Chapter 21!
Over the next few weeks, nothing particularly eventful happened. I spent most of my time in my room, either updating my novel, subtly weaving my own life into the story or browsing through wedding dresses in my spare moments!
Opening my laptop, I scrolled through the comments on my latest chapter. My readers were enthusiastic, their excitement almost palpable through the screen.!!
As I typed out a response to one comment “I can literally feel the female lead’s healthy rang, It was Caroline
“Hey, what’s up?” I answered, still half–distracted by my screen.
glow with this new love interest!” my phone
“I’m alright. Do you see? You have a ton of fans online now,” she said, excitement lacing her voice.
“Really? How?” I asked, surprised.
“Well.. your welcome party made quite the splash. The media got some great shots of you, and now there are fan accounts popping up everywhere in your name. They even gave you a nickname… Valuna. You know from Valthome and Luna?” She giggled.
“Ohhh.” I murmured, unsure how to feel about that
“Hold on, I send you one now.
A chime sounded, and I pulled my phone away from my ear to check the message. It was a post with a high–quality picture of me from the party, captioned.
“She really is the most beautiful woman. #Valuna”
I stared at it for a moment, then giggled. “Well, I do look beautiful, don’t I?“1⁄2
After chatting with Caroline for a while, I received a message from Ryan inviting me out for brunch. I agreed without hesitation and quickly changed into a casual corporate outfit, something comfortable yet stylish. Grabbing my laptop, I decided I’d use the time at the cafe to get some writing done and maybe even find some inspiration.
By the time I was ready, Ryan was already waiting outside.
“Hey, I greeted with a smile as I slid into the car.
“Hey,” he replied, smirking before leaning in to place a light peck on my cheek
My heart did a little flip, but I brushed it off, adjusting the laptop on my lap.
“You’re planning to work on your novel at the cafe, right?” he asked, nodding toward it
“Yeah.” I said, a bit surprised. “How did you know about my novel?”
He glanced at me before turning his attention back to the road. “Vivian told me. She always mentions how you lock yourself in your room, completely focused on writing. She also told me the name of your book, so I read it
My breath hitched slightly. He read it?
“Oh.” I managed to say, my mind suddenly swirling with thoughts.
Had he noticed the parallels between my story and my life?
We arrived at the cafe, and Limmediately recognized it as one of the establishments owned by my family.
I kept my head down as we walked inside, hoping no one would recognize me as the Valthorne princess. My pictures had already been circulating online, and the last thing I wanted was unwanted attention
Settling into our seats, we picked up the menus. I decided on an avocado toast trio with a banana smoothie, while Ryan placed his
own order.
me
Tl be back soon,” he said, standing up. He leaned down to press a quick kiss to my forehead before heading toward the restroom.
I pulled out my laptop, determined to get some writing done, but I had barely typed a few words before a familiar voice interrupted
“Aya?”
The sound of my name made my stomach drop. I turned my head slowly, dreading what I would see 3
Cliffe.
He looked terribly disheveled, reeking of alcohol, and completely out of place in the elegant café.
“Aya, oh my god, it’s really you,” he breathed, rushing toward me..
I stiffened, instinctively leaning away as he got too close.ll
“Come back with me, Aya. Please. I swear I’ll treat you better this time.”
I narrowed my eyes and pried at his grip, but he was holding on too tightly.
“Don’t you have a wedding to plan?” I asked coldly.
His face twisted. “It was a mistake, Aya. I see that now. Evelyn and … we were just using each other for connections. I never loved
her. It’s you I love.
abad.
I scoffed “That’s too
Cliffe. Because I don’t love you anymore.”X
His expression darkened instantly. “That’s a lie, Ayo. How can you move on so fast? Are you a whore, clinging to the next big shot? Is that why you’re with that Alpha, because he has more connections than me? I’ll work hard, I promise!”
2.23 PM
I froze.
Did he just insinuate that I was a gold digger?!
“I need you to leave. Now” My voice was void of emotion.”
Shock flickered across his face, but I didn’t care.
you repay me?“!!
“You bitch,” he spat. “I took care of you when you were abandoned and had nothing, and this is how your
His hand shot up.
For a split second, I thought he was actually going to hit me.
But before I could even react.
CRACKE
“What the fuck do you think you’re about to do?” a deep voice growled beside me
Ryan.
I barely had time to process how fast he had moved. One second, Cliffe’s hand was raised, and the next. Ryan had caught it mid–all twisting it with terrifying ease.
A sickening crunch filled the space between us.
Cliffe screamed. “ARGH! My hand you fucker!“z
“Aya… please, I was wrong! Don’t leave me,“%
I just stared, my mind spinning 8
How had Cliffe sunk so low?1
