Chapter 1

When I was released from prison, my champion boxer girlfriend led a grand welcoming party at the prison gates.

As a man was about to approach, my girlfriend immediately shielded him.

"Don't touch him! People just out of prison have heavy negative energy. You're not in good health. I'd be heartbroken if you caught something bad."

I was stunned. My girlfriend smiled nonchalantly, a hint of disgust flashing in her eyes.

"Damien, I can't have any blemishes on my reputation now, so you'll have to bear with it for a bit."

"Soren and I are just an on-screen couple. Don't cause him any trouble - he can't handle being frightened. You understand, right?"

My throat tightened as I nodded bitterly.

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1

The crowd around us erupted in a commotion, their gazes fixed on me with naked contempt, covering their noses in disgust.

Helplessly, I took a few steps towards Myra, my tattered clothes making me feel unbearably self-conscious.

Myra didn't stand up for me like she used to. Instead, she pulled Soren away, even brushing off his clothes as if I were some kind of garbage. My heart ached, and my gaze gradually dimmed.

During these years in prison, my edges had been worn smooth, and I'd lost the carefree boldness I once had.

"Did you get good shots of picking him up from prison? No mistakes with the expressions, right?"

Myra's gaze was sharp as she looked at the photographer, her hand still tightly gripping Soren's, completely lacking the joy she'd shown when I first came out.

"All done, Myra. Don't worry. I'll add some extra material later. Everyone will know about our boxing queen's good deed - not only did she not shun him, but she also held a grand release ceremony for the neighbor who bravely killed a rapist."

In an instant, my heart sank like it was filled with cold lead. My tightly clenched fingertips hurt as I looked at her with a miserable expression.

So that fleeting moment of happiness on her face when I first came out was just an act? And here I thought our feelings would remain unchanged after five years. Never imagining how much things could change, she had risen to lofty heights while I became a stain she wished to avoid, worthy only of the title "neighbor."

As the crowd dispersed, Myra protectively helped Soren into the passenger seat.

I watched as she skillfully placed the talisman she'd worn since childhood around Soren's neck.

"Damien, you should take a cab. Soren's already feeling a bit uncomfortable from your scent."

"I bought you a house. You can stay there for now. I'll send you the address."

Without even looking up, Myra handed me a new phone, sent the address, and got in the car without a backward glance.

At that moment, I saw her vigorously wipe her hands with a wet wipe, frowning as she muttered to Soren:

"Let me clean you up. It's so dirty. I told you not to get out of the car."

But I hadn't touched him at all, and Myra was already treating him like a precious treasure.

Before I went to prison, her face was full of sympathy, tears streaming down as she promised to wait for me.