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In the hospital room, I stared at my mom, still unconscious.
My chest ached with guilt, and a deep, bitter disappointment in Noah.
–
Lily was my dad’s second wife’s daughter. She came to me once, begging for a job at my company.
I refused. I wasn’t about to work with someone who’d hurt my mom.
At first, Noah had my back. He tore into Lily, saying every awful thing he could think of.
But one day, he got mobbed by fans, and Lily jumped in front of him, twisting her ankle.
After that, everything changed.
Noah started helping her, giving her opportunities, bringing her around all the time.
–
They got close too close.
A camping trip together.
A birthday party he threw for her.
I finally lost it when Noah signed Lily to our company.
I slapped him for the first time, my voice cold as ice.
“I want nothing to do with her. If you want her, we’re done.”
He broke down, crying, dropping to his knees.
“Ella, you know I can’t live without you. Lily helped me once. She and her mom get beaten all the time. She reminds me of how you to be. I just wanted to help.”
Pathetic. And yet… I gave in. Maybe because I understood how broken he was.
So I chose to trust him.
Big mistake.
Everything he did after that felt like a slap in the face.
He’d blow off our dates for her. Mix up my favorite things with hers.
Even on stormy nights, when he knew I was terrified of thunder-
one call from Lily, and he’d leave me alone at home.
Even now.
He gave Lily our wedding song.
And because of her, he even forgot to pay my mom’s medical bills.
I was such an idiot, letting him string me along.
I held Mom’s hand.
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“Mom, the wedding’s off. We’re leaving.”
Her fingers twitched at my words, and tears flooded my eyes.
I found a hospital in France that could take her, booked flights for the day after tomorrow.
By the time I got home, it was almost eleven.
Noah rushed over as soon as I walked in, guilt written all over his face.
“I’m so sorry about the payment. Lily just that day-
I shoved him away.
“Noah, I told you from the start – if you
like Lily, I’ll walk away.
You’re the one who told me to trust you. Said you just pitied her.
I believed you. But because of you two, my mom almost died.”
Panic flickered in his eyes.
“Ella, I’m sorry, I-”
I met his gaze, sharp and steady.
“What are you hiding from me, Noah?”
He froze. Looked away.
“No, of course not.”
Pathetic.
The news about that song was everywhere. He was the only fool who thought I wouldn’t see it.
I was done. I turned, went into the guest room, and locked the door.
Outside, his voice softened.
“I know you’re mad at me, Ella.
This won’t happen again. Ever.
After the wedding, I’ll take you anywhere you want.”
I felt nothing. My heart was numb.
He probably thought I’d forgive him again like always.
But not this time.
No more going soft.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.