Two Chances,One Bullet: How His "Next Life" Promise Failed Novel

Chapter 20 " What did you say ?! " Vivian cried out first : " You must have the wrong information ! Riley's only been gone four months - how could she possibly be engaged ?! " Asher's expression hardened , his voice taking on a reprimanding tone : " You've worked for me all these years - how could you make such a basic mistake ? Riley would never … " The moment he saw the photo , Asher's words caught in his throat .

In the image , Riley wore a soft yellow dress , nestled in the arms of a golden - haired , blue - eyed man . The man had his arm around her waist , while Riley stood on tiptoe to kiss him . A gentle breeze lifted Riley's hair - and in that instant , it chilled Asher's heart to the core . " Mr. Blackwell , after leaving Washington , Miss Hawthorne went to Paris . " " She rejoined an orchestra .

This mixed - race man appears to be a fellow musician … " " Miss Hawthorne's engagement is scheduled for three days from now . Would you like to … " Before he could finish , Asher abruptly stood up : " I'm going ! I must go ! " The usually dignified and aloof Asher now resembled a headless fly , disheveling his hair , pacing back and forth , trying to light a cigarette with hands too shaky to manage the flame . " This must be fake - just Riley's little trick to scare me .

" " She promised she'd never marry anyone but me . How could she get engaged to someone else ? Some blond guy - how could he possibly treat her better than I did ? She must have been deceived ! " " I have to go , and you need to come too , Vivian . You're her best friend - you must help me bring her back . " Vivian patted his shoulder : " Brother , don't panic . Riley always listened to me most . She cares about us so much - she'll definitely come back with us . " She believed it .

He believed it too . Meanwhile , in Paris . Outside Riley's engagement party , her mother adjusted her makeup in the car , then paused with a worried expression : " Sweetheart , even though you've decided to commit yourself to him , I want you to know that if you're not willing , you can always refuse . You don't have to marry anyone if you don't want to ! Mom can support you forever ! " Riley covered her mother's hand , smiling : " What are you saying , Mom ?

I'm marrying him because I love him , of course . " " Then what about Asher ? You were together for seven years - can you really forget him just like that ? " At the mention of that familiar yet now strange name , Riley's smile froze momentarily . 21:59 Two Chances , One Bullet : How His " Next Life " Promise Failed 71.9 % Chapter 20 " … I don't love him anymore . Someday , I'll forget him completely . " Her mother pressed her lips together , sighing softly : " Mom just wants you to be sure .

Don't throw away your happiness on impulse or spite . " Riley tucked a strand of her mother's hair behind her ear : " I won't , Mom . Trust me - I've grown up . " Everyone was already waiting in the ballroom . As the bells chimed , Riley walked into the hall wearing a dazzling gown , step by step toward her happiness - Julian Rivers . is light brown eyes sparkled brighter than the stars , holding a hint of a smile : " Riley , you look stunning .

" Then he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it . Just as Julian was about to slide the ring onto her finger , the ballroom doors burst open . Asher stood in the doorway , his forehead beaded with sweat . He walked toward Riley step by step , his eyes pleading : " Riley , no … don't wear his ring . " 21:59