Chapter 2
It was 11 p.m., and I’d just finished getting ready for bed.
ace, already lying down, suddenly got a call.
He jumped up fast and stepped out onto the balcony.
A few minutes later, he came back in and said,
‘Something came up at work–I have to fly out for a last–minute trip.”
He didn’t even look me in the eye.
I let out a soft “Oh,” and kept my eyes on my book.
‘Will you be back by the 18th?”
I asked.
‘The 18th?”
He froze, then suddenly seemed to remember.
‘Oh–right, our nine–year anniversary!”
‘Of course I’ll be back by then.”
‘Good.”
I smiled faintly.
But I didn’t mean to celebrate our anniversary.
I planned to break up with him that day.
End things, clean and final.
He left just after midnight, right as the date flipped on the calendar.
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Nine Voors Wasted Now I’m M nina Vour Bival
Chapter 2
Technically, that left me 14 days until the wedding my mom had arranged.
Day by day went by.
On the 18th, I didn’t get a text, a call, not even a voicemail from Jace.
But I did get a travel vlog from Zoey on her Instagram.
She looked carefree and glowing, laughing at some resort.
Behind her, I instantly spotted Jace.
He was wearing the trench coat I gave him last year for our anniversary.
Before I even finished the three–minute video, my phone rang.
“Sloane, I’m so sorry.”
‘Things blew up over here. I really can’t make it back.”
“Let’s do our anniversary another time, okay?”
“We’ve got all the time in the world.”
“Sure.” I answered softly and hung up.
Outside, the leaves had started to fall.
Winter was coming.
And Jace and I were running out of time.
When the clock hit midnight, I tore the 18th off the calendar.
Only 12 days left until I flew home to meet my fiancé.
Five days passed.
Jace’s location stayed abroad–he clearly wasn’t planning to return.
When there were just five days left, he posted a story tagged at the city airport.
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Nine Years Wasted Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
1.0%
Chapter 2
Meanwhile, I had nearly packed everything, ready to board my own flight in five days.
Four days to go.
I stepped out to toss some things I didn’t want to take.
Out of nowhere, someone grabbed my ankle.
I looked down.
Zoey.
Her eyes were red and puffy.
She clung to me, sobbing,
“Sloane, you have everything.”
“Please… just let me have Jace.”
“He’s been waiting for you to break up with him first.”
“His company’s doing great–he can’t afford a scandal.”
“And… I’m pregnant.”
The second she laid her hand on her belly, I froze.
So now they even have a child.
Jace, if that’s how you feel, why not tell me sooner?
I gave her a bitter smile and pulled my leg free.
“Whoever the father is, go to him. This has nothing to do with me.”
“But hey,” I added.
“Be careful. My ‘today‘ could be your ‘tomorrow.“”
“I helped him start his company, stood by him through it all–and he still betrayed me.
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Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
Chapter 2
You think a baby’s gonna keep him loyal?”
Then I walked away.
Didn’t even turn back.
Back home, I sat quietly and looked around.
Every plant, every photo, every detail in this place–I chose it all.
I used to dream of building a home with Jace.
Now, I couldn’t stand a single piece of it.
I ripped every plant out of the pots and dumped them in the trash.
That’s when Mom called.
“Sloane, your flight’s booked!”
“In three days you’ll meet your fiancé!”
“I know, Mom.”
My voice was flat. I was exhausted.
She hesitated.
‘Did Jace hurt you again?”
‘No.” I lied.
He didn’t hurt me.
He wasn’t even there.
Sweetheart, that man was never good enough for you.
When you’re back, I’ll pull every cent out of his company.”
‘Let him crash and burn.”
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Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
1.3%
Chapter 2
For the first time in days, I actually smiled.
“Okay.”
Three days left between me and Jace Vanderhorn.
15:02
