Liam and I had been engaged for three years, and in that time, we’d tried to have our wedding 99 times. Every single one of them ended up getting canceled. Every time he arrived at the venue, his childhood friend, Seraphina, was guaranteed to stir up some drama. She’d threaten self-harm, stage dramatic accidents like jumping from a bridge, throwing herself in front of a car… It was painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that she deliberately didn’t want us to get married. Yet, Liam fell for it every single time. He’d always fall for it, rushing to her side without a second thought. On our 99th wedding day, Sera’s tearful call came in. “Liam, I’m trapped in a bar by a bunch of drunk, rowdy guys…” Liam’s face went absolutely white as he got the call. He threw down my bouquet and bolted. “Liam.” I grabbed his arm, my face devoid of all emotion. “I’m only going to ask you this once, and it’s the last time. Are you absolutely sure you want to leave?” Liam roughly yanked his arm free, annoyance clouding his features. “Skylar, how can you be so selfish? Our wedding can happen another time, but Sera’s life… she only gets one. She’s stuck with a bunch of drunk troublemakers right now; it’s dangerous! I have to go save her!” A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me. I let go of his arm. “Then go.” Liam gave me a grateful look. “Skylar, I knew you’d understand me.” “Next time, I promise, I’ll give you an even *more* unforgettable wedding.” There wouldn’t be a next time. After him bailing on our wedding so many times, even the guests around us were used to it. Even Mom and Dad just sighed, already looking at the calendar for the next available date. “Skylar, which day looks good for the next wedding?” “No need.” I shook my head. “I’m not getting married.” My words made everyone in the room turn their heads, their eyes wide with shock. Ashton’s parents went utterly pale, rushing forward in a panic to reason with me. “Elara, please don’t let that jerk get to you.” “You two have been dating for ten years, engaged for three. You were practically family already, please don’t do anything rash…” Mrs. Hayes gripped my hand, trying to be comforting. “I’m not being rash.” I pulled my hand away, my expression blank, and smiled. “Mrs. Hayes, you’ve seen it yourselves. Ashton always cares more about others. He even ran away from our wedding, a huge event like this.” “Since he’s not truly committed to marrying me, I don’t need to chase after him or be his doormat.” “Let’s just call off this wedding.” Once I changed out of my wedding dress, most of the guests had already left. Mrs. Hayes was on the phone, absolutely fuming. “You rotten kid, get back here right now!” “Even if Brooke dies out there today, it has nothing to do with you…” Mrs. Hayes had him on speakerphone. A loud commotion erupted on the other end, and Ashton’s voice, raw from yelling, barely cut through. “Mom, what are you saying…? I can’t hear you!” “Ugh, we’ll talk later. I’m busy right now.” But I clearly heard the thumping beat of a club, mixed with Brooke’s excited giggles. “Ashton, I knew you wouldn’t want me to be sad! You even ran from your wedding for me. Girls, count how many times this is now?” A few girls giggled, playing along. “Seriously, who in this whole scene doesn’t know Ashton dotes on you the most?” “If you’d just said yes to being his girlfriend, Elara wouldn’t even be in the picture!” “Brooke, you’re such a player! Just stringing him along like this, do you just enjoy the flirty vibe?” “Mrs. Hayes, I’m leaving.” My sudden voice startled her. She quickly covered the phone’s speaker and turned to look at me. “Elara, I’m so sorry about today. It’s all that conniving snake Brooke’s fault!” Mrs. Hayes still thought I was just sulking. “Sweetheart, I know you’re a good girl. This time, Ashton really messed up.” “I’ll make him get down on his knees and beg for your forgiveness another day.” I shook my head, my face serious. “Honestly, Mrs. Hayes, you don’t have to.” “You can’t force something that’s not meant to be. Just let him be with Brooke.” Seeing that I was serious, my parents finally stopped talking and drove me away from the hotel. Actually, I had already seen it when I first stepped out of the changing room. Just like the 98 previous wedding escapes. Each time he got away with it, Brooke would update her Ins story. This time was no different. Two photos: one of a man’s and woman’s hands, fingers intertwined. The other, Ashton pulling a delicate-looking Brooke into his arms. “I told you I’d always be his favorite.” “I just made one call, and he ran from his wedding to find me again, lol. He’s escaped his wedding 99 times for me. One more, and I’ll hit my target, then I’m all my childhood sweetheart’s!” “But seriously, his chest feels so safe.” After reading it, I casually tapped ‘like’. And commented: “Congrats.” On the drive home, my mom looked worried, holding my hand with a furrowed brow. “Elara, what are you going to do? When you said you weren’t getting married, was that just anger talking, or are you serious?” My mom couldn’t believe it either. After all, Ashton and I had been together for nearly ten years. Everyone thought we’d smoothly walk down the aisle and finally become family. We hadn’t broken up even during our toughest times. But everything changed the moment Brooke came back to town. I lowered my head and smiled. “Mom, I’ve never been more serious.” “To be honest, with each of his escapes, I’ve finally realized… I don’t really like Ashton that much anymore.” “As for a new husband—” I looked at my mom earnestly. “Didn’t you say Mrs. Miller’s son is coming back home these days?” “If he’s still single, I wouldn’t mind going out with him to see how it goes.” My mom’s face lit up with surprise at my words. “Elara, you’ve finally come to your senses??” “I always said Julian, Mrs. Miller’s son, is handsome and excellent. And he’s practically your childhood sweetheart! Yesterday, Mrs. Miller just told me he’s back home. We’ll set up a meeting for you two soon, you can get reacquainted.” I smiled and nodded, not saying much more. That afternoon, I booked a flight, ready for a trip to the Maldives. As I was boarding, Ashton called. I didn’t answer. By the time I landed in the Maldives, the missed calls had piled up to over thirty. I just swiped them away. After having my fill of fun, I posted some beautiful photos on Ins that night. Ashton was the first to completely lose it. “Elara, didn’t we say we’d go to the Maldives together? For our honeymoon, to take wedding photos? Why did you go by yourself?” “And you haven’t answered my calls or texts for two days. What’s wrong with you? Did I give you permission to ignore me like this?” Ashton called, full of accusations. I just felt a wave of irritation. If I hadn’t accidentally swiped and answered, how could I have picked up his call? Sure enough, before I could even open my mouth, Ashton jumped to his own conclusions. “Alright, alright, you’re just mad I ran from the wedding that day, right? It’s not the first time, why are you being so dramatic?” “Just have your fun and come back soon. It’s not safe by yourself in a foreign country. How are you going to manage all by yourself without a guy around?” “Okay, okay, I have to go. Text me when you’re back, alright? I’ll take you shopping for a new bag, treat you to a fancy dinner.” The call abruptly ended. If before his flimsy excuses would have broken my heart, now I felt absolutely nothing. Each time he made me angry, he used the same tired tricks to appease me. Like eating the same bland meal three times a day—anyone would get sick of it. I was just about to block him. Then a video notification popped up. It was from Brooke. In the video, Ashton, egged on by the crowd, took a sip of a drink and then shared it, mouth-to-mouth, with Brooke. Brooke deliberately licked his lips a few times, teasing him like a little wildcat. Finally, it ignited Ashton’s competitive streak. The next second, he pulled Brooke’s head close and bit her lip hard. “Ashton, are you a dog? You bit me, ow…” Brooke playfully hit his arm, feigning annoyance. The crowd around them egged them on. “Oh, what’s so special about that? These two have practically French kissed themselves senseless. Let’s play something more exciting!” “How about Truth or Dare?” Brooke stepped forward, grabbing Ashton’s tie, and asked the first question. “Have you ever slept with your fiancée?” Everyone leaned in, laughing, their eyes glinting with malicious amusement as they stared at Ashton. Ashton paused, his gaze softening as it fell on Brooke. “Silly girl, why would you ask that?” “No matter what I say, you’ll get jealous.” But Brooke wouldn’t back down. “So, what’s it gonna be? You and Elara have been together for almost ten years. No way you haven’t. Tell me the truth. And also, when you have a wet dream, do you dream about me more, or about Elara?” The crowd’s cheers grew louder and louder. Ashton, being flattered and unable to back down, finally gave in. “It’s you, Brooke.” “Elara has no curves, no spark in bed. How could she compare to someone as alluring as you?” As he spoke, Ashton’s hand provocatively reached for Brooke’s spaghetti strap top. The video abruptly cut off. Immediately after, Brooke sent another message. “Elara, I’m so sorry, but your boyfriend was ‘borrowed’ by me for another night.” “But I guess you’re so generous, always clinging to Ashton like a leech even after he’s run from the wedding so many times. You probably don’t mind, right?” I don’t know what I felt seeing all that. Ten years of sweet affection, all rotten in an instant. I stood up immediately and sent a message to Julian. “Send me a pic of your abs.” Julian paused for a minute before replying, “??” “What do you want to do?” Then he sent a voice message, his voice deep and magnetic. I just forwarded the provocative video Brooke had sent me. “What do you think? I need help getting revenge.” Julian actually sent me an abs picture. I frowned when I saw it. “Pull your waistband down a bit, make it more daring.” Julian hesitated for a good five minutes before finally sending another perfect abs picture. I was very satisfied. I added a caption and sent it to Brooke. “Sorry, I was busy sleeping with a man.” “Oh, you said you’re sleeping with Ashton again, right? No worries, I’m generous enough. That kind of man only lasts two minutes anyway, you can have him.” “Because, girl, I’m kinda busy right now. Don’t bother me, okay?” Brooke replied instantly with a shocked emoji. Still not satisfied, I decided to take it up a notch. I adopted Brooke’s fake innocent tone and posted on Ins. “My childhood sweetheart came with me to the Maldives, and he lets me touch his abs all I want. Turns out, if you just throw away your good girl image, you get to enjoy the good stuff. So happy—” Within minutes, the likes poured in. My friends commented like crazy: “Elara, why are you suddenly talking like a ‘green tea’? What happened to you?” “Abs?! Where did you get those? They’re not just a stock photo, are they?” My ego took a hit. Did they really not trust me? Did they think I couldn’t have a *real* childhood sweetheart with actual abs? Of course, there were also many congratulating me, saying I’d finally figured things out and started enjoying life. Only one comment stood out. “?? Elara, are you crazy?” It was Ashton. He started spamming my phone with calls. When I didn’t answer, he tried to find me on every social media account and shopping app he could, sending me messages. “Elara, what are you doing? Why is there another man next to you? Who is that jerk?” “I knew it, why did you suddenly go to the Maldives? Did that guy ask you out?” “I’m telling you, don’t easily trust other men. Guys out there are no good, they’re just trying to trick you…” “Elara, if you dare to cheat on me, I’m not letting this go!” I accepted his video call. I intentionally showed him my arm, wearing a sleep top, and only filmed a corner of the hotel room. Ashton’s face instantly darkened, and he roared. “Elara!” “Send me your location. Which hotel are you in right now?” “Tell me who that man is! I’ll kill him!” I thoroughly enjoyed watching his frustrated rage. So this is how satisfying it felt to easily manipulate someone’s emotions. Before, he had always been the one with the upper hand in our relationship. Watching me worry over him, get emotional for him, and feel jealous for him. He must have been enjoying that thrill. But sorry, it’s my turn now. Watching Ashton’s furious expression, all the frustration I’d felt before just melted away. “Ashton, stop pretending. What reason do you have to be angry?” “When you left me at the altar over and over, you put more than just one ‘green hat’ on my head.” “Even now, you’re still getting hot and heavy with your little childhood sweetheart. What right do you have to say anything to me?” “Besides, I’ve already broken up with you. You have no right to question anything I do.” Lying in my hotel room, listening to music, I was about to order some room service. Suddenly, Julian’s video call came through. “Elara, when did I go to the Maldives with you?” Oops. Caught in the act, my little Ins story lie had been found out by the actual person. I was about to make an excuse when my gaze slowly dropped, and the words caught in my throat. He wasn’t wearing a shirt in the video. His tempting abs were on full display. I casually reached for my teacup and took a sip, but I’d grabbed the wrong one. It was red wine. The next second, my cheeks burned, and I stared directly at him. “So… are you coming now?” Julian paused, then smiled. “You’re going to be the death of me.” “Wait for me.” Before, I’d only heard my mom say that Mrs. Miller’s son was incredibly accomplished, buying villas and driving luxury cars abroad. But I never expected him to be *this* accomplished. He told me to wait. I thought I’d be waiting a day or more. But two hours later, he arrived in a helicopter. I stood at the hotel entrance, stunned, staring at him. “You… are you some kind of top-secret government talent?” Julian smiled, looking incredibly handsome. “What? Can’t a guy fly a helicopter using his own savings?” He flicked my forehead. “Looks like you’re still as silly as you were as a kid.” Julian made himself right at home, pulling his suitcase directly into my hotel room. “Hey, Julian, can’t you just get another room?” “Why would I need another room?” Julian turned back, looking genuinely surprised. “Didn’t you invite me over?” He took a step closer. His handsome face was inches from mine. My cheeks flushed even hotter. “My mom told me you’re willing to date me, so you should be my girlfriend now, right?” “I was worried my girlfriend might get snatched away, so I rushed here immediately. Gotta keep an eye on my girlfriend.” Julian’s eyes crinkled in a smile as he said this. He didn’t hold back at all, picking up my wine glass and taking a drink. All the words I was about to say simply died in my throat. Alright, he really hasn’t changed since we were kids. “I bought a ticket for tomorrow, but I guess that’s not necessary anymore.” I looked enviously at the helicopter parked outside the hotel. Julian chuckled softly. “Cancel it, Elara. Marry me, and this helicopter is yours.” Of course, in my excitement, I got completely wasted. I finally woke up late the next morning. I was sprawled out across the bed. Julian unconsciously had an arm around my waist, his breathing even. I, however, acutely noticed the faint, familiar scent on him. He was still as quiet as he was when we were kids. I woke up a bit early, so I mindlessly scrolled through my phone. Suddenly, I saw Brooke had updated her Ins story. “My stomach hurt so bad last night. Went to the clinic and found out I’m pregnant…!” “That rotten childhood sweetheart really took things too far, so I had to go to the clinic for an abortion.” She also posted a picture: a small specimen jar with the contents pixelated, but you could still faintly make out what it was. “But I’ll keep this little ‘gift’ as a souvenir for him. Later, at his wedding, I’ll show it to his wife. She’ll have to thank me properly, right…?” I felt a wave of nausea and immediately blocked her. Two days later, I was back home. Julian dropped me off. As I was getting out of the car, a man grabbed me from behind. “Elara…” It was Ashton, reeking of alcohol. Feeling my body stiffen, he forcibly spun me around to face him. “Elara, where have you been? You’re not just getting back from the Maldives, are you?” He looked at me with a pained expression, but his eyes were fierce, like a wolf’s. He tried to check me for… marks, just like he used to, but I coldly pushed him away. “Ashton, we broke up a long time ago.” I am my own person, not his property. Besides, I had never checked up on him, always giving him my complete trust. But he had treated me like a fool. “Elara, stop being ridiculous. I know those pictures were just stock photos you downloaded from the internet to provoke me.” Ashton, acting like I was being unreasonable, frowned. “I told you, Brooke and I are just friends, it’s not what you think.” “And we’ve been together for 10 years, you’re destined to be my wife.” I couldn’t help but sneer. “The one you said had no spark in bed?” Ashton frowned. “Why are you being so nasty?” “Stop dreaming. I’m never marrying you.” Ashton lowered his head and chuckled, but his eyes gleamed with confidence. He said that if I didn’t marry him, I wouldn’t get my share of the profits from the company we’d invested in together. I looked at him coldly. “Are you trying to cheat me?” Ashton scoffed softly. “How is this cheating? It was all in black and white when we signed the contract. Don’t believe me? Take a look.” I glanced down, and sure enough, it was true. It stated that the profit share could only be received if we were married. But I definitely didn’t remember agreeing to such a predatory clause. Ashton looked smug. “Elara, what other choice do you have now besides marrying me?” “If you want that money, you’ll marry me whether you like it or not.” “So just wait. When I’m in a good mood, I’ll plan the wedding. Then, even my money will be yours.” But I just sneered. “No need. You can have that money or not, I don’t care. I guess it’ll just be your funeral fund.” After all, Julian and I had already planned to settle abroad after we got married. Our businesses here wouldn’t be as necessary. With that, I turned and walked upstairs, ignoring his shouts. The next morning, I went to the company to handle my resignation. Ashton finally looked grim, realizing I was serious. “Elara, are you really leaving? You poured ten years of your heart into this place. Can you really give it up?” I ignored him. Just then, the door opened. Julian walked in, holding some bridal gown designs for me to choose from. “Take a look at this one, what do you think?”
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “298776”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #现实主义Realistic
Leave a Reply