Trapped in the Don's Vow novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Most of our dates were interrupted by Summer’s calls.

Keys lost, a burst pipe, or simply a bad mood that needed drowning in drinks.

Even on our anniversaries, when candles were lit at a restaurant, one call from Summer and he would immediately get up.

“Summer has a terrible stomachache. I’ll go check on her. Nina, eat. I’ve already paid.”

I’d complain, and he’d just rub my hair, smiling helplessly.

“What are you fussing about? She’s like my sister. Being alone here isn’t easy. Just let it go.”

But I was petty. So petty that seeing Summer wandering around the living room in his shirt could keep me awake all night with rage.

“Julian, can’t you be more careful? That’s my sleepwear!”

“You’re overthinking. Summer just got out of the shower and had nothing to change into. I’ve known her

since she was little.”

To reassure me, he bought a ring and

have.”

I believed him.

marry me. You’re the only one I’ll ever

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So when Summer sent me photos in the middle of the night, wearing my sleepwear, leaning against Julian’s shoulder, watching a movie together on the couch, I told myself it was just the angle, they were just siblings.

Then came sleepless nights, flipping through their chat history.

Summer always initiated, Julian’s replies were short but never dismissive.

Once, I couldn’t take it anymore and tried to send Summer a message from his phone, telling her to keep her

distance, but he snatched it away.

That was the first time he ever yelled at me.

“Nina! You’re checking my phone? What do you take me for? Summer’s family! Can you stop being so

disgusting?”

He slammed the door, leaving the phone screen lit on their chat.

The last message from Summer, “Julian, I miss you.”

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No reply from him.

Half an hour later, Summer updated her social media: a photo of two hands interlaced, the river city nightscape behind them.

Caption: [Some connections don’t need words.]

I stared at the photo, recognizing the watch on his wrist, my birthday gift to him.

Memories surged like a flood, smashing any sense of reason.

A dull ache pressed into my chest.

The cheap champagne hit harder than expected.

The room spun. Julian’s face blurred into double vision.

I wanted to leave, but my legs gave way.

The next second, I was lifted off the ground-he lifted me off the ground.

“You think you can stand drunk like this?” he scolded.

In front of everyone, he carried me toward the exit.

The guests gasped. Summer’s parents shot to their feet, faces dark as iron.

“Julian! Put her down! What are you doing on a day like this?” her father barked.

Her mother cried outright.

“She just had your child! How can you do this to her? Are you even human?”

Summer clutched the baby, tears streaming, biting her lip, unable to speak, just watching him with mournful

eyes.

Anyone watching would have been shocked.

Julian froze, glancing at Summer, a flicker of struggle in his eyes.

I seized the moment to squirm.

“Put me down!”

He held me tighter, looking up at her parents.

“Mom, Dad, Nina’s had too much to drink. I’m taking her home first. I’ll be back quickly.”

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Summer finally cried out.

“Julian… you’ve chosen her, haven’t you? Fine, I’m leaving. I’ll take the baby…”

She lunged toward the door with the child.

The scene turned chaotic. Julian’s face went pale.

“Summer! Don’t do this! I’m only taking her home. You’ll always be my wife!”

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