students and teachers.He was better at humanities. Choosing those electives and a different homeroom let him play to his strengths and avoid h

The moment Ryan realized Avery had come back too, he'd wanted to give in.She rarely cried in front of him. Even when building their business was hardest, she'd always greeted him with a smile.Her tears used to break his heart. He'd hold her and cry with her.But he couldn't do that now.He forced himself to push her away."Sorry, do I know you?"He looked like he meant it.Avery froze.She'd imagined so many ways they might meet again, both remembering everything.She could've taken him yelling at her. Even hitting her.But pretending not to know her?His distant stare sent a sharp pain through her chest.Ryan acted like he didn't notice. He turned to the class rep."Andy, she's not in our class. Could you ask her to leave?"Only after Andy politely walked her out did Ryan let his tears fall.He still loved her. He wanted to tell her he remembered, hold her, and cry with her.But Avery was smart and had every advantage. She deserved the chances and connections her wor

A knock came. Melinda eased the door open."Avery."Avery pushed herself off the floor. "Mom."She swayed, and Melinda hurried to steady her."Sweetheart, we need to talk."***Ryan was studying at his desk when someone knocked.His parents were out, so he went to answer.Avery stood outside.He tried to shut the door, but she slipped her hand into the gap. He quickly pulled it open."What are you doing here?"His voice was cold, still rough from crying.Her heart softened. She almost stroked his hair, then clenched her hand instead."Ryan, we need to talk. Really talk."They talked for most of the afternoon. Still foggy from being sick, Ryan remembered her last words best."I want to show you love matters more than anything."After talking to Melinda, Avery had finally understood.Ryan loved her, but he didn't trust love to get them through everything.He'd forgotten how much they could get through together.She wanted to help him see that again.First, they had to