Author: Novelread

Chapter 11  Facing the rows of eager reporters, the bright, flashing lights and the sea of murmuring voices, I felt a surprising calm settle over me. I thought of all that had happened–Oliver’s unflinching support, Leon’s relentless harassment–and for the first time, I felt ready to close the chapter, to end this here and now.  … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 11” »

Chapter 10  The weight of the scandal felt crushing, a suffocating heaviness pressing down on me as I thought of the legacy that Oliver’s family had built, now under fire because of me. Cold sweat prickled down my back as I tried to steady my breathing and dialed Leon’s number with trembling fingers. It barely … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 10” »

Chapter 9  Oliver’s arms wrapped around me, steady and warm, as he whispered, his voice low and reassuring in my ear. “It’s okay. Everyone has loved one or two jerks in their younger days. Don’t worry; I won’t judge you.”  His words, soft yet teasing, felt like a balm to my lingering self–doubt and I … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 9” »

Chapter 8  A nauseating wave of revulsion washed. over me as I looked at Leon standing in the doorway, his familiar scent–one I used to tolerate–now cloying and unbearable. He had once laughed, teasing me about my “dog–like sense of smell,” a playful jab at how I could pick up on the faintest traces of … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 8” »

Chapter 7  I couldn’t help but laugh when Oliver insisted on getting the marriage license. first, the seriousness in his gaze both endearing and amusing.  “Really? You want to get the license even before the proposal?”  Oliver held my hand, his tone calm yet. unyielding. “It’ll put my mind at ease, Emily.” There was a … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 7” »

Chapter 6  Feeling the sudden rise of heat in my cheeks, I quickly pushed my chair back and stood, desperate to break the tension lingering between us. “Oliver, I’m full… I should probably-”  “Emily, let’s get married.”  His words hung in the air, sharp and clear, striking me like a bolt of lightning. Just as … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 6” »

Chapter 5  For a split second, I thought it was Leon and I froze, dread prickling my skin. But then I noticed the scent–a faint hint of tobacco, warm and unfamiliar, nothing like Leon’s.  Slowly, I turned to look and in the dim glow of the hall lights, I saw a man standing a few … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 5” »

Chapter 4  I had barely bought anything for myself over the years, so the few belongings I owned fit easily into my old, worn–out suitcase. As I reached into the closet for the last of my clothes, the apartment door swung open. A thick wave of alcohol hit me before I even saw him.  “Emily, … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 4” »

Chapter 3  [Leon, let’s break up.]  After sending the message, tears welled up in my eyes. The words of the taxi driver echoed in my mind and a sudden wave of longing for my parents washed over me. I opened my chat with my mom; the last message from her was just a few days … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 3” »

Chapter 2  Large teardrops rolled down my cheeks, falling onto the wedding dress like tiny, silent cries. The lace absorbed some of  them, but a few slipped down, landing on Leon’s hand where he gripped mine. Each droplet seemed to drain what little strength I had left, until every second standing there felt unbearable. My … Read More “My boyfriend didn’t know I’d be married Chapter 2” »