The Bet Behind My Five-Year Love Story Chapter 06

The Bet Behind My Five-Year Love Story Chapter 06

He froze, not understanding what she meant. “What do you mean, she’s gone?”

Chloe’s eyes were red and streaming. “She’s gone-I can’t find her anywhere. But she sent me this.”

She shoved her phone at him. The screen showed a chat between her and Aria, with a message from Aria:

[Happy wedding.]

Chloe’s responses:

[What do you mean?]

[Where are you?]

All red. She’d been blocked.

Chloe broke down. “Is she really done with me? I’ve called her-nothing. I just wanted to film a video. I wasn’t trying to steal you. You’re my brother-in-law-how could I?”

It took him a long moment to snap back to reality. “No way.”

Nobody knew better than Ethan how much Aria loved Chloe. He used to think Chloe was reckless-voiced it once. Aria went cold and said if he couldn’t accept her sister, they were done. Only time she ever threatened to break up. That was when he learned: Aria’s one line was her sister. So he’d made an effort. Got to know

Chloe.

And now it hit him-Aria had once begged, tears in her eyes, for him to treat her even half as well as he treated Chloe. His heart skipped. He didn’t want to go down that road.

He pulled out his phone.

Ethan: [Where are you? Did you delete Chloe by accident? She’s scared to death-she thinks you don’t want her anymore.]

Ethan: [Come back. We’re still waiting for you.]

Message after message. No red marks. He breathed again. She must be upset about Chloe taking her place at the procession-she’d come back once she cooled down. But dozens of messages went out, and not one came back A chill crept in.

She wouldn’t give up the wedding. She wouldn’t give up him. She’d been upset about the two days joke-that was proof she cared.

Chloe was still muttering, “What do I do? She doesn’t want me.”

Ethan felt a flash of disgust. Why couldn’t she keep it together? She had none of Aria’s steadiness. The thought startled him. He hadn’t thought that in a long time. Aria wasn’t as warm or as open-minded as Chloe. But he’d forgotten-Chloe was raised by Aria. Earned every penny on her own. Aria had once said, Don’t underestimate Chloe just because she’s my sister. To me, she’s like my own child.

His eyes landed on Chloe’s perfect bridal makeup, and it turned his stomach.

His phone buzzed. Aria. He fumbled to open it, hands shaking.

Aria: [Not a bad wedding gift, huh?]

He didn’t understand. And then the wedding screen lit up. His eyes went wide.