A Promise We Couldn't Keep

The class president had always been close to Noah back in school.

He told me that Noah came tonight just for me.

"Chloe, we all thought you two would end up together after graduation. Who could’ve guessed his biological parents would suddenly show up and take him overseas?"

That was the year I found out the truth.

The same Noah I grew up with—the boy who ate plain bread and pickled vegetables with me in our small rural town, who never had a decent winter coat and was always mistaken for a street beggar—turned out to be the long-lost heir of a wealthy family.

Just then, the door swung open, and Noah walked in.

All eyes turned toward him in an instant.

I glanced back.

He stood taller than the crowd, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal-gray suit.

Having broad shoulders and a lean waist, he looked like he had stepped straight off the cover of a high-end magazine.

"Well, well, if it isn’t our very own Noah Wells. It’s been years, and you finally decided to show up."

"Noah, you’re late. That means you owe us a few extra drinks tonight."

He greeted everyone politely. "Of course."

At the same time, his gaze drifted through the room until it locked onto me.

The moment our eyes met, my heart pounded so hard it felt like it might break free from my chest.

…

During the second half of the reunion, I stepped out of the restroom only to be yanked into the dimly lit stairwell.

The space was narrow, the air thick with the scent of alcohol clinging to Noah.

"Why haven’t you answered my messages?"

I looked away. "Work’s been busy. I forgot."

"You're lying."

His breath was hot against my skin, his gaze burning with frustration.

"Chloe, why didn’t you tell me my mother came to see you two years ago?"

The truth was, she had.

Two years ago, Noah’s mother sought me out.

She told me he was already engaged.

His fiancée was a graduate of Royal West College, a prestigious university, and came from a wealthy family, someone who was perfectly suited for Noah.

His mother even showed me their photos together.

The girl stood beside Noah, her smile warm and radiant.

They looked perfect together.

"I never planned on marrying her," Noah said, his grip tightening around my wrist, pinning it in place.

"This time, I came back ready to risk everything. No one can keep us apart anymore."

His breath hitched as his fingers slid to my jaw, pressing firmly.

"So, Chloe… Break up with Simon and come back to me."

My lashes fluttered, my eyes widening in surprise.

Then, Noah forced my jaw open, his tongue claiming me in a searing kiss, as if determined to erase any trace of another man.

…

After that night, Noah started showing up at my office every day with roses—each time in a different color.

He was always there, waiting to take me home.

Tonight, I left work later than usual, still finishing up a few tasks.

Through the glass doors, I saw him leaning casually against his car, a bouquet of blue roses in hand.

Dressed in a fitted black trench coat, the sharp cut of the fabric framed his broad shoulders and lean waist effortlessly.

I couldn’t help but quicken my pace, a smile spreading across my face as I ran toward Noah.

As always, no matter how many people were watching, he opened his arms the moment he saw me, laughing as he pulled me into his embrace.

I took the flowers from his hands and brought them to my nose, inhaling softly. "Hmm, not as fragrant as yesterday’s pink roses."

Noah playfully pinched the tip of my nose. "You’re getting pickier by the day."

He walked me to the car, opening the door himself and placing a hand over the top to shield my head. "Get in, my lady. Tonight, I’m taking you for fine dining."

Hugging the bouquet, I slid into the passenger seat with a grin.

"Then I’ll make sure to eat my fill."

What I didn’t expect was to run into Simon at the restaurant.

…

Halfway through dinner, Noah stepped outside to take a call.

I was scrolling through my phone when I suddenly heard a familiar, mocking voice.