The Boy Who Tattooed My Name on His Chest novel Chapter 13

After his year of exchange ended, Ryan returned to far-away Tremont University.

Before leaving, he said nothing.

That night, I received a message from an unknown number.

Just three words:

【I'm sorry.】

I looked at this apology that came three years too late, said nothing, and simply deleted it.

...

The next time I saw Ryan was at my wedding to Alex.

By then, we'd been graduated from college for three years. Alex had taken over the family business, and I had joined a law firm. Our careers were on track, and marriage seemed the natural next step.

Vivi didn't die, but she eventually developed mental health issues and once tried to attack Ryan with a knife for a "suicide pact."

Ryan's father finally made up his mind and sent her to a psychiatric institution.

Her life would likely be spent behind high walls and in endless therapy sessions.

Ryan went abroad after that. He didn't take over his father's company but worked on Wall Street for a year before starting his own investment firm. In just two years, he became wildly successful, investing in several highly profitable projects and multiplying his worth.

But he never dated anyone and publicly declared he would never marry.

We all thought he would never return to the country.

When I saw Ryan among the groomsmen, I instinctively looked at Alex.

In his tailored suit, Alex took my hand and said with a smile.

"He begged me to let him be a groomsman. I'm too kind-hearted, so I had to agree."

But I suspected he just wanted to show off in front of his former rival.

Throughout the wedding, I was on edge, afraid Ryan might cause a scene.

Surprisingly, he seemed genuinely there just to be a groomsman. Though he rarely smiled, he cooperated with everything.

Our only interaction was during photos when I stumbled slightly, and he steadied me, helping with my dress.

"Careful."

We didn't speak again after that, not even making eye contact.

I gradually relaxed. After the ceremony, I picked up my dress to go to the restroom but encountered Ryan in the hallway, smoking in his white shirt.

Since he'd come all the way to be a groomsman, ignoring him seemed impolite, so I made small talk.

"The other groomsmen and bridesmaids are eating. Why aren't you joining them?"

He shook his head. "Not hungry."

"Oh." As I tried to pass him, Ryan softly called out to me.

"Do you know why I came to be a groomsman?"

I turned back:. "Hmm? Why?"

I knew he still had my name tattooed over his heart.

Haley Parker

I suddenly remembered long, long ago when Ryan and I were still together, passing by a bridal shop with large wedding photos displayed.

Ryan had held my hand, flashing his bright smile.

"Haley, someday we'll be in a photo like that too."

I looked at our group picture.

No wonder he insisted on being a groomsman.

We finally appeared in a wedding photo together.

Just not in the way we'd imagined.

A warm body pressed against my back as Alex complained in my ear.

"What are you looking at? It's our wedding night..."

I turned off my phone and embraced him.

"Nothing."

Let the past remain in the past.

At twenty-five, Haley Star needed to say goodbye to seventeen-year-old Ryan Thompson too.