novelnext Chapter 10
Chapter 10
The night before our wedding, a heavy downpour hit, the sound of the rain almost drowning out everything else. But what kept me awake was Harrison's nonstop calls. Ringing, ringing, and ringing, like he wouldn't stop until I picked up. Reluctantly, I tapped the answer button.
"Hello?"
"Nina, I'm downstairs at your place. Can you come down and talk to me?" His voice cracked, thick with emotion.
I kept my tone icy, shutting him down before he could say another word. "Just go away. I'm not coming down."
"If you don't come down, I'll stay here on my knees until you agree to see me."
I pulled the curtain back just enough to catch a glimpse. Sure enough, there he was, kneeling in the rain, drenched to the bone, his shirt clinging to his chest. I hung up immediately, letting out a deep sigh. Ethan was still asleep beside me, and I turned my attention back to Harrison outside. The moment he saw me, his face lit up, like seeing me brought him back to life. But then his eyes shifted. He noticed the marks on my skin, the ones left by another man, and his expression faltered. For a long moment, he just stared, struggling to speak. Finally, he choked out, "Nina, is there really no way back for us?" His voice was a mixture of hope and despair.
I smiled, cold and final, as I spoke. "Harrison, go home. Your parents are still waiting for you."
He hesitated, lips trembling as he looked at me, almost waiting for me to call him back. But I didn't. Slowly, he turned to walk away, still unsure, but never hearing me beg for him to stay. I turned to head back inside, but suddenly, I was pulled into a tight embrace by Ethan. He cupped my face, kissing me with a force I wasn't prepared for, his anxiety and fear pouring into the kiss.
"What are you doing?" I asked, breathless.
"I'm afraid you'll leave with him," he murmured, his voice low and worried.
I laughed softly, running my hand through his hair. "Silly. We already have our marriage certificate."
He nodded, holding me tighter, like he never wanted to let go. On our wedding day, Ethan graciously extended an invitation to Harrison. But of course, he didn't show up. If he had, he would've seen the smug look on Ethan's face, and it probably would've sent him into a rage. Still, Harrison managed to send a gift, a custom-made, luxury ring. Along with it, a card that read: [Nina, this time it's my turn to wait for you.]
Ethan chuckled darkly, though his eyes remained cold. "Ugh, why would I bother with trash?"
I rolled my eyes. "I don't know, but that's exactly what it is."
The next morning, I woke up sore and shot a pointed glare at the man beside me, who had that annoyingly satisfied grin on his face. I had no idea where that ring ended up, but I sure knew it wasn't anywhere important.