+5 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Standing in front of the mirror , Stephanie Giovanni studied her reflection , her lips curling into a soft smile . Stunning she murmured , her voice barely above a whisper . The gown hugged her slender waist , flowing into a skirt that reminded her of something straight out of a fairytale . Her face , still free of makeup , looked just as delicate and enchanting in the natural light . The shop manager was adjusting the pleats on the gown . She couldnt resist commenting . Why isnt Mr. Ashford here with you ? Men and women , theyve got different tastes , you know A faint smile tugged at the corner of Stephanies lips . She glanced at the manager with a shrug . You know men . Busy with work Cant get away Just then , her phone vibrated on the nearby counter . Stephanie glanced at the caller ID before answering , Ella . On the other end . Ella Turners voice came through quickly , almost breathless . Stefi , I saw Olivia and Chris ! The moment she heard those names , Stephanies fingers tightened around the phone , her knuckles going white . The smile that had lingered on her face slowly faded , replaced by a chill in her eyes . Chris Ashford her fiancé was just a week away from marrying her . And Olivia Hart , just hearing her name disgusted Stephanie . Stephane looked over at the shop manager , who immediately nodded in understanding . With a silent gesture , the manager ushered the staff out of the room . Crace the room was empty , Stephanie lowered her gaze to her perfectly manicured nails . Where did you see them ? she asked casually . Ellas voice cracked with urgency . At the hospital . In the obstetrics and gynecology department . Stephane raised an eyebrow , a quiet laugh escaping her lips . Quite a special place , she muttered , her expression turning to one of thinly vetied sarcasm A man and a woman in the obstetrics and gynecology department ? Stephanie didnt need to think twice to know why . Ella , still flustered , pressed on That Olivia is a calculating bitch , and Chris is an idiot . You shouldnt marry him ! Whdie Stephane seemed calm . Ella was seething with anger . Sirplane sipped from the water cup on the table , unfazed Every time she calculates , the troubles on ME . Why are YOU so worked up When she was leaving two years ago Olivia begged for Stephanies forgiveness in tears . Ar car tork and threw herself on Chris , has a putner ? Or just loo kind Stephanie thought to herself * did its packing the perfect just before you and Chris are about to get married . Shes clearly up to 1/3 12:42 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 1 something . Stephanies eyes sharpened , her grip on the phone tightening . Im hanging up now , she said flatly . Ellas voice was frantic . What are you going to do ? Stephanies lips curled into a thin smile . Someones made a bad calculation . Im going to teach her how to do the math . Then , she ended the call , the silence that followed settling in like a weight . Staring at her reflection in the mirror , Stephanie reached up to touch the bust of the dress . With a sudden , sharp rip , she tore the gown in half , throwing the pieces to the floor . The sound of fabric ripping echoed through the silent room . The saleswomen gasped in shock , their eyes wide . But when they saw the cold fury in Stephanies expression , none of them dared to move or speak . After shed changed back into her own clothes , her phone vibrated again . She glanced at the screen Chriss name . Without a word , she answered , and his voice came through immediately , firm and clipped . Once youre done with the fitting , come to the office . For the past two years , Chris had always been gentle and considerate . Now Olivia is back , he suddenly became cold . This abrupt shift in tone made the already cold eyes . feel Why a colder . A flicker of sarcasm flashed in Stephanie he couldnt be bothered to respond . Without hesitation , she hung up . *** Half an hour later … Stephanie stepped into Chriss office . He was standing by the floor to ceiling windows , speaking on the phone . Bathed in sunlight , he looked every bit the image of refinement and gentleness . His perfectly sculpted profile was hard to ignore , the kind of face that made it impossible to look away . His appearance was so rare and flawless , it seemed like something most people in Long Harbor City could only dream of . Noticing her presence , Chris quickly muttered into the phone , Cant join you for lunch today . He hung up and walked over to the nearby leather couch , settling into it with a soft creak of the cushions . The warmth from the phone call seemed to vanish in an instant , replaced by an icy coldness that darkened his expression . His eyes locked onto Stephanie , and his voice became clipped as he ordered , Come here . Stephanie held his gaze , not moving an inch . The tension between them was thick , hanging heavy in the air . Unlike the usual routine , she didnt sit beside him . Instead , she chose to sit across from him , maintaining a distance that mirrored the coldness between them . Chriss eyes narrowed , and the coldness deepened . 2/3 12:42 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 1 Click the sound of a lighter echoed through the silence . The faint smell of gasoline hung in the air . Irritated , Stephanie waved her hand to fan it away , her nose wrinkling slightly at the scent . Chris , unfazed , took a drag from the cigarette , exhaling slowly . Then , with a hint of reluctance , he spoke . Olivias back . For a split second , guilt flickered in his eyes , but it disappeared almost as quickly as it had come . Then came the words that froze her . Our wedding … it has to be postponed . Stephanie had already seen this coming after the call with Ella . Her voice was cold as she asked , What do you mean ? Their wedding should have nothing to do with Olivia . Chris exhaled another cloud of smoke , his tone as Stea ne explained , Shes sick . Its terrible . As he spoke , he handed her a file , adding , The adm letter from the University of Saint Peter . You should go study there . His voice had an almost condescending edge , like he was giving her an order . Stephanie glanced at the file in his hand but didnt reach for it . A small , almost playful smile tugged at the corner of her mouth . Sending me abroad ? Getting out of your way ? she asked , her voice dripping with sarcasm . 90 % { Chriss face darkened , his jaw tightening . Isnt this the school youve always wanted to go to ? Now youve got the chance … Chris Ashford ! she interrupted sharply , her voice cutting through the tension like a knife . Without waiting for him to finish , Stephanie reached forward , snatched the envelope from his hand , and tore it apart . The pieces of the envelope scattered across the floor , and the last shred stuck to her hand . Without a second thought , she tossed it straight into Chriss face . His expression shifted , the warmth draining from his eyes . Stephanie didnt spare him another glance . Postpone he wedding ? Dont bother . Its canceled . She let the words hang in the air , the finality of them cutting through the room . Postponing ? She couldnt bring herself to consider it . Canceling would be easier . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!