u/_phoenix_sm

r/novelslovers r/Findfreenovellinks r/RomanceNovelHub r/novelromance r/NovelsRequest r/AnyNovelRequest r/AskNovela

▲ 1 r/novelslovers

TASTING MY HOCKEY ROOMMATE - find this novel please

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TASTING MY HOCKEY ROOMMATE

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Chapter 1

ANGELA’S POV

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I always knew this day would come.

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My secret love for my best friend would be exposed.

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But not like this. Never this cruel.

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I dropped my keys twice before I finally got them into the lock. My hands were shaking, mostly from exhaustion, but also from a tiny, stupid spark of hope that I couldn't seem to smother.

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It was my twenty-third birthday. I had just finished a twelve-hour double shift at the clinic, my feet felt like they were made of lead, and all I wanted was to walk through that door and see Ethan waiting with a cheap grocery store cake and that crooked grin of his.

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We had been best friends since we were six years old. He knew today was the day. He had to know.

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When I woke up that morning, his bed was already empty. I told myself he had gone out early to plan something special. I told myself not to overthink it.

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I pushed the door open, bracing myself for a "Surprise!" or at least the smell of something cooking.

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Instead, I was hit with the sound of packing tape screeching against cardboard and the sharp, soul-crushing sound of something shattering.

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"Oops," a high-pitched, feminine voice giggled from the living room. "I guess that one was a bit fragile."

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I dropped my bag and sprinted toward the noise. My heart stopped.

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Maya, Ethan’s girlfriend of three months, was standing over a box, a smirk playing on her perfectly glossed lips.

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At her feet lay the shattered remains of the vintage, hand-carved music box Ethan had given me for my eighteenth birthday.

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It was my favorite gift—one I had kept on my nightstand for five years as a symbol of his promise to always be my "home."

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"What are you doing?" I whispered, my voice cracking as I stared at the white shards on the hardwood floor.

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"Oh, hi Angela," Maya said, not sounding sorry at all. She kicked a piece of the porcelain under the sofa with her designer heel. "I'm just helping. Ethan and I decided that since I’m moving in today, we really needed to clear out the clutter. This guest room needs to be an office, you know?"

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My mind flashed back to that eighteenth birthday—to a much simpler time.

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The rain had been drumming against the roof of his old beat-up car, but inside, it was warm. Ethan had handed me the small, wrapped box with a shy grin. "It plays our song," he’d said softly, his eyes full of a tenderness that made me feel like the only girl in his world. "Whenever you feel alone, just wind it up. I’m right here, Ang. I’m always going to be right here."

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Ethan. Where is he?

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I looked around the room in a daze. My books were piled haphazardly in open crates.

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My clothes had been yanked out of the closet and dumped onto the bed.

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It looked like a burglary, except the thief was wearing a silk robe that I knew Ethan had bought her last week.

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"Ethan?" I called out, my voice rising. "Ethan, where are you?"

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He stepped out from the kitchen, looking everywhere but at me.

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He was wearing his favorite hoodie, the one I’d patched for him a dozen times.

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He looked smaller than usual, his shoulders hunched as he avoided my gaze.

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"Hey, Ang," he muttered to his shoes.

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"Ethan, she’s throwing away my things," I said, pointing to the shattered music box. "What is going on? Why is she packing my room?"

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Maya stepped up beside him, wrapping her arm around his waist like a victory flag. "I already told her, babe. I’m moving in. Today. You told me it was fine, remember?"

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Ethan finally looked up, but there was no warmth in his eyes. Just a weary, annoyed kind of guilt.

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"Maya’s lease ended early, Ang. It just made sense. We need the space."

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"We?" I repeated. "Ethan, I’ve lived here for two years. You told me I could stay as long as I needed to get on my feet. I pay rent. I do the groceries. I thought we were roommates. I thought we were friends."

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"We are friends," he said, but he sounded like he was reading from a script. "But things change. You’ve been here long enough, don't you think? It’s getting a little crowded."

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The air in the room felt thin. I felt the tears stinging the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall in front of Maya.

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She was watching me like I was a show, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

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"Today is my birthday, Ethan," I said softly, giving him one last chance to be the person I thought he was. "Did you even remember?"

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He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Does it matter, Ang? Really? A birthday is just a day. Maya needs the space now. We can't just put our lives on hold because you want to blow out some candles. You’ve had plenty of time to find your own place. You've been here long enough."

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It was like a switch flipped in my head. The crushing weight in my chest didn't disappear, but it hardened into something sharp and cold.

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I looked at him—really looked at him—and I didn't see my best friend anymore.

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I didn't see the boy who used to share his lunch with me or the man I had spent years secretly pining for.

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I saw a coward. A ghost of who I used to know.

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"You're right," I said, my voice suddenly steady. "It doesn't matter."

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Maya’s smirk faltered for a second. She probably expected me to beg or sob.

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Instead, I walked past them both and grabbed my hiking backpack from the hall closet.

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"Angela, look, you don't have to leave this second," Ethan started, moving toward me. "Maya said sunset, we can help you move the big stuff to a storage unit or something—"

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"Don't touch me," I snapped, and he froze.

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I went into the room that used to be mine. I didn't bother with the clothes Maya had touched.

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I grabbed my laptop, my documents, and the few photos of my parents that hadn't been boxed up yet.

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I moved through the apartment with a frantic, cold energy. I was done.

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I was so incredibly done with being the girl who waited around for Ethan to notice her.

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He had noticed me, alright. He’d noticed I was an inconvenience.

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I walked back into the living room five minutes later, my backpack heavy on my shoulders.

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Looking down at the shattered music box, I felt a lump in my throat. I should take it. But what would that matter? It's of no use.

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So I left it behind. Even though it had been my favorite gift, it didn’t matter to me anymore.

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As I reached the door, he spoke again. “I asked a friend about a roommate. He’s nice. The place is nice. I can text you the address.”

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I nodded without looking back.

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That evening, I went straight to my colleague’s place. She let me crash on her couch without asking questions, and for a few days, it became my temporary shelter while I tried to figure out what to do next.

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For the next few days, I toured apartments that were either too expensive, too tiny, or downright depressing. By the fifth day, my feet hurt and my hope had thinned.

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I needed something that was okay enough for a human to live in, but also cheap enough so it doesn't affect my pocket. I had debts to clear up, and this newfound situation wasn't making it any easier.

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Finally, I went to the address Ethan sent me.

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A penthouse-level place. Elegant. Cold. Expensive.

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No way I could afford this. Not with the student loans and credit card bills currently suffocating my bank account.

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But curiosity made me ring the doorbell anyway.

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The door opened.

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And my heart dropped straight to hell.

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Liam.

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The university’s golden boy. The campus hockey star whose face was plastered on banners and sports pages. The boy every girl had crushed on at least once.

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And the one man I absolutely did not like.

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We went to the same college, and for as long as I could remember, we had never liked each other. We weren’t enemies, but he was a tease, and I hated him for that. Now he stood in front of me shirtless, water still dripping from his hair, sweatpants slung dangerously low on his hips.

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“Well, well,” he drawled, eyes dragging over me. “If it isn’t Ethan’s little shadow.”

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I wanted to evaporate.

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“You have got to be kidding me,” I whispered.

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He grinned. “You’re here to audition to be my roommate, aren’t you?”

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“I would rather swallow glass.”

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I turned to leave, but his hand landed lightly on my shoulder.

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“Cute.” He leaned closer. “Come in.”

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“Don’t touch me!” I snapped. “I’m not stepping foot in…”

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“Then you’ll be homeless tonight,” he said calmly.

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My breath stilled.

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How the hell did he know?

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“Don’t be stubborn, little bow,” he murmured, his voice brushing the shell of my ear like a shiver. His hands brushed mine as he dragged me into his apartment, the sudden movement stunning me as I jerked and fell to the cold hard floor. When I turned, I saw his eyes roam my body.

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His gaze flicked down. My tank top had shifted.

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And his eyes darkened.

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Chapter 2

ANGELA’S POV

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For a solid, horrifying minute, the world was a still image.

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I didn’t move. He didn’t move.

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Only those infuriating, storm-gray eyes did.

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They were dragging, slow motion, like he was filing a report on my exposed chest, a smug, arrogant journey straight back up to my face. Holy heck, the heat flooding my cheeks was so intense I was surprised the polished, million-dollar floor tile didn’t crack beneath me.

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I violently yanked the hem of my tank top back into place, my fingers shaking with a cocktail of raw humiliation and pure, unfiltered rage.

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“Stop looking at me!” I snarled, scrambling back like he was radioactive.

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He leaned back, hands up in a lazy, mock-surrender. “Relax, little bow. Didn’t see anything you haven’t already posted on your sad little private Instagram.”

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Wait.

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“My Instagram account is private.”

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“Yeah,” he drawled. His lips curled into that signature, soul-destroying smirk. “Exactly.”

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The blood ran cold in my veins, then instantly boiled over. That arrogant jerk stalked me online? Of course he did. Liam Kingstone was the kind of guy who pretended nothing mattered while secretly caring way too much. It was infuriating.

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I shoved myself up, furiously brushing off invisible dirt. Naturally, the floors in his penthouse were spotless. Liam probably had enough money for a team of angels to clean his apartment while he slept.

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“Fine,” I spat, throwing my hands up. “I’m leaving. Find another roommate. Preferably someone who won’t murder you in your sleep.”

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I spun for the door.

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He blocked it. A solid, unmoving wall of muscle and abs and…ugh…stupidly low-slung sweatpants that clung to his hips. Water was still sliding down his ridiculously sculpted back like it was an exclusive water slide. I hated that I noticed. I hated him for making me notice.

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“How do you even live like this?” I snapped. “Are you allergic to shirts, Kingstone?”

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“Yes,” he deadpanned. Zero hesitation. “And no, you’re not leaving.”

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I sucked in a sharp, desperate breath. “Try and stop me.”

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“That’s the plan, sweetheart.”

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My jaw dropped. “Liam, move.”

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“Nope.”

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My fingers tightened into fists. “Are you actually insane?”

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“Probably,” he conceded, his eyes holding mine hostage. “But Ethan sent you because you’re desperate, right? All those depressing little boxes reject you?” He softened for half a second—a flicker of something—before the smirk snapped back into place.

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“I am not desperate,” I lied through my teeth.

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His brow arched. “Yes, you are. And judging by the look on your face, you haven’t eaten a real meal all day.”

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I bristled. “Don’t you dare pretend you care.”

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“I don’t,” he shot back, flat and immediate. “I just don't like seeing you helpless.” He said it in a tone that made me want to punch him. It wasn't pity. It was pure, simple disdain for weakness.

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I tried to push past him, but he didn’t budge. He just stood there, a massive, unyielding wall of ego and infuriating handsomeness.

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“Move,” I repeated, quieter now. Begging.

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“No,” he repeated, his tone suddenly flat, heavy, and non-negotiable. “You’re not staying at Ethan’s tonight.”

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That stopped me cold. His eyes dropped to my pathetic little bag—the small one that held the only clothes I’d managed to sneak out.

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The heat rushed to my throat, threatening to choke me.

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“I’m not going back there because I don't need Ethan, but that doesn't mean I want to stay here with you, Liam. You are a truly terrible person.” I whispered the last part, and he just smirked, looking at me like I was a puzzle he’d already solved.

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“Fine,” he challenged. “If you’re so certain you don’t need Ethan… prove it. Stay here.”

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I scoffed. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Getting to torture me 24/7.”

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“I would,” he said, utterly shameless. “I’d get to watch you trip over your pride every single morning.”

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“Choke,” I muttered.

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He grinned. Slow. Infuriating. “On what, little bow?”

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My brain short-circuited so violently I genuinely forgot how to form words. He had to be kidding me.

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His grin widened, dark and dangerous. “Relax, little bow. It was a joke. Mostly.”

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Little bow. That stupid nickname. He ruined the bow in my hair at age fourteen, I shoved him into a locker, and he swore he’d never let me forget it.

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“I hate you,” I said, breathless.

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“Good.” He shrugged, dismissing my hatred like it was lint. “Hate is energy. Energy pays rent.”

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My stomach dropped to the spotless floor. “I can’t afford rent here. I barely have two dollars to rub together.”

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“You can,” he said, his expression completely blank. “I’m giving you Ethan’s rate.”

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I blinked. “What?”

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He ran a hand through his wet hair, the water dripping onto his chest—seriously, God hated me personally.

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“I don’t need the money,” he said, almost bored. “I just know you need a place to stay and I happen to have a spare bedroom. This place can get lonely.” He stepped closer, and my heart slammed against my ribs. “It would be nice to have some company.”

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Liam? The king of cold silence? The guy who made girls cry in the cafeteria without looking up from his phone? He wanted company?

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“You still want to leave?” he murmured, his breath hot near my ear. “Fine. Go back to Ethan. His new girlfriend can tuck you in.”

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I flinched. The reaction was involuntary, a tiny, miserable tremor. And he saw it. He liked seeing it.

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“Thought so,” he said softly, victory clear in his voice.

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He finally walked past me, leaving the door open—wide open, like a taunt.

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I tried to focus. Liam was a star ice hockey player. That meant training, traveling, games. He wouldn't be around all the time, right? He was probably just home for the off-season. I didn't even know what team he was playing for now.

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My phone vibrated in my bag. A text from Ethan.

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Have you checked out my friend’s place yet? He’s a good guy, Angie. He’ll take care of you.

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I stared at the message. Then at the open door. At the cold hallway. At the warm, expensive apartment. And at Liam’s ridiculously broad back.

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He didn’t look back, but his voice drifted from the kitchen. “Stay or go, little bow. But pick fast. I don’t beg.”

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My chest twisted with a sick, painful knot.

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I couldn’t go back there. I wouldn't watch Ethan and Maya act all lovey-dovey. And Liam? He was an asshole, but he was my asshole. I could handle him. I had to handle him.

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“Wait!” I called out.

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He stopped, turning slowly. The stupid smirk was already curving his mouth.

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“Yes?”

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I rolled my eyes to keep from screaming. “I’ll stay. But I have to go get my things.”

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His eyes flashed with a triumphant glint. He’d won this round.

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“I’m glad you chose wisely, Bow. Now, hold on. Let me grab a shirt and my keys. We'll head out together.”

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I shook my head immediately. “Absolutely not, Liam. I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ll get my stuff and come back alone.”

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But he was already walking away, completely ignoring me.

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I groaned, sinking against the wall. A part of me screamed to run, but I had nowhere to go. Here I was completely defeated and choosing my high school nemesis over being homeless.

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Liam came out moments later, finally wearing a soft gray T-shirt, keys jingling in his hand. He held out his other hand, palm up. I stared at it. Did this infuriating idiot actually think I’d take his hand?

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“What are you doing?” I asked.

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He smirked. “Your phone, Angel.” The new nickname was a low blow that did strange, awful things to my stomach.

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“What?” I was genuinely stunned.

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“Give me your phone. It's about to die, and you’ll be coming back with me. I want to help you power it up.” I handed him the phone, already feeling powerless, and he gave me a look that said good girl.

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Ten minutes later, we were at Ethan's apartment. I practically ripped my door open and bolted out. Liam was right behind me.

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“Where are you going?” I whisper-hissed, eyeing him cautiously.

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“To help you pack your things.”

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“Oh, hell no. You will wait right here for me.”

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But he wasn't listening. He walked past me immediately, moving with the quiet, predatory grace of a predator. I ran after him.

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“Liam… Liam, I swear to God—”

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He smirked, ringing the doorbell as if he was inviting himself to a house party.

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“Why are you so infuriating?” I asked him, utterly defeated.

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“You’re the only one who thinks that way, Bow.”

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The door swung open, and there was Ethan, Maya plastered to his arm like a lost koala. He stared, speechless, looking between Liam and me.

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“I came to get my things, Ethan,” I said, my voice ice cold. “I won't be long.”

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With that, I pushed past him, feeling Liam’s massive, silent presence right behind me. I wanted to cry so badly. But I absolutely refused to let myself fall apart here. Not now. Not ever again.

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Chapter 3

ANGELA’S POV

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The moment I stepped back into Ethan’s apartment, the air felt different. Stale. Like a room that had been left empty for years, even though I’d only been gone a few hours.

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Ethan didn’t come after me. I didn't know if he was drowning in guilt or just too busy admiring his new life with Maya. Honestly? I didn't care anymore.

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Every inch of this place was a landmine of memories. The same beige walls. The same scent of his expensive detergent. The same stupid hopes I’d nursed for two years, thinking that if I just stayed long enough, if I was just "good" enough, he’d finally wake up and realize he couldn't live without me.

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What a pathetic joke I’d been playing on myself.

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I headed straight for the guest room—the small, cramped space I’d called home while waiting for a promotion to "girlfriend" that was never coming. Liam followed me like a silent shadow. I could feel the heat radiating off him at my back, a constant, heavy presence that kept me from collapsing. I didn't dare look at him. If I caught his eye, I knew the dam would break, and I’d end up a sobbing mess on the floor.

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My hands shook as I reached for my clothes. "You can... go wait outside," I muttered, not turning around.

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He didn’t move. He didn’t say a word, either.

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We existed in this thick, suffocating silence. Me, frantically stuffing my life into a bag; him, standing there like an overprotective statue with a massive superiority complex.

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And for the first time in my life, I was grateful for him. Because I knew if I saw even a flicker of real concern on his face, I’d lose it. I refused to cry here. I refused to give this house—or Ethan—the satisfaction of my tears. I would wait until I was alone. I absolutely refused to break down in front of Liam Kingstone.

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The door creaked open, and the mood turned from tense to toxic. Maya was leaning against the frame, her eyes raking over me like she was checking to see if I’d hidden Ethan’s silver in my bra.

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She wrinkled her nose, looking at my open suitcase. "Have you taken everything yet?"

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Liam turned his head slowly. Lazily. Like a lion deciding if the gazelle in front of him was even worth the effort of a bite.

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"Shouldn’t you be attached to your boyfriend’s hip?" he asked, his voice dripping with bored disdain. "Or do you have a new hobby, Maya? Aside from being a nuisance?"

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Maya stiffened, her mouth falling open. She stared at Liam like he’d just grown a second head. I’m pretty sure no one had ever spoken to her like that in her entire life, and the way she bristled showed she had no idea how to handle someone who wasn't under her spell.

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"I'm just... looking," she stammered.

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"At what?" Liam’s eyes narrowed

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u/_phoenix_sm — 5 days ago

▲ 6 r/novelslovers+1 crossposts

When Love Fades with the Wind - please find this novel

When Love Fades with the Wind

On the day I was supposed to try on my wedding dresses with my boyfriend of seven years, I rushed over to the bridal boutique and arrived with a heart full of happiness. As I walked inside, it just so happened I heard my boyfriend talking to his friend.

You had just registered your marriage with Anne at the Civil Affair Office yesterday. Now, you are here, taking Kelly Thomas to try on the wedding dresses. Don't you have any worry what kind of mess Kelly will do to you if she knows?

There was a helpless look on my boyfriend's face as he answered in a hoarse voice, "My brother passed away in a car accident and Anne is carrying his child. If I dont step up and take her as my wife, how will they survive?"

"I'll spend my whole life making it up to Kelly. Just keep your mouth shut. She must never know about this," he added.

My heart shattered as the world seemed to collapse around me. Then I turned quietly and made my way to the hospital to schedule an abortion. If he couldnt provide a complete family for me and my child, there was no point in keeping the baby.

Their conversation had been like an icy dagger piercing through me, extinguishing every bit of joy Id felt after receiving my pregnancy report earlier this morning.

I woke up excited and rushed to the hospital to collect the results. I couldnt wait to tell him the good news in person at the boutique. However, before I could, he hit me with the cruelest truth.

If he was already married to someone else, why bother holding a wedding with me?

I didnt have time to answer my own question before the wedding boutique's designer approached with a bright smile. "Miss Thomas, the custom wedding dress Mr. Green commissioned for you has arrived. You can try it on now."

Her words jolted me and pulled me back to reality.

Lennox Green had poured his heart and soul into this wedding. He had done more than anyone else for it. The wedding ring and dress had both been designed and overseen by him. They were based entirely on my preferences. He even had engraved a few words inside the ring. It wrote, "Love one another, love without doubt".

I had suggested hiring a designer to handle everything, hoping to lighten his burden, but he refused. "Designing everything myself shows sincerity," he had said. "I want you to look at these things and always think of me."

When his friends and families knew about this, they all praised him, "You are going to be a wonderful husband in the future! Kelly, you sure are a lucky woman to be his fiancee."

However, who couldve imagined that his so-called love for me would become such a bitter irony?

I steadied myself and headed toward the fitting room where the dress was displayed. Thats when I saw a familiar figure. It was Anne Garland.

When she heard the assistant directing me she turned and greeted me with a smile, her voice warm and friendly. "Kelly, youre finally here! Come and see how beautiful your wedding dress is!"

Her demeanor was as natural and kind as ever, just like a caring older sister.

Back when Lennoxs brother was alive, I had made a conscious effort to befriend her and shared gifts and tips to build a good relationship with the woman who I thought would be my future sister-in-law.

If I had not accidentally heard the words that Lennox and his friend had uttered among them, I would never have imagined that she would become the uncrossable barrier between me and Lennox.

The memory of their conversation replayed in my mind. My gaze instinctively dropped to her still-flat stomach and a wave of bitterness welled up inside me.

No matter what, she had a safe harbor to rely on. Yet, my child and I did not have the privilege.

With a dark face, I turned my attention to the lovely wedding dress and said, "It really is beautiful. Do you want to try it on?"

The words had barely left my mouth when an incredulous voice interrupted, "Kelly, what are you saying? This is your wedding dress. How could you let someone else try it on?"

Lennox strode over, his tone tinged with anger, his gaze filled with disapproval.

I remained calm but my voice indifferent. "Whats the big deal? I heard Anne didnt get to wear a wedding dress when she married your brother. Letting her try it on now could make up for that regret."

When Anne and Lennox's brother got married, it was done in such haste that they only signed a marriage certificate but did not hold a wedding banquet.

Now, with Lennox giving her the title of "wife," I thought, why not help her fulfill her unspoken dream of a wedding too?

Anne's expression softened when she heard my words. After all, what woman had not dreamed of being a beautiful bride?

Perhaps Lennox also felt that what I had just said made sense, so his expression shifted slightly and he refrained from saying anything further.

Seeing his expression softened, I could see hesitation flash in Anne's eyes before she tentatively asked, Can I really try it on?

I nodded and gestured for the staff to assist her in changing into the wedding dress.

Meanwhile, Lennox had already dressed in his groom suit.

When he saw Anne was about to try on the wedding dress, he started loosening his tie as if ready to change out of his suit. However, I stopped him. Anne is pregnant. Shes already uncomfortable as it is. What if something happens to her and youre not here to help?

When he heard this, he stayed at put and stood silently beside me to wait for her, though his unease could be seen vividly in his eyes.

Noticing the change in his mood, I sneered.

Before long, Anne emerged from the fitting room with the help of the staff.

Since her pregnancy hadnt started showing yet and she had a similar frame to mine, the wedding dress fit her perfectly.

Anne could not hide the excitement on her face though she tried to curb it by asking timidly, "Lennox, how do I look in this? Is it nice?"

Her voice drew Lennox from his daze state. His eyes which had lingered on her for a while, turned lucid and he gave a soft hum.

Just then, another staff member approached and gasped when he saw Anne, Wow! The gown looks stunning on you. You two are the most perfect bride and groom Ive ever seen!

As soon as she said that, all the faces of those present changed.

Anne cast an anxious glance at Lennox, then forced a polite smile and began to explain, No, no, you misunderstood.

Before she could finish, I clapped my hands together and exclaimed sincerely, Youre right! Anne looks absolutely stunning. This dress seems like it was made just for her!

How could I not let everyone appreciate such a beautiful sight?

Hearing my words, Lennox looked at me with disbelief written across his face.

He knew me too well. I had always been protective of my things, especially something as meaningful as this wedding gown. However, now, not only did I allow someone else to wear it, but I also praised her openly.

He opened his mouth and said, "Kelly, you ."

I blinked innocently and cut him off as I looked into his eyes. Relax, Im just saying. Anyway, I just remembered I have urgent work to finish at the office and have to return to the office in a hurry, so I'll leave you two to it.

Without waiting for a reply, I turned and headed straight for the door of the bridal boutique.

When he saw this, Lennox was about to follow me but Anne reached out and stopped him.

As I walked to the wedding boutique's door, I glanced back and saw Lennox carefully supporting Anne as they headed toward the fitting room. His touch was gentle and his focus solely directed on her as if no one else existed in his world.

At that moment, I was in a trance. Was it truly responsibility that led him to marry her as he mentioned? Or had he fallen for her?

I didnt have the answer and I had no intention of humiliating myself by finding out.

The next day, I arrived at the hospital for the pre-operative examination as scheduled.

When the doctor asked about the childs father, I replied lightly, Hes busy with work and couldnt make it.

That morning, when I woke up, I had considered telling him about the baby but after several unanswered calls, I gave up.

By the time the procedure was over, I was pale and weak, so I had to lean against the cold wall for support as I made my way out of the hospital.

When I walked into the main lobby, I saw Lennox. He was accompanying Anne for a prenatal checkup.

When they saw me, they looked dumbfounded. A flicker of surprise flashed in Lennox's face as he asked in puzzlement, "Are you sick? Why are you at the hospital alone?"

Before I could answer, Anne stepped in. Kelly, dont take your health lightly just because youre still young. No matter how busy you are at work, you have to take care of yourself. Dont let Lennox worry about you.

Her tone carried a sense of concern, but beneath it lay a subtle distance I couldnt ignore.

I pressed my lips together and agreed by humming. Ive already had my check-up. I just need to grab my medication and then I can leave. You two should go ahead with your prenatal exam.

Lennoxs eyes filled with concern as he started toward me, but Anne tugged him back.

Lennox, its almost our turn. Lets go in, she said, feigning discomfort as she rubbed her belly. I dont know if its because Ive been overthinking lately, but my stomach hasnt been feeling great. Im worried it might affect the baby.

She emphasized the word baby, and the worry in his eyes dissipated instantly. Instead, guilt replaced it as he said, Kelly, you should head home first. Ill come find you after I finish the check-up with Anne.

I remember when his brother was still alive, he always addressed Anne as sister-in-law with utmost respect. Now, though, he called her name with such familiarity.

As I looked at the family of three, I couldnt help but realize how much of an outsider I had become. The man who once vowed to love me forever no longer held me in his heart.

I recalled the times when he always put me first no matter what happened. A wave of bitterness welled up in my chest as I choked out, Alright, you two go ahead.

On the way home, I stared out the car window at the familiar scenery flashing by. My mind replayed scenes from our past when we were always by each other side.

I had known Lennox since high school. Back then, he was my desk mate. He was a quiet, studious bookworm, while I was lively and mischievous kid.

Since my parents were often busy with work , they were worried I couldnt take care of myself, they made me live on campus.

I hated the cafeteria breakfasts, so I always pestered him to bring me food from outside. He would sigh in exasperation but always indulged me. This went on for three years.

After high school, we naturally chose the same university.

Having been classmates for so long, I couldnt help but gravitate toward him in the unfamiliar environment by seeking comfort and support from him. I relied on him for everything and he never seemed to tire of helping me.

My mom often scolded me. She said it wasnt right to trouble others so much. I shrugged off her words and relayed them to Lennox.

At the time, he put down his pen and said nonchalantly, Do you really think Im some kind of pushover? Kelly, if I didnt like you, I wouldnt bother with you at all.

His feelings for me were never hidden and I had known from the very beginning. So I shamelessly basked in his kindness.

When we finally got together, his love became even more unrestrained. With him around, I felt carefree, as if nothing in the world could ever trouble me.

Knowing how much he had done for me, my mom used to joke that the hardest thing Id ever faced in life was going to work.

However now, I realized she was wrong. The hardest thing I ever faced wasnt work. It was the fact that the man I loved married someone else and I was the last one to know.

Tears blurred my vision as I recalled those memories and by the time I realized it, my face was already soaked with tears.

The taxi driver noticed and handed me a tissue. Young lady, theres no hurdle you cant overcome. Keep moving forward and good fortune is waiting for you just ahead.

I accepted the tissue and thanked him through my sobs.

After paying the fare, I was about to call a friend to vent when I absentmindedly opened my social media feed. Thats when I saw Annes latest post from just five minutes ago.

Anne posted a picture of an ultrasound picture and one of Lennox lowering to examine a medical report. The caption read [Baby, hurry up come out. Your Mommy and Daddy can't wait to see you!]

When I scrolled down the post, I noticed that the first one to comment was Lennox's mother. She wrote, [Grandma is very excited too! I can't wait to see my first grandson.]

The comment section was flooded with replies from the Green family. It was evident from theor words that they all knew about Lennox' marriage to Anne.

I thought back to the day I visited the Green family a few days ago. They treated me so warmly then and now it all felt like a sick joke.

I could not help but wonder were they secretly laughing behind my back when I was talking about our wedding plan to the Green family? My boyfriend was already married to someone else and there I was, blissfully planning a sham wedding.

I raised my hand, wiped the tears from my eyes and went home.

Before the wedding date between me and Lennox had been set, the Green family had already sent the customary gold jewelry and bridal gifts. Once I got home, I packed everything they had given me into a cardboard box. After that, I would sever all ties with the Green family.

Following the abortion, my body was weak. I took a few days off work to rest. One afternoon, while I was half-asleep, I vaguely sensed someone approaching. As soon I opened my eyes I saw a familiar face.

It was Lennox. He raised his and touched my hand. Realizing it was cold, he looked worried. "Kelly, are you sick? Let me take you to the hospital fot a checkup, okay?"

If this had been before, I wouldve thrown myself into his arms to seek comfort and warmth from him. However now, I pulled my hand away from his, tucked it under the blanket and said, ""Its just a minor cold; theres no need to go to the hospital."

Lennox didnt notice my lack of enthusiasm. He shook his head in exasperation. "If you were feeling unwell, why didnt you tell me? Were about to get married, so why are you keeping things from me?"

When I heard the word "married", it jolted me awake like a splash of cold water. Married? Oh, right he had got married.

I glanced at the cardboard box in the corner and spoke softly, "Thats right. Since we're getting married soon, you should take your things with you today."

Although he and I did not live at my place, he would occasionally stay over for some period of tome, so there were quite a few of his belongings at my place, and on the day I returned from the hospital, I had packed all his things.

Lennox, oblivious to the shift in my tone, smiled warmly. "Alright. Besides after the wedding, well be moving into the new house anyway."

I did not say anything.

That evening, he made me a comforting bowl of hot vegetable beef soup with boiled eggs before leaving with his belongings.

As he stepped out, I said quietly, "Dont come over again for the time being. Im sick and dont want to risk infecting you. Stay home and focus on becoming the most handsome groom."

He gave me a resigned smile but agreed nonetheless.

In the following days, he didnt visit but still texted me regularly. I replied with brief, perfunctory messages.

Time flew by and soon, the wedding day arrived.

I didnt put on the wedding dress Lennox had designed for me nor show up at the venue to embrace the future I had once dreamed of immediately. Instead, I purchased a high-speed train ticket to Levington State.

Just before boarding, I received a call from the hotel staff, "Miss Thomas, when will you be arriving?"

I forwarded Annes photo to them and replied, "This is the real bride. I was just helping her rehearse. Please find her, help her get dressed and do her makeup."

After the call, I methodically blocked and deleted every single way to contact Lennox. Then, I removed my SIM card, tucked it into my bag and let out a breath I hadnt realized I was holding. For the first time in weeks, I felt free. I whispered, "Lennox, I wish you a memorable day."

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u/_phoenix_sm — 5 days ago

▲ 49 r/novelromance+1 crossposts

How I saved the man who was never mine

u/_phoenix_sm — 15 days ago

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