Question

The story was just too beautiful. I ____________ not read it.

couldn't have

would have

shouldn't have

could have​

Answer 1

The complete sentence is:

The story was just too beautiful. I could have not read it.

* Two sentences have been given and the word in the blank needs to be chosen such that it goes with the meaning of the sentence.

* The options- 'couldn't have' and 'wouldn't have' are first omitted as the sentence already has a 'not' so we cannot repeat the same word again.

* The phrase 'would have' doesn't fit into the context but 'could have' can be a probable option( however, sarcasm has been shown in the sentence).

Answer 2

The story was just too beautiful. I Could have not read it.

EXPLANATION:  

• The answer should be 'Could have' because in the question it is clearly mentioned and not is attached to the question. So, there could not be two not used in the same sentence.
• Therefore, option (a) and option (c) is not possible to use in the blank. With option (b), would have cannot be used because it would have been used when the speaker would have actually read it. But it is clear from the question that the speaker has not read the story.