He Thought He Could Let Her Go, Until She LeftChapter 1
"Ms. Chancellor, are you sure you want to cancel the wedding? This venue took a year to secure. If you back out now, it’ll be at least another two years before you can book it again. Shouldn’t you speak with Mr. Davidson first?"
Athena Chancellor’s pale face betrayed her exhaustion, but her eyes were resolute. She gave a firm nod.
"There’s nothing to discuss. Cancel it."
The sharp pain in her lower abdomen surged as the anesthesia wore off, gripping her body with unrelenting intensity. Each word she spoke felt like a battle, her strength barely holding.
Yet, the moment she regained consciousness, her first action was clear. She reached for her phone and canceled the wedding, her decision unwavering despite the storm raging through her body.
After all, if she hadn’t canceled, the thought of two weddings with the same groom would have been nothing short of a farce.
The receptionist on the line hesitated but quickly processed Athena's request, adhering to the golden rule of customer first.
Within a minute, a text message confirming the cancellation appeared on her phone.
Staring at the message, a year of effort crumbled before her eyes. Yet, instead of heartbreak, Athena felt an unexpected sense of liberation, as though a weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying had been lifted.
"Please ensure this remains confidential. Don’t breathe a word of it to Emmett."
The staff assured her repeatedly, though their curiosity lingered. Just a month ago, on Athena’s birthday, Emmett Davidson made headlines by lighting up the skies of Ravenloch with fireworks. This grand display captivated social media.
At the time, everyone marveled at how Emmett and Athena, after five years together, still seemed wrapped in the warmth of love, the perfect couple in everyone’s eyes. How could things have spiraled so quickly, ending in the cancellation of their wedding just weeks later?
Athena hung up the phone, her fingers already reaching for a ticket, when the door to her hospital room creaked open, cutting through her thoughts.
Emmett had just returned from an international conference, his suit still creased from the long journey. Without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed to Athena and enveloped her in a tight embrace, his voice full of regret.
"Athena, I’m sorry. I’m late."