Chapter 7
Mara clung intimately to his arm and gently placed the invitation on our table.[]
“Dex, Riley, Kieran and I are getting married in three days. You absolutely must come.“]]
I didn’t even pick up the invitation, just glanced at it coolly with a distant tone: “Sorry, I’m afraid we’ll be busy. Dex and I are going on a trip then–we’ve already booked our tickets.“]
Hearing my words, Kieran let out a sharp laugh as if he was certain I was still lying.[]
“Riley, I knew you were still throwing a tantrum!“]
“You don’t even dare attend my wedding–are you afraid you won’t be able to control yourself and make a scene?“[]
He stepped closer, his burning gaze boring into me as if trying to see right through me.]]
“I’m telling you, you two aren’t even engaged yet. It’s not too late. You can still change your mind.“[]
His words were like an invisible thorn, piercing both my heart and Dex’s.[]
I could feel Dex’s hand on my shoulder suddenly tighten.[]
A surge of anger rose within me.]
What gave this man the right to always act so certain that I couldn’t live without him?
I took a deep breath and squeezed Dex’s hand in return.
Meeting Kieran’s blazing eyes, my tone was calm but carried unshakeable resolve: “Thanks for your ‘concern,‘ Kieran. But I, Riley Cortez, never make decisions I’ll regret.“[]
1 paused and turned slightly to look at Dex beside me.]
“Besides, spending these past few days with Dex, I’ve discovered…“]
“I think I’m falling for him more and more.“]
Every word I spoke was like a slap across Kieran’s face.]
But I was also saying it for Dex to hear.[]
Kieran’s face instantly turned ashen, looking as disgusted as if he’d swallowed a fly.]
“Falling for him?” He acted like he’d heard the world’s biggest joke, his voice full of mockery and disdain. “Riley, you’re quite The actress:“[]
“Let’s see how long you can keep up this performance!“]
He spat out these harsh words unable to stay any kuger. With a violent gesture, he grabbed the stiffly smiling Mara and
Chapter 7
stormed off.[]
After he left, I looked at the somewhat quiet Dex and suddenly spoke.[]
“Everything I just said was true.“]
Dex looked at me, his eyes seeming to light up with starlight.[]
I continued: “I’ve discovered that I’ve already fallen for you. Choosing you in the beginning wasn’t the result of a tantrum either–it was something I thought through carefully.“[]
“So don’t take anything Kieran said to heart.“[]
After I finished speaking, Dex could no longer contain his excitement and pulled me into his arms: “I understand. I believe you.“]
I smiled softly, sweetness spreading through my heart.]
Three days later, I cancelled our travel tickets and went with Dex to attend Kieran’s wedding.]]
Not for any other reason, but to show him that I had truly moved on from Kieran and to give Dex complete security.[]
At the wedding, Mara’s face wore a triumphant smile, but Kieran looked grim, his eyes fixed on where Dex and I were sitting.]
His expression was dark, and he didn’t even hear what the officiant was saying.
Because he had just watched Dex kiss me, and I had shyly pushed against his shoulder with a blush on my face.]]
A had feeling crept into Kieran’s heart–maybe Riley really had fallen for Dex.]]
But wasn’t this exactly what he had always wanted?
So what was this unwillingness in his heart about?]
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