Chapter 7
On the plane, I leaned against the window watching the city grow smaller below.
All the chaos and drama felt like it finally faded away.
Only Mom’s urn on my lap felt real.
“Oh my god, did you guys hear? That Henstone guy carried that woman to the hospital. He’s spoiling her so much.”
“They even gave her the best VIP suite, so weird. Do you think she’s pregnant?”
“I think so! Did you see them shopping this afternoon?”
“Look at this–they bought maternity clothes and baby stuff. Looks like wedding bells are coming!”
“This chick’s smart. So many actresses threw themselves at him, but his bitter wife always chased them off. I heard
that bitch has had several abortions already. Finally getting what she deserves.”
“What do you expect from a gold digger who killed his mom? My husband told me if it wasn’t for their childhood bond, Henstone would’ve dumped her ages ago.”
“Well, he has now! His new girl’s already knocked up, haha!”
I closed my eyes tiredly. The gossiping ladies next to me kept chattering excitedly.
These words used to tear me apart, but now I just felt numb. Like I was hearing someone else’s story.
Before takeoff, I saw it on the news. Ronan dropped crazy money on that girl, making headlines across the New York again.
Every newsstand had emergency evening editions. The photo of Ronan tenderly carrying Natalie into the hospital was blown up huge on the front page.
But this was his first time buying baby stuff with a woman.
Impressive. She got pregnant so fast.
I looked down at my own stomach sadly. The cold surgical instruments still haunted me, reminding me my baby
was gone.
Maybe it was for the best. Now Ronan and I were finally done.
I landed in Florence and started living out my teenage dreams.
I had always been an art student. My biggest dream in college was touring Europe, seeing all those masterpieces I’d
03:10
Three Deaths. One Divorce–Now You’ll Pay with Your Endless Regret
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only seen in books.
I’d saved every penny for four years. But right before graduation, when I had my plane ticket picked out, I gave all the money to Ronan for his startup.
His company was just getting started then, only one step away from launching their product.
He promised once he made it big, he’d take me traveling through Europe.
I waited and waited…
I waited for him to get famous, to go public, to become New York’s rising star.
But that boy who used to only have eyes for me… he was gone.
Now he hated me. And he wouldn’t even listen to my explanations.
Over the next six months, I felt like a teenager again–no longer Mrs. Henstone trapped in a villa and wallowed in self–pity.
The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore soared into the clouds. The rooftop of Casa Batlló rippled like waves. Botticelli’s “Spring” bloomed with life. The Mona Lisa’s smile transcended time itself.
And then there was that kid who’d been following me around since Florence.
“Sherry, why didn’t you wait for me again?”
I sat on a bench in Prague’s Square, tossing birdseed to the ground.
“Ian Kemnis, how many times have I told you? Call me sister–don’t just use my name.”
Ian walked over with two ice creams in his hands and made a face at me.
“Can’t call you sister–that makes you sound old.”
I took the ice cream with a sigh, tilting my head back to feel the breeze.
It was late August now. The summer heat was fading, and fall was coming.
I’d been gone three months since I left the New York.
I glanced at the man beside me and asked him with curious. “Ronan, it’s September, school’s about to start, aren’t you going back to school in the States?”
Ian immediately pouted. “What do you mean? Are you trying to get rid of me, Sherry?”
“What if you feel lonely and bored after I leave?” He joked.
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Chapter 7
I pushed his head away as he leaned closer and said with a scowl.
“Whatever. It’s not my problem if they get expel you.”
Ian grinned. “How about we hit up Scandinavia next? It’s gorgeous up there.”
He showed me his plans on his tablet–detailed itineraries with crystal–clear logic. If I hadn’t seen his ID showing he was 20, I never would’ve believed lan was my underclassman.
He was in his third year of the art program.
That’s why we had so many common topics to talk about. And we’d naturally become the perfect travel companions
“Sherry, who is this guy?”
We were laughing and booking our flights when someone I never expected appeared in front of me.
The moment I looked up, my heart skipped a beat. But then went completely calm:
“Ronan Henstone, what are you doing here?”
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.