Chapter 67
In “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” Savannah grapples with intense emotions as she faces the impending wedding of her sister, Chloe, to her ex-boyfriend, Dean. Determined yet conflicted, she seeks the help of Roman, who is concerned about her well-being. Their conversation reveals Savannah’s deep-seated anger and jealousy, as Roman points out the chaos her plan could unleash. He urges her to think clearly and to put on a brave face for her sister’s sake, emphasizing the need to close the painful chapter of her past with Dean.
As Savannah contemplates her feelings, she realizes that she has not truly moved on from Dean, despite her attempts to convince herself otherwise. The thought of witnessing him marry Chloe fills her with dread, akin to a slow, agonizing heartbreak. Roman’s insistence on her acting happy for her sister only intensifies her inner turmoil. She feels trapped between her desire to support Chloe and the overwhelming grief of losing Dean to her sister.
After Roman leaves, Savannah is left alone in her despair, feeling the weight of her emotions crash down on her. She breaks down, unable to contain her sorrow, as she reflects on her perceived misfortune—how Chloe seems to have everything she wants, including Roman’s support. This moment of vulnerability highlights Savannah’s struggle with self-worth and her belief that she is undeserving of happiness.
The arrival of Alyssa, Savannah’s friend, interrupts her moment of solitude. Despite her efforts to mask her tears, Alyssa sees through her facade and expresses concern. This interaction underscores Savannah’s isolation and the difficulty she faces in sharing her true feelings. The chapter ends with Savannah caught between her internal conflict and the expectations placed upon her, setting the stage for further emotional exploration in the next chapter.
**Dreams Folding Into Broken Time p>
*by Serene L. Arden*
I grasped his arm firmly, determination coursing through me. “Yes, Roman. You’re going to help me with this p>
His response was swift, tinged with disbelief. “You heard me right. That’s a ludicrous plan you’re trying to set in motion. Your sister’s wedding is just three days away. Do you even comprehend the chaos you’re about to unleash p>
Frustration bubbled within me. “Why are you reacting like this? Why do you care so much p>
“Because you’re not thinking clearly, Sav.” His voice was sharp, cutting through the tension in the air. “You’re consumed by anger and jealousy, and it’s blinding you. Your ex, the one who broke your heart, is still going to walk down that damn aisle and slip that ring onto your sister’s finger p>
His words felt like a physical blow, sending a wave of nausea through me. “And guess what? You’re going to stand right beside her, plastering on a smile as if you’re genuinely happy for her, even while you’re plotting her untimely demise. That’s the reality you’re facing p>
He took hold of my shoulders, not with force but with a firm grip that demanded my attention. His gaze was intense, dark and unwavering, as if he was searching for a glimmer of understanding in my eyes. “Do you understand me p>
I nodded, feeling the weight of his authority settle heavily within me.
“Words, Savannah,” he insisted, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity.
“Yes,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Good.” He drew me closer, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead, a gesture that felt like a definitive end to our conversation. “I’m just looking out for you. The sooner that wedding takes place, the sooner you can close that chapter for good. And after that, we’re catching the first flight out of New Hope and leaving all of this behind p>
I nodded again, though a heavy truth loomed in my chest like a storm cloud. He had no idea that I wasn’t ready to close any chapter. Dean had unraveled me long before Chloe ever got her claws into him, and no amount of “moving on” could rewrite the history we shared.
“Tomorrow is her rehearsal dinner,” Roman continued, his voice steady and authoritative. “You’re going to smile, act as if everything is normal. You might even catch the damn bouquet if she decides to toss one. You’re going to be happy for your sister. Understood p>
The words hung in the air, and I struggled to find a response. How could I explain to Roman that the thought of watching Dean build a life with my sister felt like a slow, agonizing bleed?
I just can’t do it. I never really got over him, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise. I lied to myself, telling myself that I had moved on, that I hated him for sending that thoughtless text and ending things as if our time together meant nothing—only for him to pursue my sister right after.
If I opened my mouth, I would spill the truth: that witnessing Dean marry Chloe would feel like watching my heart shatter in slow motion. So instead, I chose silence.
**Chapter 67 p>
How could anyone in my position manage to move on so swiftly?
“I’m heading back downstairs, and I hope this conversation doesn’t continue,” he said, his back rigid, hands clenching at his sides as if he were itching to strike something—or someone. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving me in a suffocating silence.
I slid down to the floor, a miserable heap of despair, pressing my hand over my mouth to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape. But it was a futile effort. My shoulders trembled, my throat burned, and in that moment, I loathed the sound of my own crying.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop. My chest felt like it was being crushed under an unbearable weight, and I clutched it desperately, hoping to ease the pain. Nothing worked. I simply sat there, on the cold floor, crying like a lost child.
Why does Chloe always seem to get everything I desire? Now, even Roman—my Roman—is helping her keep it all.
Time blurred as I remained there, lost in my sorrow, until a gentle knock interrupted my thoughts.
“Sav, are you okay p>
It was Alyssa.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I called out, hastily wiping my tear-streaked cheeks.
“Can I come in?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Grabbing the nearest thing—a bed cover—I attempted to wipe my eyes, striving to present myself as someone who hadn’t just been sobbing uncontrollably moments ago.
“Sure!” I managed to say, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.
She stepped inside, her perceptive gaze immediately piercing through my facade—of course she could see right through me.
“Sav, why are you crying?” she asked, her tone soft yet probing.
**From Best Friend To Fiancé p>
**Chapter 68 p>
In the aftermath of that heart-wrenching confrontation, the weight of unexpressed emotions hung heavily in the air, a palpable reminder of the turmoil brewing within Savannah. The wedding loomed like a specter, a constant reminder of her unresolved feelings and the betrayal that had carved deep wounds in her heart. As she sat on the cold floor, tears streaming down her cheeks, the realization settled in: moving on was not just a matter of time, but an intricate dance with grief, jealousy, and acceptance. Roman’s insistence on putting on a brave face for her sister’s sake felt like an impossible burden, one that threatened to crush her spirit under its weight. Yet, in that moment of despair, a flicker of hope emerged—perhaps through the pain, she could find the strength to confront her feelings, to untangle the web of love and betrayal that had ensnared her for far too long.
As Alyssa stepped into the room, her concern evident, Savannah felt the first stirrings of vulnerability that could lead to healing. No longer could she hide behind a facade of strength; it was time to confront the truth of her emotions and the reality of her situation. The impending wedding was not merely a celebration of her sister’s love but a catalyst for Savannah to finally acknowledge her own heartache. In the presence of a trusted friend, she sensed the possibility of transformation, the chance to share her burden rather than carry it alone. With each tear shed, she began to understand that while the path to healing might be fraught with challenges, it was a journey worth embarking upon—one that could ultimately lead her to rediscover herself amidst the chaos of broken dreams and unfulfilled desires.
In the upcoming chapter, the emotional turmoil that has been simmering beneath the surface for Savannah is set to erupt in ways she never anticipated. As the wedding draws closer, the stakes are higher, and the pressure builds not only from the impending ceremony but also from the expectations of those around her. Alyssa’s entrance hints at a pivotal moment; will she offer the support Savannah desperately needs, or will her probing questions force Savannah to confront the raw feelings she has been trying to suppress? The tension between the two friends could lead to revelations that change everything, pushing Savannah to either find her voice or spiral deeper into despair.
Moreover, the simmering conflict with Roman will come to a head. His protective instincts clash with Savannah’s need for autonomy, and the struggle between their desires will create a rift that could either strengthen their bond or tear them apart. As Savannah grapples with her feelings of jealousy and betrayal, readers will be left wondering if she can muster the courage to confront her past and reclaim her narrative before it’s too late. Will she continue to play the role of the supportive sister, or is there a chance she will break free from the chains of her heartache? The next chapter promises to delve deeper into Savannah’s psyche, revealing the complexity of her emotions as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, loss, and loyalty.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.