Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Ahern Hotel, Kelmark The call cut to a busy signal. When I tried again—blocked. Noah Robisch knew this was just one of Freya Gerth's little chaos bombs. And of course, he went along with it, eating up the drama, as long as I stayed in my lane. Down below, the stares felt like bricks piling on my chest. I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, blinking fast to keep it together. Guests started trickling out. I could feel it—this was turning into a total disaster. Just like the last two. I grabbed the mic and steadied my voice. "The wedding reception's not over. Please, take your seats." Gasps hit instantly. "She's lost it.""So desperate. Noah ditched her and she's still hanging on?""Like, what kind of wedding has no groom? Does she think walking through it solo's gonna win him back? He was never gonna marry her." I took a breath, my knuckles white around the mic. "If the groom bailed, we'll get another. Who wants to marry me? Right now." The room exploded. No one moved. "Ten years with Noah? Probably used up. Who'd want her?""Sure, maybe for a quick hook-up. But marry her? Nah." Every word felt like a slap. I started to sink—then someone snatched the mic from me. "I will." I looked up. Johan Jaunez. Noah's friend. The one who never even looked my way. I froze. Still burned in my brain—Noah faking sick just to impress Freya. His friends texted me in a panic, I rushed over... and ended up locked in a freezer all night. My knees still throb when it rains. Then there was the river thing. Freezing water, on my period, him yelling at me to keep fishing. And that time he ditched me in the woods during a thunderstorm, like I was some stray. Johan never joined their games. Sometimes, he even stuck up for me. But fear twisted in my gut. What if this was just another one of Noah's setups? Still, the crowd's taunts hit harder. "Someone's really marrying her? Even trash gets picked up, huh?""She's bluffing. One wink from Noah and she'll be crawling back." I looked at Johan. Jaw tight. "If you're serious... I'll do it." *** By noon, Johan and I were married. By afternoon, we had the license. I stared at our photo on the certificate, totally out of it. That's when it finally hit me—Noah and I were done. Johan glanced over, voice dry. "If you wanna back out, we can split." I sniffed, swallowed the lump in my throat. "No regrets. Come on, honey. Let's go on our honeymoon." He paused, like he didn't expect me to be this sure. He'd seen it all—me chasing Noah like some hopeless fan for ten years. And I knew exactly what Noah's crew thought of me. Pathetic. Thirsty. Used. They said it straight to my face. Noah never cared. As long as Freya's wine was right and the AC wasn't too cold for her, he was good. Maybe I should've let go ages ago. Maybe that one 'thank you' from him back then wasn't worth everything I gave up. Then my phone buzzed. [Adelyn, I'm borrowing Noah for a few days. I'll return him soon.] [Sorry I missed your wedding today. I'll be sure to send blessings next time!] Freya's third victory lap. Promise to crash the next one too. Back then, every time Noah bailed, I'd lose it. Cry, scream, fall apart. He'd just shrug. "Freya's the most important person to me. She's like a sister. If that's a problem, we're done." And I'd always cave. Always swallowed it. But now, staring at the pic she sent, I sent her a message and blocked her. [No need, Ms. Gerth. He's all yours. I'm out.]

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Since Johan and I decided on a honeymoon, I booked the flight right away. But first—I had to pack. No way was I crashing at my ex's place now that I was married. I'd barely hit the road when my phone lit up. Noah. Usually, once he blocked me, I'd be groveling for weeks before he'd "forgive" me. Now he was calling the next day? Definitely about Freya. Called it. The second I picked up, he snapped. "Who told you to block Freya? She's sensitive, Adelyn. You triggered her! Get to the bar and apologize—now." Even though I'd finally moved on, it still stung—how fast he'd go to war for her, how her tears meant more than anything I'd ever said. "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm not apologizing. Besides, I'm already ma—" He cut me off with a cold laugh. "Not coming? Adelyn Astor, who do you think you are? Your grandma's still in our hospital. If you're not here in thirty minutes, she's out." He always knew where to hit hardest. I panicked. "This is between us. Leave my grandma out of it!" Click. He'd already hung up. My hands shook as I spun the car around. Noah wasn't bluffing. He'd burn the world down for Freya. Grandma was all I had. I couldn't risk it. I slammed the gas. Barreled toward the bar. Right as I was pulling in, a motorcycle cut me off. I swerved—hard—and slammed into a pillar. Pain exploded in my chest. Might've cracked a rib. Didn't matter. I stumbled out, bleeding, and pushed through the doors. The staff froze. One of them rushed over. "Miss, you need a hospital—" I grabbed his arm. "Where's Noah Robisch? Take me to him!" The door to the private room flew open. I stood there—bloodied, hair a mess. The room fell dead silent. Noah's face shifted. He started to stand. Freya gasped and flung herself into his arms, all trembling and wide-eyed. Noah melted, instantly shielding her with his hand like I was some kind of monster. Then he turned to me—and just like that, the softness vanished. "Adelyn, what are you doing? You look like a horror show. I told you to apologize, not freak Freya out!" I didn't answer. Just walked over to Freya and, with Noah watching, dropped my head. "Sorry. I shouldn't have blocked you." I unblocked her. Checked the time—twenty-nine minutes since Noah called. Blood trickled into my eyes, tinting everything red. I didn't wipe it. Just faced Noah. "Happy now? Leave my grandma alone. I'll transfer her soon—" He cut me off, furious. "You did all this just for your grandma?" What else did he think? I gave a dry, bitter smile. There was no way I still had any illusions left. Noah looked like he had more to say—until Freya let out a dramatic gasp. "Why is there blood on my shoes?" She looked up at him, all doe-eyed and pitiful. "Noah, these are the heels you bought me. They're ruined." He threw an arm around her and snapped, "Clean it off." Next thing I knew, someone kicked me from behind. I nearly hit the floor right in front of her. I caught myself on the bar, but sent a tray of drinks flying—straight onto Freya. She shrieked. "Adelyn! I get that you hate me, but did you really have to dump drinks on me?" Her dress was already tissue-thin. Now soaked, she stood there sneezing over and over. Noah threw his jacket over Freya like she was royalty and glared at me, pure ice. "Didn't think you were this heartless. Bullying Freya right in front of me?""I didn't mean to—someone kicked me—" He didn't care. "Since you don't know your place, maybe it's time your grandma gets tossed out. You clearly need a wake-up call before you go tormenting Freya as a married woman." Panic surged. I grabbed his sleeve. "Punish me, do whatever—just leave my grandma out of it!" He didn't even flinch. Just scooped Freya into his arms and kicked me aside like trash. His foot slammed right into my injured ribs. The pain knocked the air clean out of me. "Please, don't hurt her! I'll kneel, I'll beg Freya, I'll call off the marriage—just don't—" But he was already walking away. Didn't even look back. I couldn't move. Could barely breathe. His crew circled me, grinning. "Look at her. Just like a dog, huh?""Noah ditched her. Maybe it's our turn for some fun." Their eyes were gross. I went cold and curled up in the corner. "Don't—don't come near me!" Right as their hands reached out, someone stepped in. "Noah said hands off. He still plans to marry her, remember?" Just like that, they backed off, already bored, already drifting toward the next bar. I forced myself to stand. Every move felt like fire, but I got out of there. All that mattered now—saving Grandma.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

After racing across town, I finally reached the Robisch family's hospital. The second I parked, I saw it—an old wheelchair dumped outside like trash. Sitting in it was my grandma. Just a thin hospital gown in the middle of winter. Who knew how long she'd been out there? Her face was ghost-pale, eyes shut tight from the cold. I stumbled over and grabbed her hands. Ice. I tried rubbing warmth into them, sobbing. "Grandma, it's me. I'm here. I'm taking you home—just open your eyes, please!" I spun to the nurse by the door. "Please! Just let her back in for now—I'll transfer her, I swear. Just help her!" The nurse hesitated, eyes flicking away. "I'm sorry, Ms. Astor. This is the Robisch family's private hospital. There's nothing we can do." Hands shaking, I pulled out my phone and called Noah. No answer. Again. And again. Just as I felt the last bit of hope slipping, the line finally connected. Relief hit me so hard I almost dropped the phone. I lowered my voice, desperate. "Noah, I apologized to Freya. However you want me to do it, I will. Just... please, let my grandma back inside. She's too old for this. She won't make it." My voice cracked. Then I froze. It wasn't Noah. Freya's syrupy voice filled the line. "Noah's in the shower. Can't talk. I'll have him call you later. Oh—and thanks for the apology. Next time, don't act out. You know how protective he is of me." Every word oozed smugness. I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. Click. She hung up. It was over. No help was coming. I stared at Grandma, slumped and barely breathing. I couldn't even stand straight. If I'd known blocking Freya would make Noah snap like this, I never would've touched that button. My hand lifted, ready to slap myself. But someone caught my wrist. Johan. He'd swung the car door open and rushed over. "Get in. The transfer's done. I'm taking your grandma to Brigham Hospital." He moved fast, lifting her gently into the car. The heat was already blasting. I climbed into the back, holding her close, whispering, "Her meds are from overseas. What if that hospital doesn't—""They will," Johan said, steady. "I ordered them from Pritain. They're on a flight. Should be here tonight." I blinked. I never told him that. How did he know? Why was he here? Why was everything already taken care of? My chest was tight with too many questions, but all I could manage was— "Thank you." His hands gripped the wheel tighter, eyes locked ahead. "Between husband and wife, no need for thanks." ** A few days later, Grandma's vitals finally leveled out. Noah didn't call once. Freya, though—she kept sending pics to get under my skin. I stopped looking. Johan said, "Your grandma's set for the best care in Pritain. Everything's lined up. We can leave Kelmark whenever you're ready." I nodded without even thinking. She was the only reason I stayed this long. With her safe, I had nothing holding me back. Well—except my ID and documents, still at Noah's place. I had to go back. The second I unlocked the door, I heard it—moaning. Clothes were scattered from the entry all the way to the bedroom. And there, by the door, were those same high heels. Still stained with my blood. Every time I brought up Freya, Noah would roll his eyes, call me jealous. "She's like a sister," he'd say. Right. And I guess he sleeps with his "sister" now? That was it for me. I clenched my fists, blocked out the sounds, the mess, all of it. I went straight for the study, grabbed my documents, and turned to leave. And walked smack into Noah. His shirt was wrinkled, his body still marked up from whatever just happened. His face twisted—part shock, part something grosser. "You—why are you back?" I looked down, silent. Maybe it finally clicked, what he'd done. For once, he tried to explain. "I was drunk. It was... an accident." I caught a faint whiff of alcohol—but barely. And I knew his tolerance. Guy could outdrink anyone. I gave a blank nod. I just wanted out. But he didn't move. Still blocking the door. He looked straight at me and said it again— "What happened today... it was a mistake." Then added like it was nothing, "The wedding's still on. We'll do it next month." "Noah!" Freya's voice, all sweet and fake, floated from the bedroom. He didn't even blink. Eyes locked on mine. I didn't want a scene. So I nodded. "Sure. Whatever you say." And just like that, his shoulders eased. I gave him the same quiet response I always had—easy, predictable, his. Then his gaze dropped to the folder in my hand. "What did you take?" My heart skipped, but I kept my voice steady. "A medical report." He raised an eyebrow. "You're still hurt from the crash?" He misunderstood. Perfect. "It's nothing. I'll go alone." Before he could say more, something crashed in the bedroom. Freya's voice followed, whiny and delicate. "Noah, the floor's so slippery!" His face changed instantly. "I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow," he muttered, already distracted. I turned and walked out without another word. 'Noah, you won't get the chance. I'm done. I'm leaving—today.' ** At the airport, Johan was already waiting with Grandma. I was wheeling my suitcase toward them when a voice called out behind me, low and furious. "Adelyn, where do you think you're going?" I turned. Noah. Out of breath. Livid. But before he could take a step closer, Johan moved. Calm, solid. He wrapped an arm around my waist. "Sorry, man, " he said. "Gotta get my wife on the plane."