I Almost Proposed, But He's Waiting for Another Bride novel

Alyssas POV
It was the third year since I had been trying to win over Casper Pennington, that aloof, untouchable guy.
Everyone in our circle said I was his one soft spot.
But when I walked in with a custom-made engagement ring, ready to propose to him
I stopped outside the private room after hearing his buddies teasing him.
Damn, the number-one beauty in Chicago really lives up to her name. Bro, she even got you to ditch work just to drown himself in love. People said you two were about to tie the knot. I didnt believe it but looks like its actually true.
So, whens the wedding? Dont forget to send me an invite!
The lively atmosphere inside suddenly froze.
Caspers voice was laced with annoyance; he didnt bother hiding it.
Who even said that? he asked. Shes just a toy. Why would I marry her?
Everyone inside sucked in a sharp breath.
You dont even like her, but youve been dating for three years? Then who do you wanna marry? Dont tell me its
It is. Other than her, Ill never marry anyone else.
But she left the country already!
Casper lowered his head and checked the date. For the first time, a hint of a smile showed in his eyes.
She said shed be gone for three years. Back then she broke up with me because she thought I was boring. Ive learned how to make a girl happy now. Shell be satisfied for sure.
My mind went completely blank with a bang.

Inside, the conversation went on, his friends suddenly understanding everything.
So the reason you picked Alyssathe hardest woman to chase in the whole citywas just to gain experience?
All those expensive gifts you gave her, all those surprises they were all steps in your training plan?
Holy shit, bro, you really are something! If you can conquer Alyssa, then that girl of yours is gonna be easy.
Even Casper, who was always calm and unreadable, sounded almost like a nervous teenager.
But shes not like Alyssa. Shes not like any woman Ive ever met.
I just hope I dont screw up this time.
Someone cautiously asked, And what if you still cant win her over? Are you seriously planning to wait for her your whole life?
Why not? I wont settle. I dont want to settle.
But I heard Alyssa is about to propose to you. If she finds out youre actually
A startling bang suddenly reverberated.
The rest of the sentence was cut off by the sound of the door being pushed open.
I stood there, staring at Caspers emotionless face.
The engagement ring in my hand suddenly felt scalding hothot enough to stop my heartbeat for a moment.
It took me a long time before I heard my own trembling voice.
So everything you did for me these past three years it was all fake?
Casper, why did you have to destroy my happiness the moment I finally felt it was real?
He was disturbingly calm, making me look like some unreasonable lunatic.
I never promised you anything. It was all in your head, he replied nonchalantly.
Were adults. I thought you understood that, he added.
Tears blurred my vision as my voice cracked.
If you were already acting, why couldnt you just keep acting? You know I love you
Love what? My status? My power? Or the way people admire you for conquering me?
Alyssa, youre not built for pretending to be deep and devoted.
He leaned back on the couch, casual and lazy.
Cut the pitiful act. Before I approached you, I already did my research.
You were abandoned by the Ateliers, so you wanted someone powerful to rely on. And I happened to fit your fantasy.
Fill in whatever amount you want on this check. After today, were done. I dont want to hear your name tied to mine ever again.
When he finished, he threw the check on the table and walked off without giving me a second glance.
His friends looked at me with pity.

Alyssas POV
When he passed by me, he hesitated for a moment, then still reached out and patted my shoulder.
Alyssa, dont be too greedy. Know when to stop.
I slowly tore that check into pieces.
That woman Who is she?
My nails dug hard into my palm. I just wanted to die knowing the truth.
But in the end, no one ever gave me an answer.
Casper protected her too well.
I wandered down the street in a daze. The dim lights at dawn stretched my shadow long.
Snow suddenly started falling from the night skytiny white flakes.
But the moment they touched my palm, they melted away.
Just like our three-year relationship, no matter how hard I tried, I could never hold onto it.
Three days ago, we were still standing together on the hotel terrace, enjoying the breeze. He had taken off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
Id acted cute and thrown myself into his arms, saying I wanted to watch the years first snow with him.
He promised mesaid hed watch the first snowfall with me every year.
Now that its finally snowing, were already strangers.
Thinking about it carefully, maybe I dont even have the right to blame him.
Like he said, I approached him with a purpose.
When my father kicked me out, my pride wouldnt allow me to humble myself and apologize.
And someone as powerful as Casper became my only option.
I dont know when things started to changewhen my purposeful approach turned into something else.
Maybe it was the time he defended me in front of everyone.
Maybe it was when he never let other women get close, but I was his only exception.
Maybe it was when someone of his status willingly lowered himself for me, acting like a clown just to make me laugh.
I fell for him
Hopelessly.
The sweeter the memories were back then, the more shattering the pain feels now.
When I called home and asked the driver to pick me up, the housekeeper said Casper had already taken that apartment back.
With nowhere to go, I had no choice but to return to that cold, loveless home of my parents.
The moment I stepped inside, I was met with my fathers cold stare.
He didnt even bother to lift his head from the couch.
Hmph, so you still remember how to come back. Havent seen you in three years; thought you forgot where your own home was.
Didnt you say youd rather die out there? What, couldnt manage to die after all?
My stepmother chimed in, pretending to soothe things.
Camden, dont say that. Alyssa is still your daughter.
I heard shes been living pretty well these past few years, she continued. Dated some impressive boyfriend, lived in a villa, drove some fancy careven more expensive than your dads.
Huh? You came back alone today? Didnt bring your boyfriend?
My father let out a mocking snort.
A boyfriend? Hed have to actually acknowledge her first! Who knows who shes been seeing these three years? She probably went out there and became someones mistress!
All the resentment Id buried for three years exploded at once.
I smashed everything I could see, yelling at them:
Are you done?
Only a cheating scumbag like you would tell your own daughter to go be a mistress!
What? You cheated, so now you think every woman in the world is like your mistress? Are you disappointed I didnt become someones side piece?
My fathers chest heaved. The next second, he shoved a cup off the table, smashing it.
How dare you talk to your father like that!
Get out! I dont have a daughter like you! Get out of my house!
I glared at him.
This is the house my mom left me. The ones who should get out are you two!
The deed is in my name now! he shot back.
Tension filled the room. My stepmother rushed over and held him back.
Stop, both of you. This isnt the time to fight.
Merida is bringing her fianc home tomorrow. Alyssa, youve come back just in time. Youll have to meet him anyway.

Alyssas POV
Dad didnt say another word and stormed back into the bedroom.
I didnt sleep at all that night. So when I opened my door the next morning, dark circles under my eyes, I froze on the spot.
Casper walked in carrying an armful of expensive skincare products and right beside him was Merida.
He didnt look surprised to see me, not even in the slightest.
My stepmother hurried over eagerly to take the bags from him.
Oh my, you didnt have to bring anything! Just having you here is enough!
Dad rushed over, practically shaking with excitement as he grabbed Caspers hand.
You must be the Pennington CEO, right? Ive only ever seen your interviews on TV. I never imagined my Meridas boyfriend would be you!
My stepmother shot him a look of pure annoyance.
What are you talking about? This is Meridas fianc. Hes here today to discuss the wedding.
The moment our eyes met, the whole room felt like it turned to stone.
Back when we first started dating, Id told Casper everything about my family.
He looked at me like I was his whole world and promised hed stand up for me one day.
But now, he walked through the door as my sisters fianc.
Id imagined a thousand possibilities yet somehow never this.
Never that the person he loved was Merida.
The woman I hate more than anyone in this world.
Life really knows how to be cruel.
That morning, the entire breakfast tasted like cardboard.
Dad fawned over Casper while throwing shade at me between every compliment.
Meridas so mature. Even the man she chose is outstandingnot like her sister here. She dated some useless guy and took off for three years. Who knows what kind of trash he was?
When it comes to picking men, Alyssa, maybe learn from your sister!
I couldnt stand listening anymore. I got up and went back to my room.
While I was packing my bags to leave, Merida walked in.
I just got home, and youre already running off? Alyssa youre not avoiding me, are you?
I shot back without a hint of politeness.
Why would I avoid you? Youre just the illegitimate daughter of a homewrecker.
This house is disgusting. If I stay any longer, Im afraid itll ruin my eyesight.
Her face twisted with rage, and she grabbed my wrist hard.
Say that again!
I yanked my arm free.
I can say it a hundred timesyoure still a bastard who cant show her face in the light.
Your mother stole my dad, and now, youre following in her footsteps. Like mother, like daughter. Trash creates more trash!
The moment I turned around, she suddenly slammed herself against the cabinet.
A loud bang echoed through the room.
Casper rushed in immediately.
What happened?
My stepmother ran in right after him. One glance and she understood everything perfectly. Tears streamed down her face on command.
Alyssa, if youre angry, take it out on me! Why do you always hurt Merida? Shes innocent!
Dad burst in next, and without even asking, he slapped me across the face.
Alyssa! Did you come back just to make trouble for me?!
This house doesnt welcome you. Get out!
I held my burning cheek, not surprised at all.
Every time something happened to Merida, I was the one who ended up taking the blame.
Id seen this same trick too many times.
I was about to leave when Casper suddenly stepped in front of me.
Sir, based on what youre saying Merida has been wronged often before?
My stepmother started sobbing even louder.
I truly love Camden, but Alyssa always thought my presence is what caused her mothers death. So shes been hostile to me and my daughter
Forget it. Its embarrassing family business; we shouldnt talk about it.
Caspers expression hardened, ready to snap, but Merida spoke up weakly.
Casper, dont blame my sister. Shes still young. She didnt mean it

Alyssas POV
Right after saying that, Merida fell unconscious.
Casper shouted her name over and over, panicked, but no matter how loudly he called, she didnt open her eyes again.
My stepmother slapped her thigh in alarm.
Oh no! Theres something I never dared tell Camden because I didnt want him to worry. Before Merida went abroad, she was diagnosed with hemophilia. Her condition had been stable with medication, but
She didnt even finish before Casper scooped Merida into his arms and rushed out.
I was dragged to the hospital. The doctor took a quick look and said Merida needed a blood transfusion before they could operate.
The moment he finished speaking, Caspers stare sliced right through me.
Alyssa, if I remember right, you and Merida have the same blood type.
My face drained of color. I backed away without even realizing it.
I didnt push her!
You think Im buying that? No one knows how much you hate Merida better than I do.
Words Id once said to him in the middle of our passionate relationship had come back around, sharp enough to cut me open.
My nails dug into my palms so hard I broke the skin, but I couldnt even feel the pain.
I forced out a smile uglier than crying.
Yeah, I do hate her. Thats exactly why Im not saving her.
Alyssa, Im not asking you.
I spun around, trying to get away, but someone grabbed my wrist hard.
Go donate blood. Name whatever terms you want.
Let go of me. Im not going!
Dont force me.
A sharp crack sounded. My wrist bent at a grotesque angle.
The pain was so overwhelming that I didnt even have time to scream; my vision went black as I nearly passed out.
Casper grabbed me before I collapsed.
Doctor! Take her to donate blood.
When the needle pierced my skin, he just stood there, watching coldly from the side.
I was so weak I could only squeeze out a breathy whisper.
Casper these three years, you never loved me. Did you?
For a long moment, there was nothing.
Then finally, he answered.
Dont ask meaningless questions.
That was the moment my heart died completely.
The doctor, who had been monitoring me closely, suddenly stood up when he noticed something was off.
No. We cant take any more from her. This condition is usually inherited; if we keep drawing blood, her body wont be able to produce more. She could die.
The nurse jumped, about to pull the needle out.
But Casper pressed down on the injection site, stopping her.
Is what shes already given enough for the surgery?
Not enough. I can contact other hospitals for supply, but Im not sure if itll arrive in time.
Then keep drawing!
The nurse looked at me with pure pity.
I forced a stiff smile.
Go ahead.
I had no idea how much time passed. When I finally woke up from unconsciousness, the surgery was already over.
Only a nurse was in the room, jotting something down. When she saw me wake, she let out a breath of relief.
Good thing youre not hemophilic, or you probably wouldnt have made it.
Your sisters boyfriend went way overboardmaking a young girl like you donate that much blood.
Those two people who came with you theyre your parents, right? Why didnt they come check on you?
I stared numbly at the ceiling, my voice barely a whisper.
Theyre not my parents. My parents are already dead.
I stayed in the hospital for a month. During all that time, Casper came only once.
He told the doctor to put all my medical expenses on his tab.
When the room was quiet with just the two of us, he let out a long sigh.
I talked to Uncle Camden about what happened at home. They didnt know you were sick. Thats why they never visited. Dont overthink it.
But even if they had known, they still wouldnt have come.
I kept that thought to myself.
Casper stared out at the falling snow and said quietly, I was wrong to hide Meridas condition from you. But from now on, I dont want you giving her trouble anymore. Whatever happened in the past just let it go.

Alyssas POV
I wanted to ask if my mothers death was something I was supposed to just get over.
I wanted to ask who was going to pay back all the humiliation Id swallowed.
But when the words reached my lips, I forced them back down.
In front of Casper, I never had the right to negotiate.
If you run into trouble in the future, you can still come to me.
Alyssa, I really do hope you find happiness.
How ridiculous.
The man who destroyed my happiness was wishing me happiness.
A week later, I was discharged. Because of the blood loss, I ended up staying in the hospital even longer than Merida, who actually needed surgery.
But before I could even find a place to stay, I received a message from my father.
[You and your sister are going to this auction together. Spend some time bonding.]
[Im not going.]
[Thats Caspers request! Get along and dont embarrass me!]
At the auction, Merida looped her arm through mine, acting all close and sisterly.
Alyssa, Im scared Ill pick something tacky. Casper said you should help me choose the jewelry for the wedding. Ill be counting on you later!
I pressed a hand over my fractured bone and quietly pulled my arm back.
The auction moved quickly toward the end. Casper had already bought more than ten pieces of jewelry for insane prices.
I didnt want to stay any longer. Just as I was about to excuse myself to go to the restroom, Merida stopped me.
Dont rush off. There might be a surprise coming up.
When the final item was rolled out, I shot to my feet.
My glare snapped straight to Merida. She only lifted her hands in an innocent little shrug.
Starting bid: five million.
I didnt even think. I raised my paddle immediately.
Ten million!
Merida widened her eyes at me.
Alyssa, do you have ten million? Doesnt Dad only give you two thousand a month? Where would you get that kind of money?
She stole my mothers belongings, and she expected me to humiliate myself for everyone to see.
Now, she wanted to play the good person?
I ignored her and kept raising my bid along with the guests.
But when the price climbed all the way to fifty millionalready far beyond anything I could hope forI collapsed back into my seat, defeated.
Out of the corner of my eye, Casper seemed to be watching me for a long time.
He had just lifted his paddle when Merida beat him to it.
Casper, you wont be mad, right? I saw how much Alyssa liked this necklace, so I wanted to buy it for her.
Its fine. Keep bidding. Ive got you.
That gentle reassurancesomething I had never once been givenwasnt meant for me.
But honestly, I didnt have the capacity to care anymore.
The staff brought the necklace to Merida. I reached out, unable to wait.
She glanced at Casper. Seeing he wasnt paying attention, she loosened her fingers.
With a harsh crack, the ruby pendant shattered across the floor.
She leaned in close to my ear and hissed, Looks like your moms things are just as cheap as her life.
I couldnt hold back anymore. I swung my hand up.
But before the slap could land, Casper grabbed my wrist hardso hard it felt like he might crush the bone.
What are you doing? Its a stupid trinket. It broke, so what? Is it worth making a scene?
You spent a whole month in the hospital and you still cant behave?
When he flung my hand away, my wrist slammed into the wall behind me.
The sharp pain washed over me instantly.
I clenched my teeth so hard I tasted blood.
But it was my moms
Before I could finish, he had already turned, anxiously fussing over Merida instead.
My chance to speak disappeared completely.
When the three of us walked out the front doors, Casper stepped aside to answer a call from his company.
The moment we were alone, Merida finally dropped the act.
Dont think I dont know. I was gone for three years, and you were the one by his side the whole time.
But now that Im back, that spot next to him can only belong to me.

Alyssas POV
Bitch, youre nothing but a cheap whore who let someone use you for free. Youre just as cheap as your mother!
As long as youre alive, Ill never have a single peaceful day!
My eyes went blood-red. I was just about to snap back when, the next second, a car up ahead lost control, slammed into three vehicles, and came barreling straight toward us.
Merida, who was barely half a meter from me, deliberately shoved me out of the way.
And then she was the one sent flying by the impact.
When Casper heard the crash and turned around, this was exactly what he saw.
I had never seen him look so deranged.
The cool, aloof elegance he used to have was gonereplaced by a wild, unhinged beast completely out of control.
He bolted toward Merida like a madman.
I was dragged to the hospital again, and it felt like they drained every last drop of blood from my body.
Right after the nurse left the room from doing rounds, a few bodyguards walked in.
Without a word, they knocked me out and slung me over a shoulder.
Half-conscious, I heard one of Caspers friendsthe same one who once comforted metalk to him about me.
Are you sure Alyssa did this? She doesnt seem like the type to hire a hitman. When you two broke up, yeah, she was devastatedalmost insane from heartbreakbut she never said anything over the line.
You left early that day so you didnt see. Ive never seen a woman cry like that.
Caspers voice was cold.
You think my investigation would be wrong? The driver already confessed!
So what do you want to dohit her with a car, too? She just had a blood transfusion, shes barely hanging on!
But Merida almost died! I know what Im doing. I just want Alyssa to remember this lessondont touch what she shouldnt touch.
Their footsteps gradually faded away.
The man beside me picked up a club and swung it at me.
I screamed like a lunatic, He didnt tell you to kill me!
The man spat dismissively.
Miss Merida didnt say that.
I crawled on the floor, every movement agony. The sack on my head scraped off.
Another mans eyes instantly went red.
Bro, Miss Merida only said to leave her alive. She didnt say how.
Look at hershes actually pretty hot
Wanna?
Sure. Shes yours. Just dont kill her.
Waves of pain tore me apart piece by piece.
I cried in pure despair, screaming Caspers name, begging him to save me.
But no one heard me.
By the end, my voice was gonejust a raw, shredded whisper.
That night felt like a nightmare that would never end.
When it was finally over, I staggered to my feet.
There were messages on my phone from Casper.
And an invitation from Merida, bragging about their wedding.
I didnt read any of it. I just threw the phone straight into the trash can.
Leaving a trail of bloody footprints, I walked out of that suffocating hell.
Casper, if youve wronged me then none of you deserve peace!

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