Advertisement

Gave Up Novel Chapter 1

Fate Rolls Dark by Mark Twain 1

Chapter 1

Ethan didn’t even glance over. “She’s fine. Just needs a minute. Hold still, sweetheart, this lace is caught on your heel.”

On the way home, slumped in the backseat of Ethan’s Tesla while he drove, a notification popped up on my phone. A social media update from Chloe.

The photographer cleared his throat awkwardly. “Sir, your fiancée…”

A sharp, familiar pain clenched my chest, stealing my breath. The world blurred at the edges. I staggered, my hand flying to the expensive lace over my heart. “Ethan…” I gasped, my voice a thin thread.

I collapsed. The cold hardwood floor met my cheek. Spots danced in my vision, and a crushing weight sat on my lungs. *I can’t breathe. Oh God, I can’t breathe.*

My thumb trembled as I tapped it. It was a photo. Not from today, but a mock-up, expertly edited. Chloe, in a different but equally gorgeous gown, beaming up at Ethan in a tux. The caption read: “When your person feels like home. #Blessed #FutureMrsWinters”

For a second, the old fire ignited—the jealousy, the hurt, the desperate need to scream. Then, it fizzled out, leaving behind a cold, hollow calm. I opened our banking app and sent a $9.99 Venmo request to Ethan with the note: *”Wedding gift. Congrats.”*

My world narrowed to the grain of the wood and the seizing pain in my chest. When the paramedics finally arrived, Ethan was still with her, helping her out of the dress, his face a mask of tender concern—for her.

My heart decided to betray me the moment the wedding photographer said, “Smile for the camera, lovebirds.”

Through the roaring in my ears, I heard Chloe’s giggle. “Stop it, Ethan, you’re tickling me!”

“It fits you like a dream, Chlo,” he said, his voice soft, a gentle smile on his face as he carefully arranged the train around her feet. “You look perfect.”

But Ethan wasn’t looking at me. He was ten feet away, kneeling on the studio floor, his back to my suffering. His focus was entirely on Chloe, his childhood best friend, who was spinning in *my* wedding gown, the one I’d spent six months designing in my head.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel  For Fast Update Or More Novels: 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top