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Chapter 8
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Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 9
"I only said we'd talk about college matters later," I said nonchalantly. "I never said I wanted to be with you."Anton staggered back, his fists clenching.He had probably already convinced himself that I was a sure thing.He never fought battles he couldn't win. It was true in the past and would be true in the future.He had been bold enough to flaunt his relationship with Skylar, confident that I was so in love with him I couldn't live without him.He was wrong. I didn't want to rely on anyone anymore.I didn't give him another glance and turned to go inside.But Anton wasn't one to give up so easily. All summer long, he camped out in front of my house and kept calling me.Eventually, my father noticed and asked what was going on with Anton.He knew I used to like Anton, but he saw the resolve in my eyes now.I simply told him that I no longer liked Anton.To avoid further harassment, I started leaving for school early in the morning, before the sun had fully risen. I mov
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 10
"I'll keep a hawk's eye out from now on!" the security guard vowed.I spun around, intending to express my gratitude to the boy who'd come to my aid, but he'd vanished into thin air.Days turned into weeks, and Anton was nowhere to be seen.Then, one day, I heard through the guard that he'd been lurking around the school, only to be chased off. The school had even called his parents and issued an ultimatum: shape up or ship out.They had to go over and had Anton under watch.But despite their best efforts, he flunked out of more classes than he passed. By the time I graduated and attended our first alumni reunion, he was still stuck in the same grade.I used the connections I'd forged, the ones I'd initially helped Anton with, to recruit top talent into my father's company.Together, we turned that little enterprise into a powerhouse on the brink of going public. My mother's belongings found their way back to us, and for a moment, everything seemed to be falling into place.But
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 11
He was the boy who had saved me at the school gate before.I never expected that he would come to my aid again....Grateful for his help, I treated him to a meal and learned his name.Rory Berry and I exchanged numbers, and over time, our friendship blossomed.It was surprising that we even shared the same interests.A month later, our neighbor found us and introduced me to a potential match. It happened to be Rory.Six months later, we were walking down the aisle.On our wedding day, Rory, ever the considerate gentleman, insisted that I rest in the makeup room while he greeted our guests. He worried that my high heels might tire me out.Anton suddenly broke in. His clothes were rumpled, his eyes bloodshot and weary.When he saw me in my wedding dress, a mix of awe and pain flickered in his eyes."Erica," he rasped. "I recently had a dream. In the dream, we were married, but I betrayed you and fell for Skylar. I hurt you, and we lost our child."His lips were colorless, hi
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 1
The annual auction in Oakwood was a tradition my father and I shared.Today was particularly significant; my mother's belongings were up for auction.The owner of the auction house, an old friend of my father's, had reserved front-row seats for us. As the auctioneer announced the next item, my heart skipped a beat. It was my mother's ruby necklace."One million," I called out without hesitation."Five million."A few seconds later, another bidder raised the stakes, and the price skyrocketed.The voice was familiar.I turned around and saw Anton's assistant, his eyes darting away as soon as they met mine.He couldn't possibly afford five million dollars. It had to be Anton's money.Seeing his expression, I realized who this necklace was meant for.That woman, Skylar Hall, was now Anton's new favorite...."Isn't that Anton's assistant?" my father recognized, his brow furrowing. "Is he bidding for you? Didn't you tell him you were coming today?"I shook my head, a lump formi
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 2
I met her gaze, my voice as cold as ice. "You should address me as Mrs. Stark.""Oh, I must have forgotten." Skylar feigned surprise, her hand fluttering to her mouth in a mockery of coyness. "But then again, you're on the brink of divorce. I suppose the title barely applies anymore, doesn't it?"She was nothing more than an employee at the Stark Group, yet she stood before me with no trace of fear.She knew my status was hanging by a thread, and she was eager to snatch it away."Roland," she snapped her fingers, "fetch the necklace. Anton just landed and will be here shortly. He's dying to see me draped in this little bauble."The thought of my mother's necklace around her neck made my stomach churn, but I kept my composure for my father's sake."Skylar, every piece has its price. Name yours, and I'll pay in installments," I said.She pouted, a grotesque parody of innocence. "But I promised Anton that I'd wear it to our candlelit dinner tonight. Why don't you come along and ask
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 3
To my dad and I, the necklace was a souvenir of the time we had spent with my mom.I saw Anton's pupils constrict for a moment, but in the next breath, he draped his arm around Skylar's shoulder. His voice was cold and distant as he said, "Since it's so important, why didn't you get it from the auction?"My gaze fell to his hand. There was still a faint tan line on his ring finger."I don't have that kind of money," I admitted."That's your problem." Anton looked at me, his eyes as hard as stone. "If you had agreed to divorce me earlier, the compensation would have been enough to buy that necklace."His words struck me like a dagger, twisting deep into my heart."So, you're helping Skylar get it just to force me into a divorce?" I asked, each word tasting like poison on my tongue. "Anton, how could you do this to me?""I have no feelings for you anymore, Erica," he replied....That day, I left without the necklace.Anton's last question echoed through my thoughts like a haun
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 4
He gazed at me and suddenly pulled me into his strong, warm embrace. "Erica, I like you. Will you let me protect you, forever?"I melted into his arms, my mind drifting back to that day in senior year. He had looked at me with such earnest eyes, promising. I couldn't help but nod....After graduating from college, I married Anton.Our first year of marriage was marked by a challenge. A major virus outbreak swept through the country.He was away on a business trip when the crisis hit, leaving me home alone. Pharmacies were stripped bare, and I watched the death toll rise on my phone each day, a cold dread settling in my stomach.One night, a soft knock echoed through the silent apartment. I peeked through the peephole, and to my surprise, it was Anton standing outside.He was panting like a guardian angel who had just descended from the heavens."How did you get back?" I asked.He had been hundreds of kilometers away just that afternoon."I drove back," he said, his voice muf
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 5
For the past fifteen years, he had treated me like a queen. His care and affection were as warm and constant as the summer sun.I was sure that we were in love.I thought that if I could just overlook this one indiscretion, we could still grow old together.So, I chose to forgive him.However, a month later, Skylar committed suicide. She slashed her wrists in her house and sent Anton a haunting message.Skylar: [You didn't take responsibility for me, but I don't blame you.]At that time, he had promised me a tour together. But when he saw the message, he went pale as a ghost and booked the nearest flight out, leaving me stranded in a place I barely knew.Anton vanished for three days. When he finally reappeared, he thrust a divorce agreement into my hands."Erica, let's get a divorce. Skylar can't live without me," he said.The moment I saw that divorce agreement, something inside me snapped. All my anger and pride evaporated, replaced by a desperate need to hold onto him.I
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Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 11
He was the boy who had saved me at the school gate before.I never expected that he would come to my aid again....Grateful for his help, I treated him to a meal and learned his name.Rory Berry and I exchanged numbers, and over time, our friendship blossomed.It was surprising that we even shared the same interests.A month later, our neighbor found us and introduced me to a potential match. It happened to be Rory.Six months later, we were walking down the aisle.On our wedding day, Rory, ever the considerate gentleman, insisted that I rest in the makeup room while he greeted our guests. He worried that my high heels might tire me out.Anton suddenly broke in. His clothes were rumpled, his eyes bloodshot and weary.When he saw me in my wedding dress, a mix of awe and pain flickered in his eyes."Erica," he rasped. "I recently had a dream. In the dream, we were married, but I betrayed you and fell for Skylar. I hurt you, and we lost our child."His lips were colorless, hi
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 10
"I'll keep a hawk's eye out from now on!" the security guard vowed.I spun around, intending to express my gratitude to the boy who'd come to my aid, but he'd vanished into thin air.Days turned into weeks, and Anton was nowhere to be seen.Then, one day, I heard through the guard that he'd been lurking around the school, only to be chased off. The school had even called his parents and issued an ultimatum: shape up or ship out.They had to go over and had Anton under watch.But despite their best efforts, he flunked out of more classes than he passed. By the time I graduated and attended our first alumni reunion, he was still stuck in the same grade.I used the connections I'd forged, the ones I'd initially helped Anton with, to recruit top talent into my father's company.Together, we turned that little enterprise into a powerhouse on the brink of going public. My mother's belongings found their way back to us, and for a moment, everything seemed to be falling into place.But
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 9
"I only said we'd talk about college matters later," I said nonchalantly. "I never said I wanted to be with you."Anton staggered back, his fists clenching.He had probably already convinced himself that I was a sure thing.He never fought battles he couldn't win. It was true in the past and would be true in the future.He had been bold enough to flaunt his relationship with Skylar, confident that I was so in love with him I couldn't live without him.He was wrong. I didn't want to rely on anyone anymore.I didn't give him another glance and turned to go inside.But Anton wasn't one to give up so easily. All summer long, he camped out in front of my house and kept calling me.Eventually, my father noticed and asked what was going on with Anton.He knew I used to like Anton, but he saw the resolve in my eyes now.I simply told him that I no longer liked Anton.To avoid further harassment, I started leaving for school early in the morning, before the sun had fully risen. I mov
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 8
Anton wasn't really into any particular type. He was just bored with me.Even if it hadn't been Skylar, it would have been some other shiny new toy that caught his eye."Erica!" Anton spotted me and called out, his voice echoing down the hallway like a drowning man who had just found a lifeline.I breezed past him, ignoring his plea, and caught the sudden stiffness in his face from the corner of my eye.For the next few days, I gave him the cold shoulder.Eventually, my coldness seemed to get under his skin. One day, after school, as I was walking home, he stepped in front of me, blocking my path."Erica, why have you suddenly become so cold to me?" Anton stared at me, his eyes rimmed red and shadowed with dark circles, clear signs of sleepless nights."Is it because that girl confessed to me yesterday?" he guessed, taking a step closer. "I turned her down. I...""I just want to focus on studying right now," I cut him off.Anton looked taken aback. Then, he seemed to relax a b
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 7
I stepped into the living room to find my father emerging from the kitchen, choked by a billowing cloud of smoke.He waved his hand frantically to disperse the smoke. When he saw me, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, you're home from school. The food got a bit crispy. Just give me a moment."Before he could finish, I launched myself into his arms and buried my face in his broad shoulder."Hey, what's wrong?" He paused, patting my back gently. "It's just a bit of burnt food. I can make more. Or we could go out to eat if you'd like?"I couldn't do anything but cry.Since my mother passed away, I'd been adrift in a sea of sorrow, barely noticing how hard my father was trying.He'd taken time out of his busy schedule to learn to cook and handle the household chores, all to keep my life steady during my college entrance exams.I had taken it for granted, even arguing with him over Anton.Had I not been so stubborn about staying with Anton, I might have at least been able to
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 6
...A familiar voice pierced the fog of my consciousness."Erica, care to share with the class how to solve this equation?"My eyes flew open, the sudden brightness of the classroom a stark contrast to the darkness of my thoughts.Around me, students in uniforms laughed and jostled, and a blackboard filled with chalky equations loomed large.This was a scene I'd dreamt of countless times since Anton brought up a divorce.I'd yearned to go back, back to the hallowed halls of high school, back to when Anton loved me.'Is this just another dream?' I thought."Erica, back to earth." A slender, elegant hand waved in front of my face.I turned to see Anton's smiling face, his lips curved into a heart-stopping arc. His eyes were sparkling with a soft light as he gazed at me.I was taken aback. 'How long has it been since I've seen that smile directed at me? A year? Two? More?'I couldn't recall. This dream felt different, more real, yet something was amiss.Even in my most vivid d
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 5
For the past fifteen years, he had treated me like a queen. His care and affection were as warm and constant as the summer sun.I was sure that we were in love.I thought that if I could just overlook this one indiscretion, we could still grow old together.So, I chose to forgive him.However, a month later, Skylar committed suicide. She slashed her wrists in her house and sent Anton a haunting message.Skylar: [You didn't take responsibility for me, but I don't blame you.]At that time, he had promised me a tour together. But when he saw the message, he went pale as a ghost and booked the nearest flight out, leaving me stranded in a place I barely knew.Anton vanished for three days. When he finally reappeared, he thrust a divorce agreement into my hands."Erica, let's get a divorce. Skylar can't live without me," he said.The moment I saw that divorce agreement, something inside me snapped. All my anger and pride evaporated, replaced by a desperate need to hold onto him.I
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 4
He gazed at me and suddenly pulled me into his strong, warm embrace. "Erica, I like you. Will you let me protect you, forever?"I melted into his arms, my mind drifting back to that day in senior year. He had looked at me with such earnest eyes, promising. I couldn't help but nod....After graduating from college, I married Anton.Our first year of marriage was marked by a challenge. A major virus outbreak swept through the country.He was away on a business trip when the crisis hit, leaving me home alone. Pharmacies were stripped bare, and I watched the death toll rise on my phone each day, a cold dread settling in my stomach.One night, a soft knock echoed through the silent apartment. I peeked through the peephole, and to my surprise, it was Anton standing outside.He was panting like a guardian angel who had just descended from the heavens."How did you get back?" I asked.He had been hundreds of kilometers away just that afternoon."I drove back," he said, his voice muf
Fifteen Years of Love Chapter 3
To my dad and I, the necklace was a souvenir of the time we had spent with my mom.I saw Anton's pupils constrict for a moment, but in the next breath, he draped his arm around Skylar's shoulder. His voice was cold and distant as he said, "Since it's so important, why didn't you get it from the auction?"My gaze fell to his hand. There was still a faint tan line on his ring finger."I don't have that kind of money," I admitted."That's your problem." Anton looked at me, his eyes as hard as stone. "If you had agreed to divorce me earlier, the compensation would have been enough to buy that necklace."His words struck me like a dagger, twisting deep into my heart."So, you're helping Skylar get it just to force me into a divorce?" I asked, each word tasting like poison on my tongue. "Anton, how could you do this to me?""I have no feelings for you anymore, Erica," he replied....That day, I left without the necklace.Anton's last question echoed through my thoughts like a haun
