The Stolen Life- My Mother Gave My Fiancé to Her Favorite Student novel Chapter 74

Alex stood alone in the studio for nearly an hour before finally turning to leave.

His mind was a storm of conflict, torn between two urges–drag her back by force or let her go of his own free will.

In the past, he wouldn’t have hesitated. As long as she was by his side, that was enough.

But now…

Now, he wanted her to come back because she loved him. Like she used to.

Now, he wanted her happy. Even if it meant she wasn’t his anymore.

Two voices fought inside him–rage and regret–buzzing like static in his skull.

By the time he stumbled into a bar, the weight in his chest was unbearable.

He didn’t order a drink–he ordered the entire shelf. Glass after glass of the hardest liquor they had, lined up in front of him like soldiers marching toward ruin.

The burn in his throat was nothing compared to the ache in his heart.

But no matter how much he drank, the pain didn’t fade. In fact, it sharpened. Got louder. Meaner.

He slumped against the back of the booth, a bitter smile tugging at his lips, eyes stinging with emotion.

How the hell did I screw this up so badly?

They had loved each other. Completely. Fiercely.

She had clung to him like he was her whole world. And he? He’d been the one to shatter it.

He leaned back, letting memories crash over him–starting with the very first time he saw her.

It was ten years ago, on a rainy street in Cresthaven. He’d been ambushed by thugs hired by his own cousins. Bloodied, cornered, barely standing.

And then, out of nowhere–she appeared.

Wearing threadbare clothes but looking freshly washed, eyes bright with mischief. She’d pretended to call the cops. bluffing just well enough to make the attackers flee.

Her presence was unforgettable.

“You’re way too clean to be a beggar. Don’t people think you’re faking it?” he’d joked, half–conscious. Chapter 19

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¿Tu perfume es un escudo o un arma? Descúbrelo en Manhattan.

She raised her chin, unimpressed. “What’s it to you? I know how to get by. You’re the one who just got your ass handed to

you–and you’re still trying to act tough?”

Before he could fire back, his butler had shown up, dragging him off.

But he never forgot her.

Two weeks later, he saw her again–outside a supermarket, her younger brother beside her. She was patting her full

stomach, smiling like she’d just won the lottery.

Alex laughed to himself. Smart girl–she dressed neat, snacked on free samples, kept her pride intact, and walked away

fed.

His curiosity turned into obsession. He followed her for days, waiting for the right moment.

When her brother fell ill, he finally stepped in–offering help, giving them shelter. He told himself it was repayment, but

deep down, he just wanted her near.

That was the moment his life changed.

She brought light into his gray world. She was quick–witted, sharp, and learned anything he taught in half the time.

He wanted her beside him forever. But she refused to be owned. She’d told him, “I’ll only stay with someone I love.”

And then–miraculously–she did.

They fell in love.

She promised to be his forever.

To be the perfect Harrington wife, she dulled her shine, softened her fire, devoted everything to him.

But he… he grew restless, craving something new, something thrilling.

And then Sophia appeared–fiery, impulsive, like a younger version of the girl Emily used to be.

He chased the echo, not realizing he’d let the original slip through his fingers. By the time he realized what he’d done, it

was too late.

Emily didn’t love him anymore. Even if she came back now, her heart wouldn’t.

Now he knew what it felt like–to be the one left behind. To love someone who no longer wanted you.

The heartbreak? It was unbearable. Is this what Emily went through all those years ago?

He closed his eyes, and for the first time in years, tears slipped down his cheeks.

Chapter 19

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