Chapter 19%
D
The night before the wedding was perfect.
Ryan had planned a quiet evening for just the two of us–no business talks, no stress, just him and me. A candlelit dinner under the stars, soft music playing in the background, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of jasmine through the air.
He pulled my chair out for me, his fingers brushing against my skin as I sat down. “You’re quiet tonight,” he murmured, pouring me a glass of wine. “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”
I forced a smile. “A little. It still feels surreal.“/
He smirked. “You? Nervous? That’s hard to believe.“/
I took a slow sip of my wine, letting the bittersweet taste settle on my tongue. If only he knew.
Ryan reached across the table, taking my hand in his. His thumb traced small circles on my skin. “Are you sure everything’s okay?“%
I hesitated for a second too long.
His sharp eyes caught it immediately. “Kylie,” he said softly, tilting his head. “Talk to me.””
I quickly shook my head. “It’s nothing, really. Just… tired.”
He studied me for a moment, as if trying to see past my words. Then, he squeezed my hand and smiled. “Then after the wedding, we’ll take a long honeymoon. Somewhere quiet. Just the two of us.“}
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “That sounds perfect.”
He chuckled. “Of course, it does. I planned it.”
I laughed, though it felt hollow. Guilt gnawed at my insides. Every moment with him felt heavier, knowing what I was about to do.”
I had to savor these last moments before I walked away. Because tomorrow, I wouldn’t be Kylie Smith. I wouldn’t be Ryan’s wife. I would be gone.
Later that night, we lay in bed, tangled together beneath the sheets. His hands traced lazy patterns on my back, his lips brushing against my forehead.
“I love you,” he whispered. “More than anything.“}
I clenched my eyes shut. Don’t cry. Don’t break.}
Instead, I kissed him, deep and slow, pouring every unspoken emotion into it.
He responded instantly, flipping me onto my back, his body pressing into mine. The heat between us was intoxicating, familiar, yet tonight felt different–desperate, like we were clinging to something we both knew was slipping away.}
“I can’t wait to call you my wife,” he murmured against my skin.”
I smiled sadly, threading my fingers through his hair. You won’t have to wait. Because it’ll never happen.
But I didn’t say that.”
Instead, I let him love me, let him hold me, let myself believe–even just for one night–that we had a future.”
The next morning. I stared at the wedding gown hanging in front of me, the soft fabric flowing like water, pure and untouched–just like the life I was about to abandon.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Instead, it would be the most heartbreaking. Because today, I was leaving Ryan.
I didn’t know if I was making the right choice, but it was the only choice I had. If I stayed, Ryan would lose everything. His father would strip him of his inheritance, banish him from the company, and ruin his future.
And I couldn’t let that happen. I wasn’t worth it. I didn’t deserve him.
But even as I convinced myself of that, my heart ached at the thought of never seeing him again.
For the past few days, I held onto every moment with him. I memorized the way he looked at me, the way he touched me, the way he whispered I love you when he thought I was asleep.”
And last night, I gave him a memory he would never forget.
I watched Ryan dress in his suit, his excitement evident as he kissed me one last time before leaving.
“I’ll be waiting for you at the altar,” he said with a boyish grin. “Don’t be late, Mrs. Smith.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.%
Once he was gone, I turned to the driver waiting outside. “Take me to the airport.”
His father had arranged everything. A private jet was waiting to take me far away from here. I climbed into the car, my hands shaking as I pulled out my phone. Ryan’s name flashed across the screen.W
Then my mother. Then Jayson.
Tignored them all. The wedding had started.
From my phone, I saw a live stream of the event. Cameras flashed, guests whispered, and reporters speculated why the bride hadn’t arrived yet.
Ryan stood at the altar, adjusting his cufflinks, his smile beginning to fade as time passed.%
I felt a sob crawl up my throat I’m sorry, Ryan
Then, I saw the moment he received my letter
The letter that said
1:37 PM dd
I felt a sob crawl up my throat. I’m sorry, Ryan
Then, I saw the moment he received my letter
The letter that said
I’m sorry, but let’s break up. I don’t love you!
I watched as his expression crumbled, as his knees buckled, as he dropped to the ground in disbelief. Tears blurred my vision. I turned off my phone and let the sobs escape as the car sped toward the airport. I was gone And I wasn’t coming back.
D
