4
The next morning, I woke up to a text.
“Finally, you said yes. Let’s meet up.”
I jumped out of bed, got ready fast, and headed to the café.
–
It was Ethan Wilson an old upperclassman from college.
He managed singers and had been asking me for years to write lyrics for his artists.
This was a huge shot for my career.
Before, I’d turned him down for Noah’s sake.
But now? Not anymore.
Ethan smiled. “Heard you’re getting hitched tomorrow.”
I smiled back. “Not so much anymore, probably.”
He looked surprised, but didn’t pry.
“Oh, by the way,” I added. “I’m heading to France soon for my mom’s treatment, but don’t worry. We can work remotely.”
He nodded. “No problem. My team travels a lot anyway.”
We wrapped up, walked outside–and ran straight into Noah.
His face darkened. He stormed toward us, eyes locked on Ethan.
Classic Noah. Possessive as ever.
I gave Ethan a quick signal to leave, then yanked my hand out of Noah’s grip and started walking away.
He followed and grabbed my arm again.
“Ella, who was that?”
That accusing tone almost made me laugh.
He spent all his time with Lily, and now I was the problem?
When I didn’t answer, his voice softened.
“Look, I already apologized. Stop being mad, okay?”
“Tomorrow’s our wedding. Everyone will be there wishing us well.”
Wishing us well? Please.
The internet was already busy blessing him and Lily.
I was about to say it out loud when Lily appeared.
“Noah, where’d you go? I just touched up my makeup.”
Then she saw me.
Menu
< 4
Menu
“Oh, Ella, you’re eating here too? I love this place, so I made Noah bring me.”
She smiled sweetly. “Guess we have similar taste, huh?”
I caught the dig and let out a cold laugh.
“Unlike you, I don’t do hand–me–downs.”
Her eyes welled up instantly.
“Ella, are you mad because Noah came with me? I know you never liked me. It’s my fault. Don’t blame him. He’s been so upset since you two fought. I just wanted to cheer him up.”
Of course, Noah saw her tears and rushed to wipe them away.
“Ella, why do you always go after her like this? She’s been through enough. Can’t you show a little compassion? I told you, there’s
nothing between us. Why can’t you believe me?”
I stared at him, my voice cutting cold.
“Noah, I’m your fiancée. And you’re wiping her tears right in front of me. That’s your definition of ‘nothing going on? What did I ever do to her? I’m the one who keeps getting hurt here.”
I took a breath, steady but sharp.
“Fine. Let her be the bride tomorrow.”
I turned and walked away.
Noah froze, stunned.
By the time he processed what I’d said and ran after me, I was gone.
I went home, grabbed my ID and essentials, then headed to the hospital.
Tomorrow, I’d finish Mom’s discharge papers, and we’d be out.
But as I was leaving the hospital, I saw them again.
Lily was still sniffling.
“Noah, I know you won’t really break up with her. But I like you so much. Just one last hug, okay?”
Noah hesitated.
Lily’s eyes went redder. “Seriously? Not even one hug?”
He finally gave in, reaching for her–and she kissed him.
He froze at first.
Then she deepened the kiss, and he… didn’t stop her.
His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer.
My fists clenched before I even realized it.
I thought I was numb by now. But pain still hit, sharp and dull all at once.
Menu
I wiped my tears, forcing everything
–
anger, heartbreak, humiliation — deep down.
–
He wasn’t worth it.
None of it was.
I turned and walked away.
That night, Noah texted:
“Ella, tomorrow you’ll be my wife. We’ll never be apart again.”
I didn’t reply.
I blocked his number.
The next morning, I finalized everything and flew out.
Meanwhile, at the wedding venue-
“Noah! We’ve got a problem! Ella’s not here for makeup, and no one can reach her!”
His face went pale.
He called me. Straight to voicemail.
He stumbled back, muttering, “Keep going. She’ll come. She has to.”
The ceremony started.
Noah stood there, eyes locked on the doors.
Then his assistant ran in, panicked.
“Noah! Bad news! Ella just posted on Twitter!”
Noah grabbed the phone, read the screen–and collapsed to the floor.
< 5

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.