Chapter 1

During an avalanche on an Antarctic expedition, my fiancé Jaxon didn't hesitate to save his true love Melody.

But it was expedition leader Garrison who risked his life to protect me as I was about to plummet into an ice crevasse.

Later, when Jaxon abandoned me at our wedding, Garrison got down on one knee and proposed to me.

After we married, he treated me well and our life seemed blissfully happy.

Little did I know, in our second year of marriage, he was suddenly diagnosed with liver cancer.

To save him, I didn't hesitate to donate two-thirds of my own liver.

But at his hospital bedside, I overheard his brother asking him in French:

"If Meadow finds out you faked liver cancer to save her, aren't you afraid she'll leave you with nothing?"

Garrison tenderly held my hand, but his words made my heart freeze.

"The marriage certificate is fake, but I do feel bad for her. I'll make it up to her properly."

I thought after a lifetime of loneliness, I'd finally found true love.

Little did I know, it was all an elaborate deception he had carefully woven.

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Following Garrison, I arrived at the VIP room on the hospital's top floor.

Perhaps too anxious, Garrison forgot to close the door tightly when he entered.

I approached and peeked through the crack. Melody was nestled in Garrison's arms, her face rosy and her smile particularly radiant.

Meanwhile, my reflection in the door showed a pale face.

Between her and me, who was truly the one at death's door?

"Brother Garrison, I knew you'd never abandon me!"

Garrison gently stroked her hair and said softly, "Melody, I'm so glad you're alright!"

Due to complications from liver removal surgery, I had been hospitalized for five months.

During those five months when I was constantly unconscious, how many times had Garrison come here?

I looked at Garrison, his eyes filled with a tenderness I had never seen before.

So this is what he looked like when he was in love.

Suddenly, I remembered how he appeared before me not long ago.

When I first opened my eyes, Garrison was sitting by my bed, tightly holding my hand.

Just as I was about to call out to him, I heard his good friend River ask in French, "Is Melody okay now? You did too much. Chasing her for five years wasn't enough, now you've even deceived Meadow, who truly cared for you, just to save her? Meadow gave up two-thirds of her liver to save you!"

Garrison spoke in a calm but resolute tone.

"I promised I'd protect her for life, no matter who she chooses."

River's tone shifted as he continued.

"You pursued Meadow for her sake, got her to fall for you, and married her. Aren't you afraid she'll kick you out with nothing if she finds out you've deceived her?"

"We're not really married. The marriage certificate is fake. But I do owe her a great deal, and I'll make it up to her properly."

His tone was so cold it made my heart tremble.

Hearing his words, River was particularly shocked.

"Garrison, what you're doing is really messed up! Don't tell me you're still thinking of being with Melody?"

Garrison's silence seemed like a wordless answer.

He still held my hand tightly, smiling at me tenderly.

But I could feel the warmth in my palm gradually turning cold.

I pretended not to know and asked him softly.

"What are you guys talking about? Did something happen?"

River nervously asked Garrison in French. "Melody didn't overhear that, did she?"

But Garrison responded calmly.

"It's about the scientific expedition. The higher-ups said they discovered a cave in Antarctica that seems to be an ancient relic site. Because it needs to be kept strictly confidential, they're still selecting suitable people to explore the cave."

Hearing this, River seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Oh, I forgot. Meadow, you don't understand French. Sorry about that. Garrison and I are used to conversing in French."

I stared directly at him, my inquiring gaze unconcealed.

He grew a bit uneasy under my scrutiny and hurriedly slipped away.

Two years ago, I indeed didn't understand French. But to better understand Garrison, I've worked hard to learn it and have long since mastered it.