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Chapter 20
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This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 21
Andrew remembered—back when Lena still loved him, she used to dream about their future kids.If they had a daughter, she'd spoil her like a princess, making sure she was the happiest little girl alive.If they had a son, she'd raise him to be just as sharp and capable as Andrew.Her eyes used to light up when she talked about it, sketching picture after picture of what their kids might look like.And what had he done? He'd torn those drawings to shreds and tossed them into the fire.Coldly, he'd told her he could have kids with anyone—but never with her. Told her to stop chasing dreams that would never come true.Now, a bitter smile tugged at his lips.Back then, she was the one clinging to his arm, dreaming about forever.Now, the one wishing for that future... was him.A knock at the door pulled him back."Sir, the car is ready."Andrew grabbed the gift off his desk and walked out.On the way to the airport, he leaned back against the seat, eyes shut, running through what
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 22
Years of malnutrition had turned Nicole into a ghost of her former self—once radiant, now just skin and bones.Coreene had only slapped her once, yet she crumpled to the floor, too weak to stand.But even that felt too merciful.Thinking of her son lying in a coma because of this woman, Coreene snapped. She grabbed Nicole by the collar and slapped her again. And again.If the guards hadn't rushed in, Nicole might not have made it through the day.Even as they held her back, Coreene kept cursing."You wretch! Why wasn't it you in that accident?! Why aren't you the one in a coma?!"Nicole almost laughed.Once upon a time, when Andrew had loved her, Coreene had, too—treating her like a daughter, calling her sweet names.Now that he despised her? That love had rotted into hatred.Now, 'wretch' was all she'd ever be.Only when Coreene finally sat down for tea did Nicole speak, her voice raw but laced with bitterness. "I'm a wretch? And your son isn't?"He claimed to love me, but
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 1
Lena Clermont fell hard for her dad's friend, Andrew Rohan—twelve years older.The first time she saw him, he was all sharp suits and broad shoulders, effortlessly standing out. He smiled, patted her head, and handed her a princess dress.Fast forward to twenty. He got drugged at a banquet. She wore that same dress, offering herself as the cure.By morning, they were a wreck—clothes askew, air thick with implication.Nicole Jenner, Andrew's childhood sweetheart, stood frozen in the doorway before bolting, tears blinding her. She never saw the truck.She died on impact.Andrew changed after that.Buried Nicole with eerie calm. Married Lena with the same detachment. Took her to bed every night—cold, empty. And every time she got pregnant, he made sure it didn't last. Dragged her to the clinic over and over until the eighteenth time nearly killed her.Lying on the operating table, weak and drained, she heard the doctor call him.His voice was ice. "Is she dead? Let me know when s
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 2
After hanging up, Lena wiped her tears, grabbed her documents, and headed for the door.The second she opened it, she nearly crashed into Andrew.Faint red kiss marks trailed down his neck, stark against his skin. Even though she'd braced herself for what went down between him and Nicole, her gaze instinctively flicked away.Andrew caught the reaction. Paired with her red-rimmed eyes, it wasn't hard to figure out what she was thinking.His tone was firm. "Lena, whether you like it or not, Nicole and I are together now. I'm marrying her."Since you're staying here, show her some respect and drop those ridiculous things you used to say."Lena's voice was steady. "Got it, Uncle Andrew."He froze.It had been years since she called him that. When she first moved into his place, it was always "Uncle Andrew" in that sweet, little voice. But the second she caught feelings? She dropped the title, refusing to use it again.His frown deepened, about to say something—"Andrew, I brought
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 3
Lena frowned. "I'm not."Andrew stepped in, eyes locked on her. "Still denying it? You leave early, come back late, won't even say hi. If that's not avoiding me, what is? Because I'm with Nicole now?"Lena shook her head fast. "No! Uncle Andrew, I'm genuinely happy for you. You found the one you love, and as someone who grew up around you, I really do wish you both happiness. Don't worry—I know you'll never like me, so I won't like you anymore either."She said it so matter-of-factly, like it was just a simple truth.Andrew's expression darkened.Lena not liking him? Yeah, right."You confessed, I rejected you. You clung to me, I rejected you. And now what? Changing tactics?" His eyes didn't miss the slight flicker in hers, and his suspicion only grew.He stepped closer, gaze dropping to the box in her arms. "You don't like me anymore? Then why write me all these love letters? Why sketch me over and over? You chased me for years, and now you expect me to believe you just stopped
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 4
Lena didn't take Andrew's words that day seriously.She just waited for her immigration papers to go through so she could leave.But Nicole wouldn't let her go so easily.That day, Nicole insisted on taking her shopping. But not long after they got in the car, Lena blacked out.When she came to, she was tied up on a cliffside overlooking the ocean.A few feet away, Nicole was bound the same way.Lena struggled, trying to ask why, but the tape over her mouth turned her words into muffled whimpers.Nicole sneered. "Lena, I didn't want to do this. But after what Andrew said that day, I had to be sure. So I set up a little test—let's see who he chooses."Cold dread seeped into Lena's bones.Did this even need testing? The answer was obvious.Soon, Andrew arrived, tossing two briefcases full of cash forward. His eyes burned with fury. "I brought the money. Let them go."But the kidnappers, acting under Nicole's orders, didn't budge. One of them smirked. "Mr. Rohan, I didn't do th
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 5
The slap sent Lena crashing to the ground.Her face throbbed instantly, blood pooling at the corner of her mouth. A sharp ringing drowned out everything—no voices, no gasps, just a hollow silence.Her fingers brushed the burning imprint on her cheek, and tears spilled before she could stop them.Andrew had never hit her before.But before the shock could settle, he was already gone, storming out the front door.Lena sucked in a shaky breath and scrambled to her feet, chasing after him.She wasn't running for him. She was running because she knew what might happen next.Boom!Thunder cracked, shaking the ground as rain poured down in thick, blinding sheets.Through the storm, Andrew stood firm, arms locked around Nicole's trembling frame.Nicole thrashed, her voice breaking. "Today was supposed to be perfect, and she ruined it. How do you expect me to stay after that?"She still won't let go of you. I don't want to fight over a man with some younger girl. Maybe I should just—
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 6
Lena woke up in bed, her body aching. Andrew stood beside her, cold and unreadable."You really outdid yourself this time," he said, voice like ice. "I should've left you in there for three days, but Nicole—being so generous—begged me to let you out."I know you still can't let go, but listen up, Lena. I will never love a girl twelve years younger than me. You and I? Not happening."The door slammed behind him before she could even open her mouth.Lena leaned against the headboard, eyes shut, exhaling slow. 'Andrew... I really don't love you anymore.'***The Rohan estate buzzed with wedding prep. Nicole flitted around, barking orders, all smiles as she looped her arm through Lena's—like their messy history had magically disappeared."The venue's set, decorations are perfect. Only thing missing? A bridesmaid. Lena, you'd be PERFECT! Who knows? Maybe you'll hit it off with a groomsman and finally get a boyfriend."Her voice dripped with fake sweetness.Lena wasn't great at pret
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This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 22
Years of malnutrition had turned Nicole into a ghost of her former self—once radiant, now just skin and bones.Coreene had only slapped her once, yet she crumpled to the floor, too weak to stand.But even that felt too merciful.Thinking of her son lying in a coma because of this woman, Coreene snapped. She grabbed Nicole by the collar and slapped her again. And again.If the guards hadn't rushed in, Nicole might not have made it through the day.Even as they held her back, Coreene kept cursing."You wretch! Why wasn't it you in that accident?! Why aren't you the one in a coma?!"Nicole almost laughed.Once upon a time, when Andrew had loved her, Coreene had, too—treating her like a daughter, calling her sweet names.Now that he despised her? That love had rotted into hatred.Now, 'wretch' was all she'd ever be.Only when Coreene finally sat down for tea did Nicole speak, her voice raw but laced with bitterness. "I'm a wretch? And your son isn't?"He claimed to love me, but
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 21
Andrew remembered—back when Lena still loved him, she used to dream about their future kids.If they had a daughter, she'd spoil her like a princess, making sure she was the happiest little girl alive.If they had a son, she'd raise him to be just as sharp and capable as Andrew.Her eyes used to light up when she talked about it, sketching picture after picture of what their kids might look like.And what had he done? He'd torn those drawings to shreds and tossed them into the fire.Coldly, he'd told her he could have kids with anyone—but never with her. Told her to stop chasing dreams that would never come true.Now, a bitter smile tugged at his lips.Back then, she was the one clinging to his arm, dreaming about forever.Now, the one wishing for that future... was him.A knock at the door pulled him back."Sir, the car is ready."Andrew grabbed the gift off his desk and walked out.On the way to the airport, he leaned back against the seat, eyes shut, running through what
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 20
Andrew didn't dodge fast enough. Vernon's punch sent him sprawling.For the first time, Vernon completely lost it, landing blow after blow. If the butler hadn't rushed in, Andrew might've been beaten to death right there.Vernon barely noticed the blood on his own hands. He just stood there, ice-cold, staring down at the broken man beneath him."How much do you hate Lena that you keep trying to destroy her? Do you even get how many people were watching tonight? How many saw your pathetic little stunt? What do you think they'll say about her now? Or do you want the whole world to rip her apart?""No, I didn't—"Andrew tried to push himself up, but the second he opened his mouth, he coughed up blood.Vernon's foot slammed into his chest."Didn't what, Andrew Rohan? Let me spell it out for you—if Lena still gave a damn about you, you'd be dead the second you set foot in Engloria."Andrew hit the ground again, too wrecked to move.Vernon towered over him, his voice like a blade. "
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 19
Vernon wasn't taking chances this time. After the last incident, security was airtight—guards at every entrance, no way Andrew was crashing Lena's birthday party.Except... he never showed.When the butler reported it, Vernon's eyes flickered, but that uneasy feeling? Still there. Just in case, he kept security on high alert.Lena's birthday was straight-up legendary.Vernon went all out—her name lit up on every billboard in Engloria, fireworks blasting the second she blew out her candles. The castle? Drenched in her favorite flowers, sparkling like a dream.Gifts piled up like a mini mountain, almost as tall as the custom castle cake Vernon had designed. But the real showstopper? Lena wearing the Cœur d'Amour Éternel, a $10 million auction piece Vernon had locked down just for her.They stood together, blowing out the candles. The second the flames vanished, fireworks exploded outside, lighting up the sky.The display lasted until the banquet wrapped up.As guests trickled out
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 18
The servant handled the gifts without question.Andrew didn't react when they were returned—he just sent more.At first, Vernon figured they'd only be delivered to the Chopard estate. But then Andrew brought them straight to the banquet.The event, hosted by an old friend of the Chopards, marked Lena's first formal appearance as Mrs. Chopard.Her crimson gown matched Vernon's red pocket square. A twenty-five-carat ruby—his birthday gift to her—sparkled on her ring finger, drawing envious stares.From the second she walked in, arm-in-arm with Vernon, she owned the room.And, of course—She caught his eye.Andrew watched from the corner, bitterness flickering across his face.It had been so long since he'd seen Lena smile. She used to be full of laughter, her joy infectious enough to lift even his darkest moods.But after he pushed her aside for Nicole? She'd only ever looked at him with caution.His grip tightened around the gift box in his hands, nearly crushing it.As one
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 17
The blizzard knocked Andrew out with a raging fever, dragging him back into unconsciousness.Even delirious, he kept calling Lena's name.Kenny couldn't take it. He pulled every string, hoping to get Lena to visit. But all he got in return was a voice recorder, delivered by one of Vernon's men.The hospital room was dead silent. Andrew sat there, staring at the recorder for what felt like forever before finally hitting play.A burst of static. Then Lena's voice filled the air—light, almost mocking. "If Nicole hadn't been exposed, I would've never had his apology."People are always like this—seeing the truth too late, realizing regret only after losing everything."But I don't need his guilt. I don't want to let him drag me back into the past. Nothing good would come of it—just more pain, more regret."No more contact, no more meetings. That's the only ending that made sense."Andrew played it again. And again.Desperation clawed at him. Maybe it wasn't real. Maybe it was a tr
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 16
The truth was, he'd fallen for Lena a long time ago.When she told him—one last time—that she didn't love him.When she vanished without a trace.When he searched her room and found every love letter, every portrait she'd ever given him, gone.When he tracked her to Engloria and saw her with another man.And when she finally got engaged.Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, he'd fallen for the girl who had always chased after him.And like an idiot, he'd buried those feelings, convinced himself they were something else. Suppressed them, over and over—only for them to claw their way back, stronger each time.Now, they hit all at once, sharp and merciless.His chest tightened like a vice, the pain unbearable. For a split second, he wanted to storm inside, grab her hand, tell her— I love you.Admit that everything had been his fault.Beg for a second chance.But his feet wouldn't move.Snow piled onto his shoulders, but nothing was colder than the ice spreading
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 15
Seeing Lena and Vernon so in sync, Benjamin felt completely at ease.After dinner, he and Vernon headed to the study.Vernon didn't come out until half an hour later. He said goodbye and headed for the door.Lena shot up to walk him out.It was their first meeting, but she already didn't want him to leave. She hesitated, unsure—what if she came off too eager?Vernon caught the look in her eyes.He chuckled, pulled her in, and rubbed her hand lightly. "See you tomorrow."Lena's eyes lit up. She glanced up, surprised.His smile deepened. He hugged her again before stepping into his car.Only when the car vanished beyond the gates did she finally turn back toward the villa, still reluctant to let go.Outside the estate, Vernon spotted a Maybach lurking in the shadows.The dark-tinted windows hid whoever was inside, but he didn't care. He idly twisted the watch on his wrist."Some people really need to get a life."***Over the next month, Lena and Vernon got serious fast. Me
This Time, She Walked Away First Chapter 14
Andrew didn't have time to unpack that strange feeling.He was already on his way to Engloria, straight to the Clermont estate.He had to see Lena.He needed to apologize—to tell her everything had been his fault. To beg for her forgiveness.But after two weeks in Engloria? He hadn't even made it past the Clermonts' gates.The staff looked at him like he was their worst enemy.And honestly? He got it.With no other choice, he waited.And today—finally—he saw her.His pulse kicked up. He shoved the car door open, Lena's name already on his tongue—But then he stopped cold.Because Lena wasn't alone.A man stepped out beside her. And before Andrew could even process it, the guy pulled her into his arms, effortlessly, like he belonged there.Thud!The gift in Andrew's hand hit the ground.A nameless fury roared to life inside him."Lena Clermont!"In the distance, Lena froze.That voice.A shudder crawled down her spine, fear seeping into her bones, cold and paralyzing.
