Love Story5–Chapter 1 

I sank to the floor, my sobs echoing in the empty room. I picked up Dad’s pocket watch from the pool of blood. Inside was a photo of us together. He was smiling, his eyes kind. Now I’d never see that smile again. 

How could such a good man meet such a horrific end? 

Numbly, I handled Dad’s funeral arrangements, spending three days kneeling by his grave. 

If only I’d never gotten involved with Gralin. Maybe Dad would still be alive. 

Rain started to fall. I wiped away my tears and drove to Gralin’s office. 

“He’s in an important meeting. You need an appointment,” the receptionist said. 

I ignored her, barging into the meeting room. 

Gralin and Harlynn were sitting side by side. 

They both stared at me, stunned. 

I walked straight up to Harlynn and slapped her hard across the face. 

“Meeting’s over,” Gralin said, his voice cold, dismissing everyone else. 

He glared at me. “This meeting was crucial, Isata! Can you keep your crazy in check for 

once?” 

Harlynn clutched her cheek, tears streaming down her face. “It’s okay, Gralin. It’s my fault. I must have done something to upset her.” 

I glared at her. “Why did you lie about my father?” 

“I didn’t!” she cried, pulling down her scarf to reveal a bruise on her neck. “You can’t cover up his crimes just because he’s your father, Isata!” 

“My father has the mind of a toddler!” I said, my voice trembling. “He couldn’t have assaulted you! Where’s your proof?” 

14:25 

Fake Wedding, True Pain 

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Love Storys Chapter 1 

Harlynn bit her lip. “You think I had someone else kiss me and then blame your father? Is that what you think of me?” 

She was playing the victim, trying to get Gralin’s sympathy. And my father had paid the 

price. 

I lunged for her again, but Gralin grabbed my 

wrist. 

“Enough! Stop being irrational!”