Ribbons Unbound: My Fiancé's Lingering Regret novel Chapter 10

Tears of heartbreak and humiliation streamed down my face.

Aiden's words echoed in my head, each syllable destroying what was left of my self-worth.

If I hadn't heard it myself, I wouldn't have believed the guy who'd passionately made love to me last night could be the same person. I guess you don't need love to be intimate. Even in those moments of intense passion, lies can still fall from your lips.

What I foolishly thought was the start of something real was just a joke to them.

The more I cried, the worse I felt, trying to muffle my sobs as my body shook.

After what felt like forever, my phone buzzed.

Aiden: [Take an Uber home. Got plans with the guys tonight, can't drive you.]

I didn't respond.

Aiden: [Don't forget to get Plan B yourself, I'm busy today. Make sure you take it, k?]

I stared at the messages, speechless.

Last night, from dusk till dawn, Aiden had been insatiable. Before we fell asleep exhausted in each other's arms, he'd drowsily whispered twice: "Sorry I wasn't more prepared. I'll get you Plan B first thing tomorrow."

He'd even lectured me about taking care of myself, insisting I needed to take the pill to protect my health.

I'd never imagined a world without him in it. Never wanted to.

But now I had no choice.

Outside my window, city lights flickered on and off as evening settled in.

Time blurred until my best friend Maya's FaceTime lit up my screen.

"Brooklyn, why aren't you at the party with Aiden tonight? That girl Sarah from AP Lit showed up and she's all over him. They're making everyone uncomfortable."

Maya flipped her camera around.