When the Hidden Luna Rises novel Chapter 27

**Chained by Fate**
**Eliza Rowan**
**Chapter 3**

Chloe fixed her gaze on Tessa for a brief moment, her surprise evident. Tessa had always worn an air of nonchalance, but this time, her words struck with a surprising sharpness that caught Chloe off guard.

“I’m sorry, Tessa. I had no idea you felt so strongly about this wedding dress…” Chloe responded, her voice tinged with an exaggerated hurt. How could she have been so oblivious to Tessa’s feelings? This dress was not just any garment; it was a creation birthed from Tessa’s own imagination. Every detail, from the choice of fabric to the intricate embellishments, had been meticulously crafted by Tessa’s hands—each stitch infused with her passion and vision.

From the moment Ryan had proposed, Tessa had invested a significant part of herself into this union, pouring her heart into every aspect of their relationship.

Ryan, sensing the tension, shot a quick glance at Chloe before turning his full attention to Tessa.

“It’s not a big deal, babe. Please don’t be upset. It’s Chloe’s first time trying on a wedding dress. Just let her enjoy this moment,” he said, his voice attempting to soothe the brewing storm.

Tessa turned her icy gaze toward him, her eyes devoid of warmth. There was no fire of anger within her; instead, an overwhelming numbness settled in her chest.

He knew her so well, surely he must have recognized that she loathed the idea of wearing something that had belonged to someone else, even if it was her own design.

In that fleeting moment, Tessa felt as though the man standing before her had transformed into a stranger. The Ryan she once knew—the one who had pursued her with relentless fervor—was nowhere to be found.

She shifted her gaze back to Chloe, unwilling to engage in a confrontation.

Her lashes fluttered gently as she spoke, her voice taking on a lighter tone. “It’s yours.”

With those simple words, Tessa turned on her heel and walked out of the bridal shop, leaving behind the laughter and chatter that echoed in the air.

Ryan hurried after her, his footsteps quickening as he caught up, grasping her wrist gently.

“Babe, what’s going on? Are you upset?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

“We’re here to try on wedding dresses, remember?” she replied, her tone clipped yet weary.

“Please don’t be angry, I’ll—”

Before he could finish, Tessa interrupted him, feeling overwhelmed by the cacophony of emotions swirling in her mind.

“No, I’m just tired. I’m going home now. You can pick whichever dress you want,” she said, her heart heavy.

A smile broke across Ryan’s face, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. “I knew you’d be so understanding.”

Tessa had never been the type to snoop, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Ryan knew her well enough to understand that even if she did look, he had countless ways to mislead her.

A message popped up, and curiosity got the better of her. Tessa clicked it open, her heart racing as she saw several provocative pictures sent by someone whose name was marked with a “C.”

The woman in the images wore stockings and a flirtatious outfit, and Tessa’s heart sank as she instantly recognized Chloe.

“Ryan, come find me,” the message read.

“Same place.”

Her hand trembled as she clutched the phone, the device feeling like it might slip from her grasp at any moment.

Her breath quickened, the reality of the situation crashing down on her like a tidal wave. She hadn’t anticipated this betrayal, especially not with their wedding ceremony just days away.

Even though she had harbored suspicions, seeing the evidence laid bare shattered her heart into a million pieces.

When the sound of running water ceased, Tessa set the phone down, turning away from the harsh light of the screen. She closed her eyes, allowing the silence to envelop her, grappling with the overwhelming sense of loss that washed over her.