Her Missing Heart novel Chapter 3

As I finished typing those words, my face was ice-cold, and I couldn't write anymore.

My mind drifted back to Ethan's words: "I'm Ethan, your boyfriend of seven years."

How absurd. My seven years with Gabriel had become seven years with Ethan.

Grief flooded over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in the endless night. After what felt like forever, I heard the lock turn at the door.

I quickly closed the webpage.

The next moment, Ethan walked in, approaching step by step.

He was so close now that I couldn't hide my reddened eyes, so I looked up at him. Our eyes met.

Ethan froze for a moment, then touched my face. "Why are you crying? Is it because of Morgan and me?"

He thought I was jealous about his embrace with Morgan?

I was speechless.

But Ethan grew more certain, holding me with tender concern. "If it upsets you, I'll stop seeing her from now on"

While Ethan made his earnest promise, my mind was full of Gabriel. In our seven years together, Gabriel never gave me reason to doubt him, always making me feel secure.

I knew I shouldn't compare two completely different men, but the more time I spent with Ethan, the deeper my love for Gabriel grew.

"Autumn?" Ethan interrupted my thoughts.

I came back to reality, patting his broad back. "Morgan's just your agent. I'm not upset."

Ethan's stern features softened. "That's good. Autumn, you can always tell me what's bothering you. I'll always be here for you."

I remained silent, letting him deepen the embrace.

...

That day, Ethan had a sudden inspiration and brought me to his gallery.

"I've decided to hold our wedding here." He led me inside as he spoke.

The moment we entered, Morgan's gaze pierced me like needles. After three days apart, she looked worn down. Seeing Ethan's arm around me made her face pale further, though it couldn't mask the jealousy in her eyes.

I ignored her, listening to Ethan describe how he'd transform the space for our wedding.

Then he suddenly changed topics: "Autumn, would you draw my portrait?"

I clenched my fists in refusal. "Ethan, I haven't painted in so long..."

"How will you know if you don't try?" He led me to the studio in the inner courtyard, preparing paper and pencils.

He nodded. "I heard you're marrying the Blackwood heir."

"Yes..."

Understanding flashed in his eyes. "That's good. If Gabriel knew you'd moved on, he'd be happy. After all, his last wish was for you to forget him and live well."

Had I really moved on? I didn't know.

But it was because of Gabriel's words that I pretended to forget him, following my parents' wishes to be with Ethan.

Yet no one told me how to forget someone I'd loved for seven years.

How was I supposed to spend decades with someone I didn't love, bearing his children, spending the rest of the life together?

The thought twisted like a knife in my heart, leaving me speechless.

After a few more strained pleasantries, Gabriel's father left.

I watched until his silhouette disappeared, then turned to head back to the gallery. But I froze - Morgan and Ethan stood behind me, her face twisted with hatred, his dark with anger.

My breath caught. Had they heard?

Before I could process this, Morgan strode forward and slapped me hard across the face!