Chapter 2

I spent an entire night coming to terms with the fact that Asher had changed his heart.

We grew up together, true childhood sweethearts. In our most innocent years, he took my hand and solemnly vowed he would marry no one but me.

That sentiment stayed with me year after year, unwavering even when his family fell on hard times and tragedy struck.

The turning point came when we were 17.

He was a rare skiing prodigy, mastering edge control on his very first try. At just six years old, he won the championship at a major ski competition.

His life plan had been to join the national team and bring glory to our country, but during one training session, he caught an edge and injured his arm, shattering his professional dreams.

He began to self-destruct, shutting himself in his room and refusing to come out for days on end.

I broke through his window and jumped in to embrace him, my tears soaking his entire shoulder.

"Even if you can't be an athlete, you can still be a coach. I'll be by your side. We'll start over together."

His voice choked with emotion as he swore, "Aria, I won't let you down. I'll give you a home."

Who would have thought that just two years later, his promise would become void.

I came to the ski resort alone, seeking an explanation. At a glance, I spotted two figures frolicking on the ski slope. Vivienne was decked out in a bright fuchsia ski suit, striking poses for photos. Asher glided past her from behind, kicking up a wall of snow that added a fantastic ambiance to Vivienne's shots.

I rented some ski gear, donned a helmet and face mask, then hit the advanced slopes.

At some point, Asher had stripped off his top. He gave his abs a quick pat before opening his arms wide to Vivienne:

"Wanna go for another spin?"

Vivienne's eyes lit up as she reached out to grab a handful:

"I'm always seeing videos like this online. Never thought I'd get to experience it myself! Asher, you're such a dreamboat!"

A moment later, she pursed her lips, her expression turning sour.

"Then why'd you reply 'I'm sorry'? You've made me lose face completely. I'm done with you."

Asher chuckled, scooping Vivienne up in his arms. He glided off in the sound of her coquettish squeals.

His voice was carried away by the wind.

"That was just for show, to keep the old ball and chain back home happy. Don't worry, we've already split up."

Asher held her close as he pulled off some fancy moves. In a moment of carelessness, they tumbled. He made sure to shield Vivienne, taking the brunt of the fall on the hard-packed snow himself. The two fell onto the snow in an intimate position, with Vivienne blushing as she lay on top of him. Their eyes met, and without hesitation, she leaned down to kiss him.

Asher responded passionately.

I awkwardly skied to their side, witnessing the moment their lips met.

Vivienne's voice reached my ears clearly.

"Even through the ski suit, I can feel that part of you pressing against me. Aren't you embarrassed?"

Asher mumbled in a low voice:

"Stop teasing, you little fool."

I couldn't bear it any longer and hastily left.

But being a novice skier, even though I had chosen the easiest-to-handle twin skis, I still lost my balance and fell hard.

I tumbled I don't know how many times before crashing into the safety net. Even with a helmet on, my head was spinning. Amidst the gasps of the crowd, I lost consciousness.