Book 1 A Love That Ends in
Regret
On the day I was set to try on wedding dresses with my boyfriend of seven years, I hurried over to the bridal boutique, my heart brimming with joy. But as I stepped inside, I overheard my boyfriend in conversation.
“You just registered your marriage with Mara at the Civil Affair Office yesterday. Now you’re here with Clara Westfield to try on wedding dresses. Aren’t you worried about the mess when Clara finds out?” his friend’s voice rang out.
A look of helplessness crossed my boyfriend’s features as he replied in a hoarse voice, “My brother died in a car accident, and Mara is carrying his child. If I don’t marry her, how will they survive?”
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Book 1 A Love That Ends in Regret
+ 5 Points
“I’ll spend my life making it up to Clara. Just keep this between us. She can’t know,” he added.
My world shattered and my heart crumbled. I quietly slipped away and made my way to the hospital to schedule an abortion. If he couldn’t provide a complete family for me and my child, there was no point in keeping the baby.
Their conversation had been an icy dagger, extinguishing all the happiness I had felt after receiving my pregnancy report earlier that morning.
I had woken up excited, rushing to the hospital to collect the results. I couldn’t wait to share the news with him at the boutique. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
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Book 1 A Love That Ends in Regret
+ 5 Points
If he was already married to someone else, why pretend with a wedding for us?
Just as the question formed in my mind, the boutique’s designer approached, a bright smile lighting her face. “Miss Westfield, the custom wedding dress Mr. Vaughn commissioned for you has arrived. You can try it on now.”
Her words jolted me back to reality.
Beckett Vaughn had invested his heart and soul into this wedding. The wedding ring and dress, designed and overseen by him, reflected my preferences. He even had words engraved inside the ring: “Love one another, love without doubt.”
I had suggested hiring a designer to ease his burden, but he refused. “Designing everything myself shows sincerity,” he had
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Book 1 A Love That Ends in Regret
+ 5 Points
said. “I want you to look at these things and always think of me.”
His friends and family praised his efforts. “You’re going to be a wonderful husband, Clara. You’re lucky to be his fiancée.”
But now, the so–called love he professed seemed a cruel irony.
I steadied myself and headed toward the fitting room, where the dress was displayed. That’s when I saw a familiar figure–Mara Donovan.
Seeing me, she turned with a warm smile. “Clara, you’re finally here! Come see your beautiful wedding dress!”
Her demeanor was as kind and natural as ever, reminiscent of an affectionate older sister.
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Book 1 A Love That Ends in Regret
+ 5 Points
When Beckett’s brother was alive, I made an effort to befriend her, sharing gifts and tips to build a good relationship with the woman I thought would be my future sister–in–law.
If I hadn’t overheard Beckett’s conversation, I could never have imagined Mara would become the barrier between us.
The memory of their talk replaying in my mind, my gaze instinctively dropped to her still–flat stomach. Bitterness welled up inside
- me.
Despite everything, she had a safe harbor. But my child and I did not have that privilege.
With a dark expression, I turned to the lovely wedding dress. “It is beautiful. Do you want to try it on?”
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Book 1 A Love That Ends in Regret
+ 5 Points
The words had barely left my mouth when an incredulous voice interrupted, “Clara, what are you saying? This is your wedding dress. How could you let someone else try it on?”
Beckett appeared, his tone edged with anger, his eyes filled with disapproval.
I remained calm, my voice indifferent. “What’s the big deal? Mara didn’t wear a wedding dress when she married your brother. Letting her try it on now could make up for that regret.”
