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Love’s Empty Echo
Love’s Empty Echo
Author: Lil Rock

Chapter 1

Author: Lil Rock
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-23 19:04:58
When I handed the divorce papers to Callum Kipling, he was on his tablet, helping his step-sister, Hannah pick out her graduation dress.

Her silky voice could be heard clearly through the phone.

"Cal! I want a dress with a night-sky backdrop, adorned with stars, just as romantic as the meteor shower we watched together that night."

"Alright, we'll take our time finding one. If nothing fits, we'll have it custom-made. The little princess must be satisfied, right?"

Callum indulged her and almost signed his name at the bottom of the contract without glancing at the document I handed him.

It wasn’t until they had finished their tender exchange and he reached for a glass of water from the table that he casually glanced at the paper.

Then he laughed in disbelief.

“You’ve got quite a temper, don’t you, Eloise? All this just because I didn’t go with you to the hospital? And then you jump straight to a divorce?"

Why wouldn’t I?

That day, I had already been unwell due to my period, yet he insisted I join them at the mountaintop resort.

By nightfall, I had developed a fever.

When I begged him to take me to the hospital, he left me stranded halfway down the mountain.

"There's a clinic ten minutes down the hill. Buy some medicine yourself. I have something urgent to take care of," he said before leaving.

But with my fever reaching 102°F, how was I supposed to make my way down the mountain alone in the middle of the night?

The moment he left, I fainted.

Later, I found out that the so-called "urgent matter" was watching a meteor shower with Hannah.

"Whether I dare or not, I've already done it," I said calmly. I changed my shoes and headed for the door, utterly indifferent to his questioning.

"Since you've already signed it, I’d appreciate it if you could have someone take it to the courts to finalize the process."

I thought Callum would readily agree, relieved to end things. Instead, he erupted in anger.

"Do you really think I won't go through with this? You’re going to regret this and come crawling back to me."

Regret? That was impossible. I waved him off, shut the door, and left.

Driving to my studio, I didn’t bother deciphering the deeper meaning of his words.

The studio had recently taken on a custom dress order, and by the time I finished, it was already late.

A message from Callum awaited me on my phone.

[Come to Willow Creek. Bring your sewing kit.]

With the countdown to our divorce ticking away, I had no intention of sacrificing any more of my time for him.

Yet, his messages kept coming.

[If you don’t show up, I can’t guarantee I’ll make it to the divorce proceedings. Or is this divorce just another ploy to play hard to get?]

Ha! I let out a cold laugh. I was exhausted but grabbed my sewing kit before heading out.

The evening traffic was dreadful. By the time I reached Willow Creek, Callum and the rest had already drunk their fill.

Callum and Hannah, along with a few others, were laughing and joking together.

Emmet Porter whom I shared a bit of rapport with, tried to reason with Callum.

"Look Cal, sisters are sisters, but a wife takes priority. You’d better not mix up what matters most."

Hannah clearly didn’t like that.

She held Callum’s face and planted a bold kiss on him.

"I’m the one Callum raised so of course, I’m the most important person in his life," she declared arrogantly.

"Yes, yes, you’re the most important thing in my life," he replied lightly.

Callum was long accustomed to Hannah’s intimate gestures. He ruffled her hair and smiled at her affectionately.

"Does Eloise really think she’ll go through with the divorce? She’s just playing me.

"All these years, I’ve given her a place to belong. Without me, she wouldn’t even have a home. Leave me? She wouldn’t dare.

"Just wait. Before the cooling-off period ends, she’ll come back crying and begging me to take her in."

I stood frozen, gripping the sewing kit tightly in my hands.

When Callum abandoned me halfway down the mountain, I didn’t cry.

When I signed the divorce agreement, I didn’t cry.

But now, a sharp ache rose in my chest, and my nose stung with the threat of tears.

When I was young, I let myself believe in him because he promised me a home.

As someone who had drifted for so long, that promise had moved me and made me fall for him.

But years later, that very promise had become the blade that now pierced my heart.

It turns out the people closest to you know exactly where your weaknesses lie—and how to strike at them.

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  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 2

    I steadied my emotions and walked over to them. Callum noticed me first. A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he quickly masked it with a mocking smile. "What’s this? Regretting it after just one day? Did you come to beg me to call off the divorce?" I raised the sewing kit in my hand. "You said it yourself. If I came, you’d cooperate with the divorce. Don’t try to go back on your word." He hurriedly grabbed his phone, and as his eyes scanned the messages, a brief flicker of unease passed over his face. Before he could respond, Hannah stepped forward and clung to Callum’s arm."I used your phone to message Eloise. My dress has such a low neckline—I didn’t even know where to start adjusting it." "Then go and put on a jacket," he said, his attention instantly diverted. Without a second thought, he draped his suit jacket over her shoulders in an intimate gesture that caught the attention of everyone nearby. Perhaps it was the magic of the divorce papers, but as

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23
  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 3

    I followed the direction of Callum’s finger and saw two servings of spaghetti on the dining table, their colors and aromas inviting. It was only then that I realized Callum could cook. I remembered a time when I couldn’t stomach the food from outside, vomiting uncontrollably and sweating from stomach pains. I'd asked for a simple bowl of plain stew but he had said that he couldn’t make it. Ha, so it wasn’t that he couldn’t, he simply didn’t want to cook for me. I smiled politely and declined the invitation before heading upstairs to prepare the gift I intended to give the birthday celebrant that evening. Technically, with the divorce process already underway, I didn’t need to attend any more banquets with Callum. But the hostess that night was Mrs. Gwen Bolton, my first client and the matchmaker between Callum and me. It would be improper not to go. I had chosen a hand-sewn handbag according to her preferences. The leather was soft, and the design was simple. However, w

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  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 4

    Time flew by, and soon it was the last day of the divorce cooling-off period. Coincidentally, it was also my birthday. Callum flew back from abroad early in the morning and came straight to me with a bouquet of roses."Happy birthday, Darling." He looked disheveled. His shirt was wrinkled against his body, and his tie was undone. He was clearly exhausted and his eyes were bloodshot. His assistant, Paul Mason helped with the luggage with a smile on his face. "Mr. Kipling finished three days' worth of work in one day just to make it back to celebrate your birthday, Mrs. Kipling" "Oh, don’t give away my secret, Paul," Callum said playfully. He extended the bouquet to me."Here. I'll freshen up. Later, I’ll take you out to celebrate your birthday. “And you can’t refuse. I’ve been planning this for a long time." Fine, let’s part on good terms. It was time to put a perfect end to the relationship. I waited in my room for a long time, and as the sun began to set, Callu

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  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 5

    I was pulling my luggage toward the airport exit at Azure City when suddenly someone pulled at my suitcase.Aunt Janice and James had materialized beside me. I had not seen both in such a long time.They were smiling at me."What were you thinking, Eloise? We called you several times and you didn't respond," Aunt Janice playfully chided me. With one familiar phrase and a knowing look, all the years apart instantly vanished. Aunt Janice Tolkien-Redding was my stepmother, and James Vincent was my step-brother. Despite not being connected by blood, after my father passed away when I was fifteen, it was the two of them who raised me and paid for my education. Aunt Janice treated me like her own daughter. They were always the first ones I turned to.I rushed into Aunt Janice’s arms and rubbed my head into her shoulder like a spoiled child. "Aunt Janice, I missed you so much."She gently patted my back, her voice thick with emotion."It’s good to have you back, dear. That’s

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23
  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 6

    I dropped my phone and glanced up to find Aunt Janice and James watching me with concern. "It’s fine now. With both of you here, I’m not afraid of anything," I reassured them. "Exactly. With us around, there’s nothing to fear," Aunt Janice agreed as she held my hand and led me upstairs. "Come, let me show you our home." The house was a serene villa surrounded by fresh mountain air, with a sprawling bamboo grove just a short distance away. The tranquility of the place exuded a sense of freedom and peace, perfect for nurturing the body and mind. They had reserved a spacious, sunlit room for me and had even set up a dedicated workspace. "We’ve unpacked everything you mailed from Marina Shores and arranged it for you," Aunt Janice said, smiling apologetically as she held my hand. "Check if everything’s here. James and I aren’t familiar with this kind of work, so we may not have done it perfectly." As I looked around, I realized that every item in the room was arranged exa

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23
  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 7

    Aunt Janice and James had opened a mountain resort and that day, I was helping the staff design uniforms when a figure suddenly walked into my view. I looked up into Callum’s face. After months apart, the once-dashing, prideful man—always impeccably dressed in suits and ties—looked drastically different. He seemed like he had just recovered from a severe illness. His complexion had turned ashen, devoid of vitality, and he had visibly lost weight. “Eloise,” he said softly, just as he used to during our dating phase, his voice filled with a familiar tenderness. I could see the longing in his eyes but all I felt was annoyance. Whatever calmness I felt vanished and was replaced by wariness and detachment. “What do you want?” I asked. “Come back with me, won’t you? “I’ve been miserable for so long,” he said. His eyes were red and the once-proud and composed man now appeared pensive, melancholic—even pitiful. But I was no longer the Eloise whose emotions he could sway.

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23
  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 8

    It would take more than persistence to make Callum give up so easily. He stayed at the resort, coming up with new ways each day to block my path and apologize. Sometimes, he sent flowers using a remote-controlled drone. Other times, he stood outside with a banner in hand. Yet, every time I saw his so-called sincerity, I found it laughable. He focused solely on achieving his goal, completely disregarding the fact that I despised grand gestures. Those public displays only embarrassed me. Or perhaps he remembered and simply didn’t care. One day, when I went downstairs to collect a package, he cornered me again. He stood by a Christmas tree covered in lights and gifts, dressed in a tuxedo. When his eyes caught mine, they lit up instantly. “Eloise,” he called out, his voice full of hope. “Merry Christmas. Let’s open these gifts together, shall we?” I glanced at the Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and a mountain of carefully wrapped presents. The sight dragg

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23
  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 9

    After Callum and Hannah left, my life returned to peace. However, I didn’t expect Aunt Janice to push me into blind dates.“Come on, it’s not like you’re getting married right away. What’s wrong with getting to know someone? Besides, you already know him.”Know him? Who?I looked at James in confusion, but to my surprise, he only blinked back at me.It wasn’t until we met that I realized it was actually one of my father’s former students and my senior—Ken Morales.We had studied painting together for ten years and even participated in a design competition during college. We lost touch after he went abroad.Seeing him again, I was a little surprised. “When did you come back? How come I didn’t hear anything about it?”“Ah, it’s been a while, Eloise,” he said, clearing his throat lightly. He stood up, smiling as he pulled the chair out for me.“I just got back yesterday. I couldn’t wait to see you today.”His words hinted at something more, and I wasn’t quite sure how to respon

    Last Updated : 2024-12-23

Latest chapter

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 9

    After Callum and Hannah left, my life returned to peace. However, I didn’t expect Aunt Janice to push me into blind dates.“Come on, it’s not like you’re getting married right away. What’s wrong with getting to know someone? Besides, you already know him.”Know him? Who?I looked at James in confusion, but to my surprise, he only blinked back at me.It wasn’t until we met that I realized it was actually one of my father’s former students and my senior—Ken Morales.We had studied painting together for ten years and even participated in a design competition during college. We lost touch after he went abroad.Seeing him again, I was a little surprised. “When did you come back? How come I didn’t hear anything about it?”“Ah, it’s been a while, Eloise,” he said, clearing his throat lightly. He stood up, smiling as he pulled the chair out for me.“I just got back yesterday. I couldn’t wait to see you today.”His words hinted at something more, and I wasn’t quite sure how to respon

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 8

    It would take more than persistence to make Callum give up so easily. He stayed at the resort, coming up with new ways each day to block my path and apologize. Sometimes, he sent flowers using a remote-controlled drone. Other times, he stood outside with a banner in hand. Yet, every time I saw his so-called sincerity, I found it laughable. He focused solely on achieving his goal, completely disregarding the fact that I despised grand gestures. Those public displays only embarrassed me. Or perhaps he remembered and simply didn’t care. One day, when I went downstairs to collect a package, he cornered me again. He stood by a Christmas tree covered in lights and gifts, dressed in a tuxedo. When his eyes caught mine, they lit up instantly. “Eloise,” he called out, his voice full of hope. “Merry Christmas. Let’s open these gifts together, shall we?” I glanced at the Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and a mountain of carefully wrapped presents. The sight dragg

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 7

    Aunt Janice and James had opened a mountain resort and that day, I was helping the staff design uniforms when a figure suddenly walked into my view. I looked up into Callum’s face. After months apart, the once-dashing, prideful man—always impeccably dressed in suits and ties—looked drastically different. He seemed like he had just recovered from a severe illness. His complexion had turned ashen, devoid of vitality, and he had visibly lost weight. “Eloise,” he said softly, just as he used to during our dating phase, his voice filled with a familiar tenderness. I could see the longing in his eyes but all I felt was annoyance. Whatever calmness I felt vanished and was replaced by wariness and detachment. “What do you want?” I asked. “Come back with me, won’t you? “I’ve been miserable for so long,” he said. His eyes were red and the once-proud and composed man now appeared pensive, melancholic—even pitiful. But I was no longer the Eloise whose emotions he could sway.

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 6

    I dropped my phone and glanced up to find Aunt Janice and James watching me with concern. "It’s fine now. With both of you here, I’m not afraid of anything," I reassured them. "Exactly. With us around, there’s nothing to fear," Aunt Janice agreed as she held my hand and led me upstairs. "Come, let me show you our home." The house was a serene villa surrounded by fresh mountain air, with a sprawling bamboo grove just a short distance away. The tranquility of the place exuded a sense of freedom and peace, perfect for nurturing the body and mind. They had reserved a spacious, sunlit room for me and had even set up a dedicated workspace. "We’ve unpacked everything you mailed from Marina Shores and arranged it for you," Aunt Janice said, smiling apologetically as she held my hand. "Check if everything’s here. James and I aren’t familiar with this kind of work, so we may not have done it perfectly." As I looked around, I realized that every item in the room was arranged exa

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 5

    I was pulling my luggage toward the airport exit at Azure City when suddenly someone pulled at my suitcase.Aunt Janice and James had materialized beside me. I had not seen both in such a long time.They were smiling at me."What were you thinking, Eloise? We called you several times and you didn't respond," Aunt Janice playfully chided me. With one familiar phrase and a knowing look, all the years apart instantly vanished. Aunt Janice Tolkien-Redding was my stepmother, and James Vincent was my step-brother. Despite not being connected by blood, after my father passed away when I was fifteen, it was the two of them who raised me and paid for my education. Aunt Janice treated me like her own daughter. They were always the first ones I turned to.I rushed into Aunt Janice’s arms and rubbed my head into her shoulder like a spoiled child. "Aunt Janice, I missed you so much."She gently patted my back, her voice thick with emotion."It’s good to have you back, dear. That’s

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 4

    Time flew by, and soon it was the last day of the divorce cooling-off period. Coincidentally, it was also my birthday. Callum flew back from abroad early in the morning and came straight to me with a bouquet of roses."Happy birthday, Darling." He looked disheveled. His shirt was wrinkled against his body, and his tie was undone. He was clearly exhausted and his eyes were bloodshot. His assistant, Paul Mason helped with the luggage with a smile on his face. "Mr. Kipling finished three days' worth of work in one day just to make it back to celebrate your birthday, Mrs. Kipling" "Oh, don’t give away my secret, Paul," Callum said playfully. He extended the bouquet to me."Here. I'll freshen up. Later, I’ll take you out to celebrate your birthday. “And you can’t refuse. I’ve been planning this for a long time." Fine, let’s part on good terms. It was time to put a perfect end to the relationship. I waited in my room for a long time, and as the sun began to set, Callu

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 3

    I followed the direction of Callum’s finger and saw two servings of spaghetti on the dining table, their colors and aromas inviting. It was only then that I realized Callum could cook. I remembered a time when I couldn’t stomach the food from outside, vomiting uncontrollably and sweating from stomach pains. I'd asked for a simple bowl of plain stew but he had said that he couldn’t make it. Ha, so it wasn’t that he couldn’t, he simply didn’t want to cook for me. I smiled politely and declined the invitation before heading upstairs to prepare the gift I intended to give the birthday celebrant that evening. Technically, with the divorce process already underway, I didn’t need to attend any more banquets with Callum. But the hostess that night was Mrs. Gwen Bolton, my first client and the matchmaker between Callum and me. It would be improper not to go. I had chosen a hand-sewn handbag according to her preferences. The leather was soft, and the design was simple. However, w

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 2

    I steadied my emotions and walked over to them. Callum noticed me first. A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he quickly masked it with a mocking smile. "What’s this? Regretting it after just one day? Did you come to beg me to call off the divorce?" I raised the sewing kit in my hand. "You said it yourself. If I came, you’d cooperate with the divorce. Don’t try to go back on your word." He hurriedly grabbed his phone, and as his eyes scanned the messages, a brief flicker of unease passed over his face. Before he could respond, Hannah stepped forward and clung to Callum’s arm."I used your phone to message Eloise. My dress has such a low neckline—I didn’t even know where to start adjusting it." "Then go and put on a jacket," he said, his attention instantly diverted. Without a second thought, he draped his suit jacket over her shoulders in an intimate gesture that caught the attention of everyone nearby. Perhaps it was the magic of the divorce papers, but as

  • Love’s Empty Echo   Chapter 1

    When I handed the divorce papers to Callum Kipling, he was on his tablet, helping his step-sister, Hannah pick out her graduation dress. Her silky voice could be heard clearly through the phone. "Cal! I want a dress with a night-sky backdrop, adorned with stars, just as romantic as the meteor shower we watched together that night." "Alright, we'll take our time finding one. If nothing fits, we'll have it custom-made. The little princess must be satisfied, right?" Callum indulged her and almost signed his name at the bottom of the contract without glancing at the document I handed him. It wasn’t until they had finished their tender exchange and he reached for a glass of water from the table that he casually glanced at the paper. Then he laughed in disbelief. “You’ve got quite a temper, don’t you, Eloise? All this just because I didn’t go with you to the hospital? And then you jump straight to a divorce?" Why wouldn’t I? That day, I had already been unwell due to my per

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