Love Story2–Chapter 1: The Gala
The air hung heavy with the scent of expensive perfume and even more expensive champagne. Amelia spotted her boyfriend, Mark, across the crowded ballroom. He was talking to her sister, Vivian, his hand hovering over her chest as he adjusted her brooch.
Vivian giggled, her cheeks flushed. “Amelia, don’t be jealous. Mark’s always been such a
entleman.”
Amelia felt a cold knot in her stomach. Jealous? She was engaged to the guy! Just that evening, before they left, he had scoffed at her spending time on jewelry. “Just throw something on, he’d mumbled, “It’s a waste of time.”
He’d acted similarly a year ago when her necklace got tangled in her hair at another gala. Instead of gently untangling it, he’d yanked it free, ripping her dress and exposing her skin.
“There,” he’d said nonchalantly, “fized it.”
Tonight, the tenderness he showed Vivian was a slap in the face. Their resemblance was undeniable, and the reason behind his behavior hit Amelia like a ton of bricks.
Mark finally noticed her, his brow furrowing. “Amelia, what’s with the face? Vivian scratched her hand getting off the plane yesterday. I was just helping her. Don’t make a
scene.”
Vivian shot Amelia a smug look, confirming her suspicions.
Amelia plastered on a smile and walked towards someone else: Ethan, Mark’s best friend. Ethan was a successful entrepreneur, usually stoic and reserved.
Amelia reached out and straightened his slightly askew collar, her fingers lingering on his neck as she casually brushed away a bead of sweat. “It’s hot in here. You’re all worked up. Want to get some fresh air?”
2
Ethan blinked, his ears turning crimson. He stammered out a “sure;” his voice barely above a whisper.
Mark was staring daggers at them. She took Ethan’s hand and headed for the exit, ignoring
13.04
Fake Wedding, True Pain
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Love Story2 Chapter 1: The Gala
Mark’s enraged, “Amelia!”
“What?” Amelia’s voice was calm, but her eyes blazed with defiance. “Am I not allowed to
be nice? You think you’re the only one capable of showing a little courtesy? Don’t be a hypocrite, Mark!”
He stared, as if trying to force her to back down with sheer willpower. “Amelia, think about what you’re doing. Walk out that door, and it’s over. We’re through!”
Love Story2–Chapter 1: The Gala
The air hung heavy with the scent of expensive perfume and even more expensive champagne. Amelia spotted her boyfriend, Mark, across the crowded ballroom. He was talking to her sister, Vivian, his hand hovering over her chest as he adjusted her brooch.
Vivian giggled, her cheeks flushed. “Amelia, don’t be jealous. Mark’s always been such a
entleman.”
Amelia felt a cold knot in her stomach. Jealous? She was engaged to the guy! Just that evening, before they left, he had scoffed at her spending time on jewelry. “Just throw something on,” he’d mumbled, “It’s a waste of time.”
He’d acted similarly a year ago when her necklace got tangled in her hair at another gala. Instead of gently untangling it, he’d yanked it free, ripping her dress and exposing her skin.
“There,” he’d said nonchalantly, “fixed it.”
Tonight, the tenderness he showed Vivian was a slap in the face. Their resemblance was undeniable, and the reason behind his behavior hit Amelia like a ton of bricks.
Mark finally noticed her, his brow furrowing “Amelia, what’s with the face? Vivian scratched her hand getting off the plane yesterday. I was just helping her. Don’t make
scene.”
Vivian shot Amelia a smug look, confirming her suspicions.
Amelia plastered on a smile and walked towards someone else: Ethan, Mark’s best friend. Ethan was a successful entrepreneur, usually stoic and reserved.
Amelia reached out and straightened his slightly askew collar, her fingers lingering on his neck as she casually brushed away a bead of sweat. “It’s hot in here. You’re all worked up.
Want to get some fresh air?”
Ethan blinked, his ears turning crimson. He stammered out a “sure,” his voice barely above
a whisper.
Mark was staring daggers at them. She took Ethan’s hand and headed for the exit, ignoring
Love Story2–Chapter 1: The Gala
Mark’s enraged, “Amelia!”
“What?” Amelia’s voice was calm, but her eyes blazed with defiance. “Am I not allowed to
be nice? You think you’re the only one capable of showing a little courtesy? Don’t be a hypocrite, Mark!”
He stared, as if trying to force her to back down with sheer willpower. “Amelia, think about
what you’re doing. Walk out that door, and it’s over. We’re through!”
