Year Five: The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 1

A year after agreeing to return home for an arranged marriage, my old flame—who was never truly mine—finally remembered me.

He appeared before me, looking as confident as ever, holding a bouquet of irises—the flowers I used to adore.

He was so sure that the moment he turned back to me, I’d forgive him with tears in my eyes.

But I’d long since stopped loving irises. And him? I’d left him behind, too.

My husband—my partner in this marriage of convenience—pulled me protectively into his arms, a mocking smile on his lips as he looked at my ex. “Shipley Barlow, my wife’s already showing, and you still can’t let go?”

At night, the same husband—usually so cold and reserved—kissed me breathless. “Sweetheart, if you dare talk to Shipley again, I’ll draw little turtles on your palm all night.”

-

“Brother, I promised I’d come home and get married.”

Late at night, the moonlight spilled like silver frost.

Silvia Ashford lowered her eyes, pulling her cardigan tighter around her shoulders.

Finn Ashford’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “I’m glad you’ve finally come around. When you insisted on moving to Luminova City after graduation, your mom and I spent three years wondering which guy had whisked away our little princess. But now you’re coming home. That’s all that matters.”

Three years. Where had the time gone?

Silvia’s fingers traced the wooden bracelet on her wrist—a keepsake she’d taken care of all these years. It still looked almost new.

She remembered the reckless hope, the blind courage that made her follow Shipley to Luminova City. The memory left a bitter taste, but she didn’t argue.

“It was thoughtless of me. Sorry for making you worry. I’ll leave the wedding arrangements to you and Mom.”

“Don’t worry. The man your parents picked for you—good looks, good family, good heart. You’ll like him, I promise.”

Finn comforted her a little more, but never mentioned who her fiancé was. He changed the subject instead.

“Oh, and Silvia—make sure you invite Shipley. He’s in Luminova City, too. You used to follow him around everywhere, always calling his name. Don’t forget to ask him to the wedding. I’ve tried calling, but he’s been impossible to reach.”

A familiar ache crept onto Silvia’s tongue.

Of course Shipley hadn’t answered.

A month ago, Vianne Williamson had come back.

Ever since, he’d been busy spending hours on the phone with her.

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