A Love Only the Past Knows

Laura didn't come home for several days, always claiming she was busy with wedding preparations whenever Ryder asked.Three days later, the aroma of food filled the air as Ryder woke early in the morning.Laura bustled about in the kitchen with a spatula in hand, wearing an apron. On the living room table sat a gift box."You're up! Breakfast will be ready soon. Sit down and relax. Oh, and that box on the table? It's a gift for you—open it and see if you like it," Laura said cheerfully.Instead of opening the gift, Ryder asked, "What made you think of giving me a gift all of a sudden?"Laura's eyes flickered nervously. "No reason. Do I need one to buy something for my soon-to-be husband?"Ryder could see through her.She was gambling—betting he hadn't overheard Seth's phone call or, if he had, that he didn't care.She probably won that bet. Truthfully, he didn't care anymore.He opened the gift box to reveal a flashy, expensive mechanical watch, the kind young men might find c

"Ryder! Ryder!" a voice called out from the end of the street.Ryder looked up and saw Seth—with Laura standing beside him, looking visibly awkward.It wouldn't have been hard to brush off the situation. After all, she was his boss, and he was her assistant. Saying they were on a business trip would have been perfectly reasonable.The problem was that Laura was draped in Seth's jacket, and they were standing too close to appear purely professional. Instead, they looked more like a couple out shopping together.With Harry also present, Laura felt the need to explain herself."We were just in the area for a business meeting and were about to head back. It got a bit chilly, so Seth gave me his jacket," she said quickly.Harry scoffed.Trying to ease the tension, Laura asked, "What about you two? What brings you here?""We came to try on suits, to make sure they fit," Ryder replied."Don't worry, they'll fit perfectly. They were tailored to your measurements," Laura assured him.

The three of them stayed with Lisa until the sun dipped low in the sky. She said she was tired and wanted to rest."Alright then, you rest up. We'll head out now," they said."Ryder, you stay. Read me a few stories. I haven't been sleeping well lately," Lisa requested.Ryder nodded and watched as Seth followed closely behind Laura, whispering something to her as they left the room.The hospital room fell silent again."What about the wedding?" Lisa asked. "What are you planning to do?""I'll take care of it. She'll be satisfied," Ryder replied."And you?" Lisa pressed."I'll go abroad, continue my studies, and probably settle there long-term," he answered.A heavy silence settled between them."Alright. Granny supports you," Lisa said.Ryder stood up, gave her a tight hug, and left the room.Outside the hospital, Laura's car was parked by the curb. She waved at him as he walked out."Come on, let's go home," she said.Ryder raised an eyebrow. "Where's Seth? Why isn't he w

Once Laura convinced herself that Ryder still loved her, she forced down her unease and went about her days as usual—working at the office, having meals with Seth, and enjoying the peace of her routine.Life felt easy and pleasant.That was, until the night before the wedding, when she found herself unable to sleep.Even after spending the entire day shopping with Seth, exhaustion couldn't lull her to sleep.-The next morning, dark circles rimmed Laura's eyes. She was so out of it that the driver had to practically drag her into the car.When she arrived at the hotel lobby, it was already packed with guests.Everyone who saw her came up to congratulate her, but she only responded with perfunctory nods. Her eyelids felt too heavy to stay open.After half an hour resting in the dressing room, she went through makeup and wardrobe.Finally, she stood at the entrance to the hall.Laura waited for what felt like an eternity until it was time for the bride to make her entrance.He

When Seth saw Laura, he finally stopped. He cautiously approached her, his voice filled with concern. "Laura, w-what's going on?"He wanted to comfort her, but she took a step back as he stepped forward.Seeing this, he immediately stopped.He waited for a long time, but she didn't move closer.Growing frustrated, he asked directly, "You were the one who asked me to come to the wedding. Why are you acting like this?""When did I ever say to come to the wedding?" Laura shot back."You had someone deliver the suit to me! It was the custom suit for the wedding you ordered! You had it delivered the day before the wedding. Isn't that a sign you wanted me here? And the suit fits perfectly. Didn't you order it for me?" Seth demanded.Laura was stunned. There was no way the measurements for this suit were for Seth.Given the circumstances, the only explanation she could think of was one thing.She left Seth behind and took a taxi to the clothing store.People around her pointed and w