Chapter 9Jonathan woke up with a pounding headache as the familiar ache of a hangover settled in. His mouth was dry, and his body felt heavy as he groaned, pushing himself up from the bed. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, too bright for his liking, and he squinted against it, shielding his eyes with his hand."Ugh... what time is it?" he muttered, glancing at his phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up with missed calls and messages—none of which he was in the mood to check right now. His head was still spinning, remnants of last night's drinking clinging to his thoughts like cobwebs.He stumbled out of bed, feeling the weight of the previous night bearing down on him. Flashes of Eunice's furious face came to him—her words, her slap, the sound of her heels clacking as she stormed out of the club. He rubbed the side of his face where she had slapped him, still feeling the sting, though it was his pride that hurt more."Why did I mention Laura?" he groaned, realizing that was
Chapter 10His father cleared his throat. "He's in the study if you want to catch up."The idea made Jonathan's stomach turn. The last thing he wanted was to see his brother right now. He could already picture the smug look on his face, the patronizing way he always spoke to him, as if Jonathan were still a kid who needed guidance."I'll see him later," Jonathan said, his tone flat. He didn't give them time to respond as he turned and made his way out of the living room, his fists still clenched tight. He could feel the tension building, the weight of being in his brother's shadow pressing down on him like always.Once outside, he exhaled sharply, his mind racing. No matter how much he tried to escape it, the comparison, the resentment, the feeling of being second best—it always came back, especially whenever his brother reappeared in his life.Great, he thought, running a hand through his hair. Just what I needed.Jonathan forced himself to push the thoughts away, though it was easie
Chapter 11"Ah! I need to go home, Jonathan," Laura blurted out suddenly, her eyes darting to her phone again. She stood up quickly, grabbing her things in a flurry of motion. "I have somewhere to go today."Jonathan blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, already?" he asked, but before he could say much else, Laura was already halfway to the door."See you later!" she called over her shoulder, flashing him a quick smile before rushing outside. Jonathan watched as she waved down a cab, his hand halfway raised in a futile attempt to stop her.As the cab pulled away, Jonathan sat back down, a strange, hollow feeling settling in his chest. The coffee in front of him went untouched, cooling rapidly as he stared at the spot where Laura had been just moments before.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Jonathan stabbed his fork into the steak on his plate, the sharp clink of metal on ceramic echoing in the otherwise silent dining room. The atmosphere was intense, as usual, during family dinners—his father at the head
Chapter 12When morning came, Jonathan woke up feeling the usual burden of frustration settling in his chest. His thoughts circled back to his brother, Nathaniel—always Nathaniel. Whenever he felt like this, he had one place to go—Laura. She had always been his solace. And so, without thinking too much, Jonathan grabbed his jacket and headed toward the Levines' house, his mind set on finding comfort.He knocked on the door, expecting the usual, a quiet exchange with Mrs. Levine before getting to Laura. But to his surprise, when the door swung open, Mrs. Levine's face broke into a warm smile. "Oh, hello, Jonathan. Come in, come in," she said, her voice filled with a kindness that threw him off balance.Jonathan blinked, confused. Just the other day, she had barely let him in, her manner cool and hesitant. But now, there was no trace of that hesitation—only an open, welcoming gesture that felt strangely... different. He hesitated for a moment, but then stepped inside, feeling a growing
Chapter 13Jonathan's grip tightened around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He felt his heart race, a pit forming in his stomach. "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath, his mind spinning with questions, confusion, and a gnawing sense of jealousy.Who is he? Why didn't she mention anything? The sight of Laura walking away with another man made something snap inside him, something he couldn't quite control.Meanwhile, Laura giggled lightly, her arm still linked with the man beside her. "Congratulations, Mr. Elsher. I bet your wife is pretty much occupied now that you have a baby on the way," she said softly, her tone warm and friendly.Mr. Elsher, her father's secretary, chuckled in response. "Thank you, and yes, she is," he replied with a smile, his voice filled with pride. "We're both adjusting, but it's been an exciting time."Laura smiled genuinely, her mood light and carefree. She continued walking with Mr. Elsher as the conversation flowed easily between th
Chapter 14Jonathan sat on his bed, his elbows resting on his knees, while Tabitha settled just a meter away, watching him closely as she waited for him to talk. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words."I think Laura has a boyfriend," he finally blurted out, his voice low and uncertain.Tabitha's lips twitched at the admission. "So?"Jonathan frowned, not expecting that response. "What do you mean 'so'? I just said Laura has a boyfriend.""Yeah, I heard you," Tabitha shrugged, almost sounding tired of the subject already. "So what if she has a boyfriend? What's the big deal?""She should've told me! I'm her friend!" Jonathan's voice rose, his frustration clear in every syllable.Tabitha scoffed, shaking her head. "A friend is a friend, Jonathan. It's up to her whether she wanted you to know about certain things or not. That's her personal life."He stared at her in disbelief, unable to accept what she was saying. "But—""No buts," she cut him off, raising her hand as if
Chapter 15The day of Nathaniel's party had finally come. The venue which was a well-known luxury hotel downtown became busy with staff making final preparations for this event. It was the perfect backdrop for his big announcement. Not only was he back home for good, but he was also going to reveal the woman he intended to marry—a woman no one in the family had known yet, maybe...Meanwhile back at home, the energy was electric. Their parents had been up since dawn, making sure everything would go smoothly. Even though the hotel had its own team of event planners, they couldn't help but double-check every detail. Tabitha, as well, was still in her room, struggling with which dress to wear. She rifled through her wardrobe, tossing gowns aside, too excited to settle on anything. Her curiosity was getting the best of her—after her brother's secrecy, today was the day they'd finally meet the mysterious fiancée.But while the rest of the house was feeling excited with anticipation, Jonatha
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 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