Chapter 16Jonathan, along with his family, finally arrived at the venue and the moment they walked in, the excitement was evident in the air. As they stepped further inside, they were immediately greeted by Nathaniel's dazzling smile, bright enough to light up the entire room."Mom, dad!" Nathaniel exclaimed, chuckling in happiness as he enveloped them in a warm hug. "You're finally here!"His parents beamed, clearly proud of their eldest son. "We wouldn't miss this for the world," his mother replied while her eyes sparkled with joy.Tabitha bounced beside them, her excitement contagious. "What's the plan? Are we ready for the big reveal?" she asked with her eyes wide in anticipation.Nathaniel grinned, glancing around the bustling venue. "Absolutely! Everything's set," he replied confidently. "Do enjoy the food and some fine wine."Jonathan who was already holding a glass, didn't need to be told twice. He swirled the deep red liquid in his glass and took a slow sip, letting the warm
Chapter 17The event staff moved quickly, almost seamlessly, to clean up the shattered glass at Jonathan's feet. But Jonathan didn't notice any of it. His eyes were glued to Laura who was standing there on the stage. She looked radiant while her hand remained entwined with Nathaniel's. And when her gaze landed on him, she gave a casual wave, as if nothing in the world was wrong, as if everything was completely normal.Jonathan's heart twisted painfully in his chest.Meanwhile, Nathaniel continued his speech, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "We are planning to get married soon," he announced, his arm slipping around Laura's bare back in a gesture that felt far too intimate for Jonathan to handle. "The sooner, the better. Right, honey?" Nathaniel chuckled, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on Laura's forehead. She responded with an adorable smile, a look Jonathan had seen countless times, but never like this—not directed at his brother."I love you," Nathaniel mouthed softly, ju
Chapter 18Laura glanced around casually with her calm demeanor masking the tension beneath. "Of course, let's go somewhere quiet," she suggested.Jonathan nodded, his gaze never leaving her, and followed her to a small dressing room tucked away from the bustling event. As they entered, the room was filled with an awkward silence, thick with all the unsaid words between them. Laura exhaled deeply, steadying herself as she turned to face him."Yes?" she asked, her voice steady but guarded.Jonathan wasted no time. "What happened to you? You're wearing—" he gestured towards her dress, his disapproval barely concealed— "this. It's too revealing. And your hair, it's different. Why did you change it?" His tone was sharp, laced with disappointment.Laura blinked, taken aback. "Is this what you wanted to talk about?" she asked, shaking her head as if trying to understand. "If it is, then I'm out." She turned, reaching for the door handle, but Jonathan moved quickly, his hand pressing against
Chapter 19Jonathan hurried after Laura. His footsteps quickened to close the distance between them. He watched her back as she walked ahead, her figure illuminated by the light of the corridor leading back to the main hall. He had so many questions, so much he still needed to say, but it was like the space between them was growing wider with each passing second.When they finally reentered the hall, the lively buzz of conversation halted as eyes immediately locked onto Laura. People swarmed around her, eager to congratulate and to offer their admiration for Nathaniel's soon-to-be bride. The crowd seemed to form a barrier between Jonathan and Laura as they began pushing him further to the edge, where he stood watching in frustration."She's beautiful, isn't she?" a familiar voice beside him said, a hint of pride and amusement lacing the words.Jonathan glanced sideways, spotting Nathaniel standing casually with his hands in his pockets, his eyes trained on Laura with a smile that coul
Chapter 20Jonathan couldn't take it anymore. The music, the dancing, the sight of Laura in Nathaniel's arms—it was all too much. His heart clenched painfully, but his mind refused to admit what he had long buried. Instead, anger flared up, raw and unfiltered. He cursed under his breath, furiously wiping away the tears that betrayed him."What the hell? They think I'm jealous? Fuck them," he muttered, trying to convince himself that this wasn't about jealousy. It couldn't be.He stormed out of the hall, yanking off his coat and tossing it aside as he pulled out his car keys. Without a second thought, he slid into the driver's seat, slamming the door shut behind him. The engine roared to life, matching the turmoil swirling inside him.Jonathan sped through the city streets as the hum of the engine did little to drown out the chaos in his mind. Before he knew it, he was parked outside the club he frequented. The neon lights flickered above the entrance like a beacon calling him to esca
Chapter 21Nathaniel's smile was soft as he slipped the tub of food into the fridge. "Have you had breakfast, honey?" he asked with his voice full of affection using one of the many endearments he used with her now.Laura who was sitting by the counter, leaned forward and rested her arms casually on the surface. "I have. What about you? Where's Auntie?" she asked, her tone light and her expression innocent as she glanced around looking for Mrs. Reed."Mom," Nathaniel corrected playfully, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Laura chuckled, shaking her head lightly."Apologies, I'm still trying to get used to it.""It's fine. Take your time," Nathaniel replied in his warm and reassuring smile. As he stood there, his gaze locked onto her soft, pinkish, plump lips—the craving to kiss her was overwhelming. He leaned in closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull between them as his eyes lingered on her mouth as if the whole world had narrowed to just that moment.Meanwhile, Jonathan sat in t
Chapter 22Jonathan carried the dustpan outside, filled with the shards of the broken mug. He shoved the glass fragments into the trash with an angry sigh. But as he straightened up, ready to stomp back inside, he froze. There, standing by the gate, was Laura. Her arms are crossed over her chest while her face is set in an expression of clear disdain.Her presence startled him for a second, but then he quickly reverted to his usual defensiveness. Before he could say anything, Laura spoke in her sharp voice. "I do not understand why you're being so rude to your brother and me. What's gotten into you?"Jonathan let out a frustrated groan, turning his back on her to return to his task. He wasn't in the mood for this. Not now. Not after everything. He didn't look at her as he answered, his tone colder than he intended. "Why are you talking to me? We aren't friends anymore."Laura visibly flinched at his words as her arms dropped to her sides, and for a moment, she looked completely lost.
Chapter 23"Very well," she said with her tone devoid of emotion and her eyes dead-set on the floor.Jonathan's breath caught in his throat. No... No, she can't... Just as he was about to step forward, Laura spoke again. "I will do as you wish. If that is all, please excuse me. Have a good night." Her voice was cold, mechanical, like a robot devoid of any real feelings. She turned sharply, striding away with purpose, but Nathaniel quickly chased after her, concern etched on his face.Jonathan instinctively hid from view, peering around the corner as Nathaniel reached out and grabbed Laura's arm before she could reach the gates. "Why did you tell them? Didn't I say I would take responsibility? Please, Laura. You don't have to do this," he pleaded, pulling her into a tight embrace.As Laura lifted her gaze, her eyes met Jonathan's for a brief moment, and he felt a chill run down his spine. There was something haunting in her expression, a mix of fear and resignation that struck him to
Chapter 40As the sun began to set, the seaside became a beautiful place for Laura and Jonathan's evening wedding ceremony. The sky glowed with warm shades of orange and pink, while the soft sound of waves lapping at the shore created a peaceful background. The air was filled with the fresh smell of salt and flowers, adding to the magic of the moment.White chairs were lined up along a sandy aisle, leading to a lovely altar covered in flowing white fabric that danced gently in the breeze. The altar was decorated with bright flowers—roses, orchids, and sea lavender—chosen to match the colors of the ocean and the evening sky. Shells and driftwood surrounded the base, giving a natural touch to the elegant setting.As the sun lowered in the sky, soft lanterns lit up the path and the altar, creating a warm glow that made the ceremony feel intimate. Guests chatted quietly, their voices mixing with the soothing sounds of the sea.Jonathan stood at the altar, heart racing with excitement. Dre
Chapter 39As summer break began, Tabitha felt relief and excitement wash over her. She was finally done with college, and it was time to step into a new part of her life. The biggest change was that her brother, Jonathan, was engaged to his best friend, Laura. The idea of having Laura as her sister-in-law filled her with joy, but it also brought back a lot of emotions about the past year. She had managed to stay away from Mr. Albrecht, her charming professor, all year long, but memories of him still danced in her mind, both thrilling and painful.Today, she found herself in the busy atmosphere of Golden Lining Fabrics, a well-known boutique famous for customizing wedding dresses and tailored suits. The shop was alive with the sparkle of beautiful fabrics, intricate lace, and the soft buzz of happy chatter. Tabitha stood next to Laura, who was eagerly going through a pile of wedding dress samples, her eyes shining with excitement.“Can you believe it’s finally happening?” Laura exclai
Chapter 38The day of the reunion had finally arrived, and Laura stood frozen in front of her bed, eyeing the sleek black dress that Mikaela had dropped off just the day before. It hung there, delicate and elegant, but it felt out of place in her mind."I already have plenty of dresses. Why did she send me this one? It's way too fancy for a reunion," she mumbled, picking it up and running her fingers along the fabric. "And it's black... It's just so... dramatic."She sighed, tossing the dress back onto the bed. There's no way I'm wearing that, she thought, shaking her head. But just as she turned to rummage through her closet for something more casual, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.Glancing down, she saw a message from Mikaela."I hope you're trying on the dress! I'm so excited to see you in it! It'll be perfect for the reunion!"Laura's heart sank a little. The pressure was on now. She bit her lip, contemplating the situation. Mikaela is counting on me to wear the dress, she th
Chapter 37And so Jonathan's journey began with long days and late nights. From handling small tasks no one else wanted, to tackling the gritty details that made him question his own capabilities. He faced challenges at every turn—missed deadlines, critical clients, and sleepless nights reviewing reports under dim desk lamps. He threw himself into the work not only to make his parents proud but because of a deeper, personal resolve: he wanted to be worthy of Laura, a man she could look at with pride and security.Back at home, however, Jonathan's absence cast a shadow. Eight months had passed, and for Laura, each day felt longer than the last. At first, she found ways to distract herself, convincing herself that he'd be back soon. But time wore on, and the gap he left behind grew wider. She couldn't ignore the pangs of loneliness that began to settle in her heart, nor the nagging thoughts that questioned whether his promises still held weight in his mind.Jonathan, for all his dedicat
Chapter 36Jonathan took a deep, steadying breath and nodded at Mr. Levine with a humble acceptance that showed both his respect and sincerity. "I understand, Mr. Levine," he replied while his voice remained unshaken yet filled with determination. "I know I'm not there yet, but I promise, I'll work to become a man worthy of Laura...worthy of the love and respect your family has shown me." He paused, his gaze moving to Laura, with a soft, almost vulnerable warmth in his expression as his tone softened. "So, when you feel I've truly earned it—when you think I'm finally worthy of you—marry me then."His heartfelt words lingered in the room, filling it with a gentle, solemn tension. With a final, genuine smile, he inclined his head respectfully, then turned to Laura's parents, bowing slightly before excusing himself. There was a sense of finality in the way he held himself as he walked toward the door. His gaze still held a trace of hope as he glanced back one last time at Laura. He gave
Chapter 35Albrecht felt a twinge of irritation as he watched Tabitha walk away without so much as a second glance. He felt a surge of excitement at her new, detached demeanor. The cold indifference in her stare intrigued him, igniting a spark of something unfamiliar. He cleared his throat, disguising his reaction with a smirk. "Excuse me, students," he muttered before slipping away from the crowd, intent on catching up to her.But as he rounded it, he halted, taken aback by the sight before him. Tabitha was laughing freely with another man, her carefree energy radiating in a way he hadn't seen in a long time. The guy, someone her age, seemed entirely at ease with her, bantering easily as he teased, "Tabby, look at you!" the guy exclaimed, running around her in excitement. "It's like I've got my old friend back. Honestly, I'm glad you finally moved on—this is the Tabitha I missed."Tabitha laughed easily, giving him a playful slap on the arm. "Then why don't I treat you to lunch later
Chapter 34"...So please, I'm begging you. Give me one more chance."Laura's chest tightened as his words echoed in the room. For a moment, the tenderness in his gaze tugged at something deep inside her—but then a darker thought crept in, casting shadows over her hope. Could he just be saying this because I'm his friend? Out of pity, out of guilt? Her eyes grew cold with a frown knitting her brows as the doubt took hold.Her gaze dropped, and she bit her lip, trying to muster a response. But she couldn't find the words. It felt as though her heart had been pulled in two opposing directions. Instead of answering, she took a shaky step back, and then another, retreating from the intensity of his confession. Jonathan reached out, alarmed, but she shook her head almost imperceptibly, her expression unreadable.In one swift motion, she turned and left the room, slipping out of his house without another word. The door closed behind her, and Jonathan stood there, hand still outstretched, fr
Chapter 33Jonathan's heart thundered as he closed the space between them. His gaze locked on hers, filled with a longing so raw it startled even him. He reached out as his hands found her arms as if to anchor himself in the moment, his voice barely a whisper. "Is this really you, Laura? Am I... am I not dreaming anymore?"Laura blinked. A flicker of confusion broke through her calm as she gently disentangled his hands from her arms. 'What dreams could he possibly be talking about?' The question lingered in her mind, but she pushed it aside while her heart suddenly felt much heavier."Anyway..." she began as her voice almost trembled. She turned and moved toward the couch, trying to compose herself. Jonathan followed and sat on the opposite seat, though every fiber in his being ached to close the distance between them, to feel her presence near.Laura took a deep breath and gathered the courage to look him in the eyes again. "I'm sorry... for what happened a few days ago," she said,
Chapter 32(Refer to Chapter 8-9) "Wake up, you stupid!" Tabitha's voice echoed through Jonathan's room that jolted him awake. He gasped, sitting up, his breath ragged as if he'd just resurfaced from a deep dive. His chest heaved as his heart pounded, and for a moment, he struggled to pull himself out of the overwhelming fog clouding his mind.His vision was still blurry, and his head throbbed with a splitting ache, like the aftermath of a terrible hangover. Slowly, his surroundings started to come into focus, and the realization hit him—he was back. Back in his room, back in his own reality. Jonathan blinked, staring down at his hands, flexing his fingers open and closed. Was this real? The vivid memories of everything that had just happened, all the alternate timelines, all the pain, it lingered in his mind. It was so real, yet it couldn't have been.With a heavy sigh, Jonathan let his hands fall and stood up from his bed, his body feeling like it had aged years in the course of a