Chapter 7
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Halfway through the birthday celebration, Ryder and Elle publicly announced their engagement date.
That’s when I learned this wasn’t just Ryder’s birthday party–it was their
engagement party too.
The room erupted in thunderous applause as everyone offered their
congratulations.
I sat alone in the corner, watching them kiss with beaming faces, feeling absolutely nothing.
When it came time for toasts, Elle walked over with her arm linked through Ryder’s, smiling brightly as she raised her glass.
“Autumn, you and Ryder are so close. Would you be my bridesmaid at our wedding?”
“Sorry, I have plans that day. I won’t be able to attend the wedding.” Hearing my blunt refusal, Ryder’s expression immediately darkened.
He shot me a cold glance, his tone harsh.
“Whether you show up or not doesn’t matter. Just make sure to send a gift.”
I nodded slightly, my voice soft. “Don’t worry. Given our history, I’ll definitely send a generous check.”
My tone was sincere, as if I were truly wishing them well.
Remembering what he’d overheard in the boutique days earlier, complex emotions flashed in Ryder’s eyes.
The band started playing a lively tune, and not knowing what to say, he took Elle’s hand and led her to the dance floor.
The spotlight followed the two of them as they glided gracefully across the floor, like two butterflies dancing in the air.
Seeing how in love they looked, the guests couldn’t help but admire them.
“They make such a perfect couple. But getting engaged after just a month of dating -isn’t that a bit rushed?”
“You don’t get it. Ryder has been in love with Elle for years. Now that he’s finally won her over, of course he wants to lock it down quickly.”
I leaned back on the sofa, watching them while lost in thought.
It was Ryder who taught me how to dance.
Back then, we had no rhythm together. I kept stepping on his feet in my high heels. He wasn’t mad at all. Instead, he leaned in with a mischievous smile and whispered in my ear.
“Every time you step on my foot, you owe me a kiss.”
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11:35 AM Thu 24 Apr
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07
That day, I learned how to dance properly.
Ryder’s legs ended up covered in bruises, and my lips were swollen from his kisses. I’d thought he had feelings for me too. I believed I held the position of girlfriend in his world.
But watching him bend over backward to impress Elle since her return…
I finally understood how laughable my assumption had been.
As I sat there reflecting, a stranger approached and bowed slightly, asking me to dance.
I didn’t want to at first, but he was persistent. Seeing everyone else dancing, I didn’t want to be a killjoy, so I agreed.
Surprisingly, despite having just met, we moved well together, flowing smoothly to the gentle music.
The man’s warm hand seemed to have some kind of magical effect. Gradually, I relaxed and lost myself in the moment.
This was the first time all evening that Ryder saw me smile, and his face
immediately fell.
His clearly displeased eyes kept landing on me, causing him to miss several beats. Noticing his distraction, Elle glanced over, something flickering in her expression. When the music changed, everyone on the dance floor switched partners.
I was momentarily stunned to find myself holding hands with Ryder, and lowered
my eyes.
Just as we completed one turn, disaster struck.
The crystal chandelier above came loose with a loud BANG and crashed down. Instinctively, Ryder let go of my hand and rushed to shield Elle, pulling her away from the danger zone.
Left behind, I barely managed to steady myself. The chandelier grazed my shoulder as it fell, slicing a long gash in my arm.
Blood gushed out, staining my white dress crimson.
Pain shot through my entire body. I couldn’t help crying out, my face turning deathly pale.
Just steps away, Ryder held Elle tenderly, comforting her as they quickly left. From start to finish, he never once looked back at me.
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