He called her the "one" for a night? My dice made sure he paid with his life

Crushed But Goodbye by Austen 10 Summary In the first chapter of "Crushed But Goodbye," the protagonist reflects on ten photographs that represent her past, ultimately choosing the last one, Dex North, despite having a long-standing crush on Kieran. This decision surprises her father, who questions her choice, but she feels an intense connection to Dex, triggered by a haunting memory of their last moment together in her previous life. The emotional weight of her choice leaves her at a loss for words, yet her father respects her decision.

As she leaves her father's study, she encounters Mara, who pleads desperately for Kieran's affection. Mara's emotional turmoil resonates with the protagonist, hinting at a shared rebirth experience. The situation escalates when Kieran arrives, furious with the protagonist for allegedly hurting Mara. Their confrontation reveals Kieran's deep-seated resentment and the protagonist's painful acknowledgment that he never truly believed in her. The tension builds as she grapples with her feelings of longing and the reality of her past failures.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts dramatically when gunshots ring out, causing panic. Kieran instinctively rushes to protect the protagonist, but Mara is shot, and Kieran's protective instincts kick in as he shields her. The scene is filled with urgency and fear, highlighting the chaos of their situation. The protagonist feels a chilling dread as she witnesses the unfolding violence, which forces her to confront the dangers that threaten her newfound life. In the aftermath of the gunfire, Dex emerges as a protector, standing between the protagonist and the threat.

His fierce demeanor and concern for her safety contrast sharply with Kieran's frustration over the situation. The chapter ends with a palpable tension between the characters, leaving the protagonist to ponder the complexities of their relationships and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Crushed But Goodbye by Austen** **Chapter 1** As I gazed at the ten photographs sprawled out before me, an overwhelming sensation washed over me-like I had been given a second chance at life.

Each image held a fragment of my past, but one stood out, calling to me with an intensity I couldn't ignore. Without a moment's hesitation, I pointed decisively at the last photo-Dex North. My father's expression shifted to one of surprise. "But you've had a crush on Kieran since you were a child. Why would you choose the youngest, Dex?" His voice held a mix of confusion and concern, as if he couldn't comprehend my choice. I simply shook my head, words failing me.

My mind was a whirlwind of memories, echoing with the haunting image of that final moment before I had drifted away in my previous life-Dex charging towards me, his face ashen, and that desperate, heart-wrenching roar that still reverberated in my soul. Fortunately, Dad didn't press for more details; he nodded in understanding, albeit a bit reluctantly. Stepping out of my father's study, I made my way to the mansion's courtyard, where Mara unexpectedly appeared, dropping to her knees before me in a display of desperation. "Miss Riley, please! I'm begging you!

Let me have Kieran!" Her voice was thick with emotion, a plea that tugged at my heartstrings. "You already have everything! But Kieran is all I have left. Please, I'm begging you, let him go!" I felt a chill run down my spine as I froze in place, the weight of her words pressing down on me. This moment felt different from what I had experienced in my past life. Was it possible that Mara had also been reborn? The thought flickered through my mind like a candle in the dark, illuminating the possibility of shared fates.

Just then, Kieran appeared out of nowhere, his presence electrifying the air around us. His eyes, usually so warm, were now ablaze with fury as he took in the scene before him. He rushed forward, scooping Mara up into his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His glare turned to me, filled with a hatred that was palpable. "Riley! How long are you going to keep hurting Mara?" His voice was a low growl, laced with accusation. "Just because she's the housekeeper's daughter doesn't give you the right to bully her like this!" I shot back, my heart pounding in my chest.

Watching this unfold was like watching a storm brew on the horizon-my heart clenched painfully, the familiar ache of my past life creeping back in. No matter the circumstances, Kieran had never truly believed in me. His eyes remained locked on mine, a storm of emotions swirling within them. "Listen to me, even if you choose me as your husband, I will never yield. Don't think for a second that you can manipulate me into submission!" The memories of my demise in that previous life flooded back, sharp and vivid, threatening to drown me in their intensity.

**Chapter 1** Deep down, I knew Kieran would never choose me, and that was precisely why I stepped aside, allowing them to be together. Yet, despite my rationalizations, my heart continued to throb with that familiar, dull ache of longing. Before I could articulate my thoughts, a series of gunshots erupted in the distance, shattering the tense atmosphere. Instinctively, we all turned toward the sound, our eyes widening as we spotted several heads peeking out from a car parked ominously outside the mansion, guns aimed directly at us! Kieran, trained and alert, reacted in an instant.

Years of rigorous training had ingrained a muscle memory that kicked in without hesitation. He sprinted toward me, his expression a mix of determination and urgency. But then, a pained moan escaped Mara's lips, and she collapsed to the ground, a shot fired into her leg. Kieran's eyes flickered with conflict, but without a moment's pause, he dove toward her, shielding her with his body-a true protector in that moment. Watching this unfold, I felt my blood run cold, as if ice had replaced my veins. Just as the gunmen aimed their weapons at me, someone surged forward to shield me from harm.

When the gunfire finally ceased, I opened my eyes, searching for the figure who had risked everything for me-it was Dex North, standing tall, radiating a cold fury as he glared at Kieran. "Did you forget what your job is supposed to be?" Dex's voice was a low, menacing growl. "What if something had happened to Miss Riley?" His concern was palpable, but Kieran's expression shifted, guilt flickering across his features before being replaced by stubborn defiance. "Mara was already hurt-who else was going to take care of her?" Kieran retorted, his voice rising in frustration.

"Besides," he continued, his gaze flicking to me, "Riley's fine, isn't she? What's the big deal?" The tension hung thick in the air, a taut string ready to snap, and I couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Conclusion In the aftermath of chaos, as the dust settled and the echoes of gunfire faded into the distance, I found myself enveloped in a profound sense of clarity. The turmoil of emotions that had gripped me-longing, jealousy, and heartbreak-began to unravel, leaving behind a bittersweet acceptance.

I had spent so long caught in the web of unrequited love for Kieran, a love that had only ever seemed to thrive in the shadows of his affections for Mara. Yet, in this pivotal moment, I realized that my heart had already begun to mend, even in the face of such turmoil. Dex's fierce protection and unwavering resolve illuminated a path forward-a path that no longer required the approval or affection of Kieran. As I stood amidst the remnants of our shattered lives, I understood that letting go was not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to my strength.

With Mara injured and Kieran and Dex at each other's throats, the fragile alliances that have been formed will be tested like never before. As the dust settles from the chaos, Riley will find herself caught in a web of conflicting loyalties and emotions, forcing her to confront the depths of her feelings for both men. Will she be able to navigate this treacherous landscape, or will her past choices come back to haunt her in ways she never anticipated? Moreover, the looming question of Mara's fate will hang over the group like a dark cloud.

With her injury serving as a catalyst, Riley may discover hidden truths about herself and those around her. Could this be the moment when she finally realizes the true nature of her feelings for Dex, or will her heart remain tethered to Kieran despite the turmoil? As tensions escalate and secrets begin to unravel, readers can expect a whirlwind of emotions, unexpected alliances, and a confrontation that could change everything.

Prepare for a chapter filled with heart-pounding suspense and revelations that will leave you breathless, eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for Riley and the men who vie for her heart. Dex Morgan Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.