The Price of Late Realization and Neglecting Your Loved One — Novel

About

In a world where love is a game and betrayal lurks behind familiar smiles, Sienna finds herself at a crossroads. After years of harboring feelings for her childhood friend Lance, a shocking confession shatters her dreams. How could a bond forged in innocence turn into a cruel joke? As she grapples with the sting of rejection and the chaos of Lance's impending arranged marriage, Sienna's resolve hardens.

But when a bachelorette party spirals into chaos, Lance's fiancée Maia unleashes her rage, shattering more than just porcelain. In the aftermath, Sienna is left to pick up the pieces—not just of her broken home, but of her shattered reputation. As threats loom and old wounds reopen, she must navigate a treacherous landscape of jealousy, manipulation, and unwanted affection.

With Lance's careless charm still echoing in her mind and a new, unexpected ally in his formidable uncle Howard, Sienna faces a choice: retreat into the shadows or confront the tangled web of lies and desires. Will she reclaim her heart, or will she become a pawn in a game she never wanted to play?

The Price of Late Realization and Neglecting Your Loved OneChapter 1

Sienna's POV

I had been secretly in love with my childhood friend for five years. Finally, I mustered the courage to propose to him.

But he looked me in the eye and said, “It was just for fun. Did you really take it seriously? Who marries a fling, anyway?”

“Our feelings for each other since we were kids… That was just a game to you?” I asked in disbelief.

He shrugged and replied casually, “Don’t worry, Sienna. Even if I go through with the family-arranged marriage and marry someone else, I won’t abandon you.”

Then his voice softened as if offering me a gift as he continued, “I’ll still see you, just like before. Maybe not every month—how about every week instead? Isn’t that enough?”

Subconsciously, my hand moved on its own and the sharp slap echoed between us. Afterward, I turned my heels and walked away.

An arranged marriage, huh? Fine. I’d find my own match. And it’d be a damn good one.

At my bachelorette party, I didn’t expect Lance Madron to have the audacity to show up with his fiancée in tow, no less.

Later, on the rooftop, he cornered me. His hands circled my waist, and he leaned close, his breath teasing my ear.