Chapter 1

I was the girl my husband had loved since childhood. For twenty years, he never stopped pursuing me.

He adored me as if I were his entire world and treasured me deeply.

Then, unexpectedly, just four weeks ago, he was unfaithful.

Everyone was aware—except for me.

But I was simply acting as if I hadn't discovered them and continued to play the role of an oblivious wife.

That is, until I eliminated every single trace of my identity.

And then, I vanished.

Only then did that scoundrel search for me frantically.

——

"Ms. Wiginton, are you completely certain you want to nullify your identification, passport, and everything else? It's going to be incredibly difficult if you ever need to recover them. It'll be as if... you cease to exist."

The official kept attempting to dissuade me, but I didn't waver. I pushed the documents across the counter towards her.

"That's precisely the intention. I need to vanish so I can begin anew."

I was aware of how much Heather cared for me—or at least how much he used to. He wouldn't cease his search until he found me, unless I eradicated every aspect of my existence.

Shannon Wiginton had to vanish entirely. It was the sole option.

After completing all the documentation, I returned home and took out my phone to review my escape strategy.

My gaze fell upon the wedding photograph on my lock screen, and I momentarily froze.

When we tied the knot, he wanted to provide me with the most extravagant wedding imaginable, so he spent a fortune purchasing a private island.

He even named the island "Longing for Shannon" to proclaim his genuine love for me to the world.

When he made the announcement, it became viral online.

And naturally, the story of him donating his bone marrow to save my life five years prior also surfaced.

Our so-called "love that conquered death" captivated the internet.

Even our wedding livestream, which I had casually initiated, ended up attracting millions of viewers.

Now, however? Looking at that photo? All I could sense was this overwhelming bitterness.

From the moment we met, he had relentlessly pursued me for 20 years.

Perhaps it was because when Mom's inherited disease worsened, Dad abandoned her in a hospital, leaving me with fear of being left behind.

At her funeral, I vowed to myself that I'd never entrust my future to anyone.

No expectations, no disappointments.

Heather stood beside me that day. He was just a child himself, but he attempted to act mature.

He touched my shoulder and said, "I'll always be here for you, Shannon."

I didn't interpret his words as a promise. Didn't believe them for a moment.

For the next 15 years, I disregarded everything he did for me. Truthfully, in my mind, I was simply waiting for him to abandon his pursuit of me.

But then I fell gravely ill, the kind of sickness where you begin to contemplate your final farewells. And that's when he signed the papers to donate his bone marrow—without a second thought.

The procedure saved my life. The instant he regained consciousness, he dragged himself over to confess his feelings to me.

He was still under the influence of medication, barely able to stand. But his eyes sparkled as he said, "I did it for you."

Even then, though, I didn't accept his proposal.

For five years, he professed his love for me at every opportunity. Thousands of times.

Then one day, I noticed the silver strands appearing in his hair, and my heart softened slightly. That's when I finally gave in.

I'll never forget his expression when I at last said yes.

He didn't hesitate for a second to slip the ring he'd been carrying for who-knows-how-long onto my finger.

He even transferred all his assets, I mean, everything he possessed!

I refused to accept a single thing and just gazed at him, my eyes welling up.

"I'm agreeing, but remember—I can retract it at any time. From now on, if you ever abandon me—even once—I'll ensure you can never locate me again."

"Heather, you only get one opportunity."

I uttered those harsh words as if I meant them, but honestly, I never doubted him. Not once.

Until a month ago—when he was unfaithful.

I'm not the type of person who waits around to be deserted—not again—so, I made the decision to leave first.

I reserved my flight and printed out a divorce agreement that left me with nothing—no finances, no property.

I signed it, arranged for it to be delivered in three days, and headed back home one final time.

When I entered, Heather was already in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

It didn't matter that he was this wealthy CEO. He still insisted on cooking for me every single day like a devoted husband.