The Shadow of the White
Moonlight: The Betrayal of the
Boyfriend
Chapter 1
Six years ago, Ethan discovered his “one that
got away” was knocked up. He ditched me at
the drop of a hat to play nursemaid at the
hospital, day and night.
Then, worried I’d throw a fit and stress her
out, he shipped me off to study abroad.
Now, six years later, he’s inviting me to his
wedding with Bethany.
I’m the one who’s shocked. I walk in with a
kid who looks just like me.
Before Ethan could even stammer a question
<
I casually drop the bomb: “This is Riley, my
daughter.”
Ethan went ballistic, screaming, “Riley! How
dare you get married and have a kid without
my damn permission!”
“Didn’t you tell me I could do whatever I
wanted, as long as I didn’t bother you and
Bethany?” I shot back, cold as ice.
1
I was on my way to pick up Riley from school
when Ethan’s call came through.
I’d deleted his number ages ago.
But the second that string of digits flashed on
my screen, the name attached to it was
く
“Riley, Bethany and I are getting hitched next
month. It’s all happening so fast, and she
needs a bridesmaid. You’re an old friend, so I
figured you could lend a hand.”
Just one word escaped my lips, “Fine.”
Then, I hung up.
Riley’s big, round eyes were glued to my face.
“Mommy, who was that?”
“Just an old friend getting married. He’s
asked us to come back home for the
wedding.”
“Really? I’ve never been to a wedding!” Riley
squealed, barely able to contain her
Г
Honestly, I wanted nothing to do with Ethan
or his life.
But let’s be real: Ethan funded my college
education overseas.
The least I could do was show up and put on
a happy face.
Besides, Riley’s never been to the States. It
would be a good chance for her to meet my
friends and family.
The plane had barely touched down when
Ethan texted saying he wanted to pick me up.
I told him not to, but knew he wouldn’t listen.
That’s why I arranged for my sister to bring
く
Riley on the next flight. I didn’t want Riley to
see Ethan.
“Riley, it’s been too long,” Ethan said, acting
all warm and friendly.
“Come on, say hi to your aunt,” he added,
gesturing toward Bethany.
Ethan wasn’t alone. Bethany and her daughter
were there too.
“Mommy, who’s that?” Bethany’s daughter,
Savannah, asked, confused.
Bethany looked totally awkward, glancing at
Ethan as if he could explain.
Ethan grabbed Bethany’s hand.
L
“Savannah, this is your dad’s sister, Riley.”
“No, Daddy’s wrong! Daddy’s sister is an
aunt, not a sister!” Savannah retorted.
Ethan scooped her up, pinching her nose
playfully.
“My girl’s growing up so fast! She’s smarter
than her old man. You’re amazing!”
Bethany seized the opportunity, hooking her
arm through Ethan’s and flashing me a fake
smile.
“Riley, it’s such a hassle for you to travel all
the way from overseas for our little wedding.”
“The original date was planned two years
from now, but Ethan couldn’t wait and moved
<
the wedding up. Now everything’s so rushed,
and we barely have time to prepare. You’ve
got to talk some sense into him!”
I couldn’t be bothered with Bethany’s drama. I
side–stepped her and addressed Ethan
directly.
“I called a cab. I’m heading out.”
Before Ethan could respond, Savannah piped
up, her words dripping with venom.
“Mommy, that lady is so rude. I don’t want her
to be my aunt!”
“Don’t be disrespectful!” Bethany said,
feigning a scolding pat on her hand. Then,
she turned to me with a sickly sweet
expression.
く
“Riley, kids say the darndest things. You know
how they are.”
“Don’t you dare talk to my mom like that!”
Savannah started wailing and thrashing,
pulling away from Bethany.
Bethany grabbed her, cooing and comforting
as they moved away.
Ethan and I were left standing there, staring
at each other, the tension between us thick
enough to cut with a knife.
Ethan was the first to explode.
“Riley, how long are you going to hold onto
the past? This is grown–up stuff. It’s got
<
“Bethany put her wedding plans on hold to
come with me and pick you up. And you treat
her like this?”
“After the wedding, I expect you to move on. I
don’t want to see you again.”
Ethan spun around and stormed off, leaving
me watching their retreating figures. A bitter
laugh escaped my lips.
My sister and Riley were landing around the
same time, so I decided to wait for them at
the airport.
As I waited, I replayed Ethan’s words in my
head.
Tears welled up and streamed down my
<
I made a silent vow: I’d go to his wedding,
then cut him out of my life for good.
I never thought after six years apart, seeing
Ethan again would still leave me feeling so
devastated.
The moment Riley saw me, she wrapped her
arms around me, hugging me tight.
“Mommy, why are you crying? Did someone
hurt you?”
I stroked her hair.
“Don’t worry, honey. As long as you’re here,
no one can touch Mommy.”
