My Betrothal Partner and the Secrets We Share novel
I overheard him talking to one of his friends in the hallway.
Arent you worried Lenore will be upset about this? the friend asked cautiously.
Daniel sighed, his tone matter-of-fact. What choice do I have? If I dont marry Grace, her family will force her to marry some stranger. I cant let that happen.
The friend hesitated but pressed on. But Lenore... shes been with you for years. Doesnt that matter?
Daniel chuckled lightly, a sound that used to comfort me but now felt like a slap to the face. Lenores been mine for eight years. Everyone knows that. What choice does she have but to wait for me?
Each word hit like a dagger to my chest. Eight years. Eight years of love, patience and unwavering supportand this was how he saw me? As someone with no other option?
Later, my family arranged for me to meet someone they thought would be a more suitable match. A man from the well-known Cortez Family. The day I was to marry this stranger was the same day Daniel married Grace.
As Daniels wedding day approached, he couldnt shake a sense of unease. Something felt wrong. He warned his groomsmen to keep an eye out, worried I might crash the ceremony.
One of them hesitated before speaking. You havent heard? Lenores getting married today too.
***
Mom, does the Cortez Familys proposal still stand? I asked over lunch.
My mom froze, her hand trembling slightly as she held her teacup. Her wide eyes locked on mine. Why are you asking about that? Her concern was written all over her face.
Just hours earlier, a video of Daniel proposing to Grace had gone viral, dominating every social media platform. The public was abuzz with the news of the upcoming wedding of the Rollins Family's sole heir. But the bride wasnt methe woman who had stood by his side for eight years.
Lenore, my mom said again, her tone firmer now, marriage isnt something you should rush into. I dont want you to decide this because your impulsive mind kicks-in.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. Im not being impulsive, Mom. You didnt reject the Cortez Familys proposal immediately, which means you think Frederick is a better choice than Daniel. I trust your judgment.
She sighed deeply, placing her hands on the table. Frederick Cortez is indeed a good man, but marriage is a lifetime commitment. Dont you think you should meet him first? Take some time to get to know him?
Ill skip that part, I said firmly. You can handle the arrangements. Ill go along with whatever you think is best.
We discussed the details over lunch and afterward, I returned to the small apartment Id bought for myself. What I didnt expect was to find Daniel there. The sound of the door opening caught his attention. He closed his laptop and looked up at me as if everything were perfectly normal.?
Busy day at work? Youre home late.
I slipped off my shoes, my mind racing. Why are you here?
I had a business dinner nearby, he said casually, standing up and walking toward me as he always did. Thought Id stop by to check on you.
As he got closer, a familiar floral scent hit meGraces perfume. Revulsion churned in my stomach. I instinctively took a step back, dodging his outstretched arms, while a sting crept into my eyes and nose.
Whats wrong? he asked lightly, as if unaware of what hed done.
Nothing, I replied stiffly. Well, youve seen me, alive and breathing. You can go now.
His smile faltered, but he quickly recovered with a soft laugh. Last week, you were upset because I hadnt been spending more time with you. Now Ive cleared my schedule just to be with you and you wont come near me? Come on, Lenore, dont do this.
I squinted, as my memory replayed the events of yesterday.
Yesterday was my birthday and I waited all day, from the moment the sun rose until it set, hoping to hear from him. But not a single call or text came. By nightfall, the silence had become unbearable and I decided to go look for him. Before I could, though, a message popped up on my phonea video from an unfamiliar number.
Curiosity turned into dread as I played it. The video showed Daniel, standing in the center of his office, proposing to Grace Solis in front of their colleagues. The room was filled with cheers and laughter,
I couldnt believe my eyes. My mind raced, searching for some explanation, any reason that could make this make sense. Desperation carried me to his company, determined to hear the truth from him directly. But instead of finding answers, I stumbled upon his conversation with his friend.?
Lenores been mine for eight years. Everyone knows that. What choice does she have but to wait for me? I had waited. For eight long years, Id waited for a man who never truly saw me. Every word I overheard was a dagger, shattering the remnants of the trust I had so stubbornly clung to. It was in that moment I realized what I had becomea fool, holding on to a love that was never mine to begin with.
Thinking back to his words, to the laughter in that video, the pain in my chest was overwhelming, leaving me gasping for air. I had been a joke all along.
I looked up at the man in front of me, his gentle features softening under the dim light. My vision blurred as tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. I didnt understand why, but my chest felt tight, as though the air had been sucked out of the room. The ache was unbearable.
When Daniel saw my tears fall, he panicked. He fumbled to wipe them away, his movements clumsy and unpracticed. Why are you crying? Did someone mess with you? Tell me the name and Ill take care of them! he said with a mix of urgency and concern.
Since childhood, Daniel had been the neighborhood bully. He was undisciplined and mischievous, always getting into trouble and his mother often chased after him, scolding or even beating him. In contrast, I had always been the frail one. Born prematurely, I grew up under the constant watchful eyes of my parents. They wouldnt let me play outside with the other kids. I could only sit by the window, watching them run and laugh, longing to join.
Every time Daniel saw me sitting by the window while he played chase with the other kids, hed sneak over, slipping me a handful of treats. Hed pinch my soft cheeks with a mischievous smile and whisper, When can you come out and play with me?
As I grew older, my health improved and by middle school, my parents finally relented and let me venture outside. Daniel was overjoyedhe was treating me as though I were made of glass. Lenore, hed tell me solemnly, if anyone dares to mess with you, just tell them my name. They wont dare touch you.
From then on, I was never alone. Daniel was always by my side, taking me wherever I wanted to go. If anyone so much as looked at me the wrong way, hed show up like a storm, ready to shield me. He was my safe haven, my unshakable protector.
When we entered college, it felt natural for us to take the next step and become a couple. He grew even more attentive, showering me with a love so sweet and devoted it made me believe in forever.
Then Grace entered the picture.
She was everything I wasntbrilliant, beautiful and confident. She had a way of carrying herself that drew people in. She and Daniel were in the same major, sharing a connection I couldnt understand. At first, Daniel tried to include me, translating their technical jargon so I wouldnt feel left out. But eventually, he grew impatient.
You wont get it anyway, he said one day, brushing me off. Just go do your own thing.
From that moment, their conversations deepened, ranging from class discussions to late-night chats online. They became inseparable, their connection undeniable. Meanwhile, the bond between Daniel and me began to strain. We grew more distant and our conversations became increasingly rare, reduced to nothing more than goodnight and casual greetings.
Friends tried to warn me, urging me to keep an eye on their growing closeness, but I waved them off. I told myself that even in a relationship, people deserved privacy. I trusted himI trusted us.
But trust, I learned, could be a cruel teacher.
***
That night, Daniel insisted on staying, claiming he couldnt leave me alone in such a state. His words were smooth, his tone carefully measured, but they rang hollowlike lines recited from a poorly rehearsed play. I stood there, studying him. After a long silence, I finally muttered, Do whatever suits you.
Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked toward my bedroom. His footsteps followed closely behind, but as he tried to step inside, I shut the door firmly in his face and turned the lock.
Lenore, his voice came through the door, soft yet insistent. Ill be right outside. When youre ready to talk, just come and find me, okay?
There was no anger in his words, no trace of the frustration I expected. That only made it worse.
I ignored him and hot tears rolled down my cheeks, dripping onto the backs of my cold hands. The sharp contrast burned, like an unrelenting reminder of the turmoil inside me.
I sank onto the edge of the bed, wrapping my arms tightly around myself as if to hold the pieces of me together. Daniel, I dont want to love you anymore. The thought whispered through my mind like a quiet plea, both freeing and suffocating at the same time.
The next morning, I woke up groggy and disoriented, the weight of the previous night still pressing down on me. I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the dull ache spreading across my skull, before dragging myself out of bed.
As I stepped into the living room, I caught sight of Daniel hurriedly pulling on his jacket.
Lenore, I have something urgent to deal with, he said, his tone brisk. Ill come back tonight to pick you up. Lets go out for dinner, okay?
Before I could respond, he was already halfway out the door. By the time I blinked, he was gone.
I let out a slow breath, my eyes drifting to the sofa where he had spent the night. Something glinted on the cushionshis phone. He must have left in such a rush that he forgot it.
Picking it up, I hesitated. I thought about calling him later to return it, but before I could decide, the screen lit up with a notification.
Daniel hadnt set a password on his phone and the message popped up clearly on the screen. What I saw made my stomach churn. My hands tightened around the phone as I stared at the message, my heart pounding in my chest.
The message came from someone saved in the phone as "Little Fool Pig." The photo showed Grace sitting in a hospital emergency room, looking disheveled but still smiling at the camera, flashing a peace sign. Her caption read: [Take your time on the way here, drive safely. Ill be waiting for you.]
That was when I realized. I let out a self-deprecating smile. So, that was the reason Daniel out in a haste. I called a local courier service to have his phone sent to his office. Afterward, I went straight to work.?
Since graduating, I'd been working at the McLaughlin Family business. My father wanted to toughen me up, so he made me start at the very bottom as an entry-level employee. Years of hard work and proving myself paid offI was now the department manager, a position I had earned through my own abilities. As soon as I arrived at the office, my assistant walked up to me, handed me a file, Good morning, maam. Heres a document that needs your approval. All the processes are complete; we just need your signature to finalize it.
I took the file and scanned its contentsit was a collaboration with the Rollins Group. Yet, for some reason, I couldnt recall ever hearing about this project.
Is everything all right, maam? Should we go ahead? my assistant asked, noticing my hesitation.
No! My response was sharp and immediate, causing her to look startled. But she quickly recovered her composure and hesitated before adding, Didnt you say that unless its a very important collaboration, the first choice should always be the Rollins Group?
I had indeed given such instructionsback when I was still naively optimistic about my future with Daniel. At the time, I thought our families would eventually unite and whether his company earned more or mine did hardly seemed to matter. I trusted him so completely that I didnt bother scrutinizing projects that involved the Rollins Group. Lets pass on this one. But from now on, well make sure to choose the best option. The companys interests come first, I said as I signed the document.
The workday flew by and when I finally finished, I was starving. I had planned to try the new restaurant that had just opened in town. But when I arrived, I found it packed with people. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a familiar voice calling me.
Ms. McLaughlin, over here!
I turned around to find Grace and Daniel sitting at a table, beaming up at me. Its so nice to see you. Here for their specials too? Grace leaned forward, her excitement unmasked.
Daniel froze for a moment when he saw me, but quickly recovered. I was just about to call you and invite you to join us for dinner. What a coincidence that you also came here. This place is packed, come sit with us, he said, gesturing for the waiter to bring an extra set of utensils. I hadnt eaten much at lunch and now, my stomach was rumbling. I figured I might as well stay and join them.
Ms. McLaughlin, I remember you like spicy food, Grace chimed in. Let me order some for you.
I glanced at the tableeverything was light and mild, totally not what Daniel and I usually went for. We both loved spicy food. He had once told me that dishes without chili were like lifeless meals. Without spice, it was as if the food had no soul. Of course Daniel didnt bat an eye, as the fresh meal spread in front of him.
Hold on, now. I think we both know who's gonna eat the spicy dish, Daniel said with a teasing grin. He shot Grace a displeased look. Grace... didnt you hear the doctor? You need to lay off the spice and stick to lighter food.
Grace rolled her eyes playfully. Alright, alright, Mr. Nagging. I wont order it, jeez. Happy now?
Watching them bicker, my heart, already battered, didnt even twitch. It was numb to it all now.
He sighed and shook his head. You guys go ahead, I need to make a quick call.
As soon as Daniel walked away, Graces smile faded and she shot me a look filled with challenge.
So, Lenore, right? I have to admit, Im impressed, she said, her voice laced with scorn, You know Daniel just proposed to me, yet here you are, still clinging to him. You sure have some nerve.
I heard the contempt in her words, but I didnt flinch. Looking up at her, I replied, Is stealing someones boyfriend something to be proud of? Do you think its worth flaunting in front of everyone?
You She started, her mouth opening in surprise, but before she could finish, a thick cloud of smoke suddenly wafted from the kitchen.
Fire!
Someone in the restaurant shout their lungs out. The moment the words rang out, the restaurant descended into chaos. People scrambled to get out, their faces pale with fear as they pushed and shoved, trying to escape the danger.
I quickly snapped out of my stupor and stood up, trying to make my way toward the exit. But before I could take a single step, a figure collided into me, hard. Before I could even steady myself, I heard a familiar, frantic voice call out, Grace, dont worry! Ill get you out of here.
Daniel didn't miss a step as he rushed to guide Grace out of the restaurant. His heart raced, flooded with relief and in a moment of overwhelming emotion, he hugged her tightly.
Are you okay? Did you hurt? No? Thank God he murmured, his voice thick with gratitude.
Then, suddenly, something seemed to hit him. He turned back, his eyes landing on me, standing nearby, watching them in silence.
His voice faltered, nearly choking as he stammered, Lenore, II was just in a hurry. It wasnt that I didnt want to help you, I just...
I know, I interrupted coldly, cutting him off before he could continue.
In that moment, as I stood there, watching Daniels desperate attempts to explain himself, I realized something that had been brewing inside me for a while. The man who once promised to always protect meDaniel, the one who said he would stand by me through anythingwas no longer the same person. The man I thought I knew had changed.
His face seemed to relax when he saw that I wasnt angry, but there was still a tension in his posture. He immediately offered to drive me home.
Im good. I dont need a lift. She, on the other hand, could use your helpshaking like a leaf. You better help her first, drive her home. I spoke with a tone of finality, not bothering to look at him again.
The following days passed and I didnt contact Daniel. Instead, I focused on preparing everything for my wedding. The designer had sent me a message, asking me to come by during lunch to pick up the custom-made wedding dress. It was supposed to be for my engagement to Daniel, for that moment when he proposedbut fate had taken a different turn and that moment
As fate would have it, as soon as I walked into the boutique, Grace followed closely behind me.
She saw the gift box in my arms and gave me a haughty look, turning to the designer. I want to try on that wedding dress.
The designer replied politely, Im sorry, Miss, but this dress was specifically made for the lady here. Its a custom-made order.
Grace sneered. A custom wedding dress, huh? Youre acting like youre about to get married
At that moment, it seemed like she realized something and her face twisted with rage. Wait, are?you going to wear that dress and run to crash my wedding?!
I rolled my eyes, uninterested in her outburst. Youve got something wrong with your head. You should get it treated. Dont come here and act crazy. With that, I turned to leave, holding the wedding dress box in my arms. But just as I moved, she lunged at me, grabbing the box from my hands. Before I could react, she ripped open the packaging and began violently tearing at the wedding dress.
That wasnt enough. She ran to the counter, snatched a pair of scissors and started cutting at the fabric.
Lenore, dont even think about ruining my wedding! Ill destroy your dress and lets see how you try to sabotage my wedding then! she screamed, her voice shrill with fury.
Grace, are you insane? I shouted, furious, as I tried to grab the dress back from her. In the chaos, the scissors grazed my arm and blood started seeping out.
Grace froze, her eyes wide with shock. Then, after a long, tense pause, she too began slicing her own arm with the scissors, her face twisted in a manic expression. She collapsed onto the floor, softly sobbing, clearly out of control.
I was stunned, unable to comprehend her erratic behavior. I hadnt even had the chance to speak when Daniel suddenly burst through the door, running towards the scene. His eyes immediately took in the scenethe dress shredded, Grace on the floor and me standing there, bleeding. His face twisted with fury.
Lenore! he roared, his voice filled with anger and disbelief. What have you done?!
His gaze softened as it shifted to Grace and his expression filled with concern. He rushed to her side, carefully lifting her into his arms. Grace, ever the performer, played weak and try coax Daniel.
Daniel, dont blame her. Its not her fault. She didnt mean to hurt me. It was an accident.
You think Im going to believe it was an accident? Daniel snapped, turning to me with venom in his voice. If Grace is hurt because of you, Lenore, I swear Ill make you pay for this.
As Daniel stormed out of the boutique with Grace in his arms, his steps were firm, decisive. Had he bothered to glance up, he would have noticed the security cameras capturing every moment of their heated encounter.
The designer, fidgeting in her place, hesitated before speaking. Miss McLaughlin, should I step in and explain the situation to him?
I managed a small, grateful smile. That wont be necessary.
It was better to end things this way. Sometimes, its better to leave things unsaid, to let the final threads of connection fray and fall away completely.
Time flew by. Before I knew it, the day of my wedding had arrived. It was also the day I met my soon-to-be husband for the first time.
Frederick Cortez was thousand times more handsome than Daniel.? His strikingly refined features carried a certain aloofness, an unapproachable edge. But when his gaze fell on me, there was a softnesssubtle, yet unmistakable.
In that moment, uncertainty feeling about the future crept in, clouding my thoughts.
Frederick seemed to pick up on my hesitation. His voice was calm, steady, as he said, Dont worry, Ive learned everything about this. Just do what I do and youll be fine.
With practiced ease, he guided me through the formalities: greeting his family, participating in the tea ceremony. His poise and grace put me at easehe knew exactly how to handle every situation, never once making me feel uncomfortable.
When it came time to get into the wedding car, his attentiveness continued. He made sure everything was in order, ensuring I was settled before stepping in himself. As the cars engine roared to life, the anxiety that had gripped my chest began to ease.
Meanwhile, in another wedding car, Daniel couldnt hide his agitation. It was his wedding day, yet there had been no word from menot a single message, no updates. His phone might as well have been glued to his hand as he scrolled and rechecked his notifications for what felt like the hundredth time.
Nothing.
By the time he arrived at the hotel, the unease in his chest had grown unbearable. He scanned the bustling wedding venue, his mind racing. Turning to his groomsmen, he issued a firm order.
Make sure Lenore doesnt show up here to cause trouble.
His command was met with a stifled laugh from one of the groomsmen.
Relax, Daniel, he said, grinning. Lenores not coming to crash your weddingshes busy with her own. Shes getting married today, too. Right about now, shes probably in the middle of the ceremony at another hotel.
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