Chapter 3
Scarlett lifted her wine glass, her smile faint and deliberate.
“Not really. Byron brought it up himself when he dropped me off last midnigh
“Wow, you two still talk that often?” someone laughed. “Well, I guess that’s what happens when you grow up together. Good thing Adele’s so kindness. She knows all about you and Byron–doesn’t seem to mind at all.But if it were anyone else, and they found out their husband used to follow another woman around like a lovesick puppy?She must be jealous!”
“She’s Mrs. Luwelton now, blissfully happy,” another chimed in. “And wasn’t it Scarlett who set them up? Why would she be jealous? Honestly, if Scarlett ever wanted to be with Byron, they’d have gotten together years ago.veryone knows Byron listens to no one but her. The guy practically worships her.”
Scarlett’s smile deepened, smugness curling at the corners of her lips.
“Exactly. It’s kind of funny, actually. I told him to go after Adele, so he did. Even the proposal was my idea. He hadn’t even thought about marriage until I gave him a little push.Seems like that I forced him into the relationship.”
Adele’s chest constricted painfully.
She had always believed Byron fell for her because he saw her love and devotion–because he chose her.
But now, was it all orchestrated by ScarlettDid their entire marriage begin with Scarlett pulling the strings?
The room blurred around her as pressure tightened in her chest. She couldn’t breathe.
Their laughter and chatter droned on as if she weren’t even there. She stood up quietly and walked out toward the restroom, trying to steady herself.
By the time she returned, the mood had shifted. Scarlett had just lost a game and needed to answer a question as punishment.
“Tell us about the person who pursued you the longest, and give us an example.”
The moment the question was read aloud, Adele’s eyelashes quivered. She looked away.
Scarlett gave a wistful little laugh, as if the memory were some charming anecdote.
“There was this boy who started pursuing me when we were seven. So it’s been… nearly twenty years now. When we were teenagers, he gave me his family heirloom. He promised he’d only ever love me. Every time I started dating someone else, he’d drinking for days. Messed up his stomach real bad. Oh, and when I studied abroad these past few years, he flew over every week just to bring me my favorite cakes and snacks. Never missed a week.”
Each word hit Adele like a tidal wave.
She remembered when she and Byron got married, and his mother had asked him to give her the family heirloom. He’d said it was lost.
She remembered the nights he came home, drunk out of his mind. He always claimed it was a business dinner or company event, and she–foolishly–waited him even though in midnight.
She remembered the holidays he missed, always flying off last minute for some “urgent” business trip. She had packed his with ties and clothes, never suspecting a thing.
She had poured her entire heart into loving him.And he had never let go of the woman he truly wanted.The realization cut so deep, she could barely breathe.
Meanwhile, the others were enthralled by Scarlett’s story.
“Scarlett, who is he? Do we know him? He sounds so head over heels–come on you have to introduce us if you’re finally giving him a chance!”
Scarlett’s gaze flicked toward Adele with a half–smile.
“Of course. I’ll bring him next month.”
Just as the words left her lips, the door to the private room swung open with a soft creak.
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Nine Chances to Break a Heart: The Love That Never Been Chosen
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Chapter 3
“Who? Why wall fill next month?” Byron Lavelion stepped inside with an encende, “Scarlett, are you done here? Were
CURCATI.”
The moment his gaze landed on Adele, the emile faltered. A flicker of surprise and pene flashed across his face.
“Adele? What are you doing here?”
guras he later for the
She remembered him dropping her off at the mall that morning, saying he had to work late, maybe until midnight. “Don’t wait up,” be’d said.
So this was his overtime? A concert with Scarlett?
Adele gave a quiet, humorless smile,“As you can see, College reunion”
He nodded stiffly, then tried to change the subject,
“Well perfect timing. I’ll take you home,”
Adele calmly picked up her phone and booked a ride,
“No need. I’ve already booked a car. You two enjoy your concert,”
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Chapter 4
Chapter 4
