Chapter 1

I had been in a secret relationship with my childhood sweetheart, Garrison, for three years.

I had always been looking forward to the day he would propose.

But after waiting for three years, what I got instead was a blank check from him. He said, "Delia's back. I can't let her know about your existence. As long as you're willing to leave the country, you can fill in this check for any amount you want."

Only then did I realize that I had always been a stand-in for his true love, Delia.

Heartbroken and devastated, I refused to accept his attempt to pay me off and turned to leave.

The next day when I opened my eyes, I found myself in a foreign country.

Three years later, when his life with his true love had become a mess, he remembered me and sent someone to bring me back.

But when he saw the wedding ring on my ring finger, he cried his eyes out like a madman.

------

I was brought back by Garrison's men and taken directly to the city's most famous bar.

Standing at the entrance, I contemplated what tone to use when greeting him.

Before I could decide, I overheard a conversation between Garrison and his brother from inside the private room.

"Garrison, since the tigress's busy today and can't check on you, why don't you have a good chat with Melody? After all, it's been three years since you've seen her. She must have a lot to tell you."

"You've got a point there. Should I book you two a room? So you can talk all night long."

Garrison responded to their teasing with a light "hmm," then warned, "Delia's been scrutinizing my schedule lately. Be careful when you're handling things, don't slip up again."

"Don't worry, it was my fault last time when she found a woman's hair in your car. This time I'll make sure everything's perfect!"

Hearing the playful banter from the room, I felt an inexplicable heaviness in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

It reminded me of three years ago when Garrison and I were still together.

We had a secret relationship for three years, yet no one around us knew about it.

They always saw me as Garrison's clingy little sister. Several times, I almost told them about this, but was always interrupted by Garrison.

But now, hearing what they're saying, it seems they already know about my past relationship with Garrison.

If it were before, I would have been happy about this.

But now, I just feel utterly disgusted.

A flash of revulsion crossed my eyes as I turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, someone opened the door and walked out at that moment.

Garrison saw me, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He quickly concealed it, replacing it with his signature lazy smile. "Why didn't you come in if you're here?"

As he spoke, his gaze followed me intently.

Looking closely, one could still detect a hint of barely noticeable nostalgia in his eyes.

His unabashed scrutiny made my heart suddenly skip a beat.

I unconsciously touched my ear and said softly, "I was about to knock when you came out."

Garrison, not noticing my change in mood, raised his hand as if to stroke my hair like he used to.

My nerves suddenly tensed, and I instinctively stepped back, avoiding his touch.

He noticed my resistance and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Melody, what's wrong?"

In the past, I would have excitedly rushed over to him at the mere sight of him, wanting to cling to him forever. Now, however, I maintained a safe distance from him at all times.

I looked at him, his handsome face both familiar and strange, suddenly triggering memories of what happened on my first day abroad.

That day, I woke up in a daze, opening my eyes to see two tall black men crouching and examining me, muttering words I couldn't understand.

The unfamiliar environment, unfamiliar people, and unfamiliar language filled me with fear.

I couldn't understand what they were saying, and I just kept crying and begging them to let me go.

At that moment, a man who understood my language walked in, kicked me to the ground, and stepped on my face hard, yelling at them: "This is prime merchandise personally delivered by Garrison himself. You better watch her closely. If she escapes, none of you will live to see another day!"