Chapter 1:

The wedding date is approaching, and my boyfriend has cheated with a woman who returned from overseas.

I, his current partner, have suddenly become someone else's substitute.

Owen Mercer, human hearts are made of flesh. You were the one who said we should be together, and now you're the one saying we should part ways.

1

When in love, the dopamine produced by the brain indeed enhances a woman's abilities in various aspects, such as writing, logic, observation, and intuition.

When I noticed Owen Mercer frequently changing his clothes and looking neat and tidy every day, I knew something was wrong!

He started working overtime frequently, and every evening after he returned home, he always had a faint scent of perfume on him.

He began to ingratiate himself with me, even becoming completely obedient.

This is not him! This is definitely not the true Owen Mercer.

After being together for so many years, his behavior can only be described as absurd.

Unusual things must have an underlying cause!

Until I saw the pile of white shirts on the washing machine, which I helped him change out of after he drank last night. The lipstick stain on the shirt pricked my eyes like a needle.

Everything before my eyes made me shiver!

An affair?

I never imagined that a man like him could one day find himself in this situation, someone with an extreme emotional hygiene complex.

I called my best friend, and the phone rang for a long time without anyone answering. She's probably hungover from last night again.

Feeling somewhat irritated, a sense of despair and grievance seemed to drag me into infinite darkness.

It was then that I noticed the phone vibrating just earlier.

"What's wrong, wooden head? Early in the morning, starting with calls like torture."

Julia Miller's voice came from the other end, and occasionally, I could hear faint sounds of water flowing, suggesting she just got up to wash up.

Her question made me feel a bit embarrassed to speak, what if I'm just being too sensitive!

"If you don't say anything, I'll hang up!"

"Julia, Owen Mercer seems to have someone outside!"

When I spoke, I felt a weight lift from my heart.

Through the screen, I almost heard Julia Miller swallowing her saliva.

The air hung in suspense for a long time, without a trace of warmth.

Julia Miller didn't say anything and hung up the phone. Soon after, she appeared breathlessly at my door.

She cautiously looked me over from head to toe, and only when she noticed I had no injuries did she hug me.

"It's okay, it's okay."

I broke free from her embrace and saw tears perched on her red eyes.

"Why are you more upset than I am about Owen Mercer's affair!"

I teased her and handed her a tissue from the table.

Julia Miller wiped away her tears and scolded me for being unfaithful, worried for me, yet having to endure my ridicule.

I smiled. At this point, if I'm overly sensitive, then it's all well and good; but if things are as I suspect, then being calm won't solve anything.

Julia Miller cursed, "Bastard! I wasted my love for him back then!"

The light in my eyes dimmed. The term 'love' cannot represent the depth of my feelings for Owen Mercer.

2

Julia Miller noticed the buns on the dining table; she knew they were brought back by Owen Mercer.

She glanced back at me, then took out the buns and tried to entice Scott Franklin lying on the floor.

Seeing Scott Franklin ignoring them, she put the buns back, muttering under her breath: "Good dog!"

"Why not eat?"

Julia Miller gave me a sidelong glance.

"Even Scott Franklin rejected them, I surely can't eat what he bought. Leave them, later we can give them to the stray dogs on the road."

I smiled softly, with a sense of gratitude in my heart. Ever since I met her, no matter what happened, she's always stood by my side. Whether in moral or legal matters, she's consistently unwavering.

"You're almost past the seven-year itch; you two were just about to reach the final goal, and suddenly, here we are!"

Her tone carried a hint of regret. Apart from Owen Mercer and me, she was one of our greatest supporters back then.

"Don't worry, maybe I've overreacted."

I felt a bit guilty since there's only a lipstick stain, and hence, my mind still holds onto some unrealistic thoughts. With the wedding date so close, if it's a misunderstanding, I wouldn't want to give up this happiness within reach.

I can't bear my man appearing on the same bed with another woman.

Her eyes lit up, and she immediately started offering me ideas.

"I know a journalist, who can help!"

I nodded in response to her.

She replied while urging me to change clothes.

"I'll treat you to breakfast."

I never thought the road in front of my house would feel so long; it seemed as if everyone on the street was gossiping about me.

I pretended to be strong, yet still felt like a mouse that couldn't face the light, unable to lift my head.

Recalling how I met Owen Mercer, it was purely accidental. What initially seemed like a beautiful encounter now appears to be an unavoidable joke.

Four years ago, when I had just stepped from high school into university, I still carried the various influences of my upbringing.

Indeed, growing up in a single-parent family left me with no confidence compared to others. Apart from giving me an enviable appearance, my parents offered nothing worthy of boasting.

The man, who drank heavily for years, was invisible except when he indulged in violence against his wife and daughter after drinking.

I never gave him a name, just as he always called me a liability. To avoid the conflict reaching her, my frail mother pretended to see nothing whenever I was beaten.

Initially, whenever I was beaten, I'd run outside, crying and begging for mercy. But I soon discovered that the more I cried, the harder he would hit.

Perhaps from being beaten too many times, eventually, I couldn't cry anymore. Seeing me not crying nor yelling, he would kick me a few times and stop.

Thus, I studied hard, just to escape from what was called home.

In high school, I escaped from that small town to the city; in university, I escaped from the city to the seaside.

With my wounds, I took my first breath of air.

I sat on the swing at the school playground, pushing with my feet while greedily inhaling freedom.

Tears slid down my cheeks and fell into Owen Mercer's eyes beside me.

At that moment, standing in front of me, he casually handed over a pack of unopened tissues. He blocked the light, yet also became the light.

3

"Wood."

Julia Miller, biting on the plastic straw, looked at me staring out the window, eyes full of sorrow and concern, pushed the buns along with the plate toward me.

"What if, this thing is true?"

"Then we just part ways."

The bells on the breakfast shop door swung incessantly in the wind. Those decorations swaying back and forth seemed luckier than I.

The fallen leaves on the street formed a golden carpet.

"It's autumn."

Julia Miller said nothing; she held onto my arm, silently accompanying me.

I tugged at my collar and headed home against the wind.

Owen Mercer, as usual, didn't return home at noon. I just didn't know whether at that moment he was on the office sofa or someone else's bed, but none of this had any relation to me.

When the sun set, I followed Julia Miller to a small tavern.

The hour hand on the wall reached precisely seven, and the person we were waiting for appeared at the door.

"Hey, Julia. What made you think of inviting me? One glass of plain water, please."

The one who sat was a young man in a baseball cap; hearing his voice, I guessed his identity.

He looked at Julia Miller, grinning mischievously, paying no attention to me beside him.

"Why, is there a flower on my face or do you want to dance with me?"

Early on when Julia Miller said he was a journalist, I should have guessed who he was.

Ethan Burke, a journalist for a mainstream magazine and also Julia Miller's childhood friend.

I was used to their banter. We three used to often be together, but then I got closer to Owen Mercer and grew distant from him. His behavior today was less reserved than before.

"Long time no see. Big journalist."

Upon hearing my voice, he hurriedly turned around, stunned, and stammered for a while before calling out "Sister Chloe!" He looked at Julia Miller, laughing heartily, appearing bewildered.

"Want to dance with me now? Ethan."

Ethan Burke chuckled awkwardly, his smile unnatural, glared at Julia Miller, and then quickly explained.

"I, I was just teasing you. You know I don't drink, let alone dance."

"Also, don't call me by the nickname, please call me Ethan Burke."

He seemed discontent, verbally sparring with Julia Miller.

After a while, they quieted down.

"Okay, today we came to seek your help with something."

Julia Miller was the first to concede, earning Ethan Burke's forgiveness at the cost of one meal.

Julia Miller nudged her head toward me, making it clear, and he immediately understood.

"Sister Chloe's matter is my matter. I'll do my best."

I smiled faintly, expressing my thanks.

After saying goodbye to Ethan Burke, I declined Julia Miller's invitation to her home. Helpless, she had no choice but to accompany me back.

"Chloe, did you notice that Ethan Burke seems very reserved around you."

"Maybe it's because we haven't seen each other in a long time, so things are a bit awkward."

"This guy is weird, too. I can't figure out what he's thinking."

4

Since high school, I've often been jolted awake by nightmares. The fear in the dreams often leaves me drained for the entire day.

I'm afraid of interacting with strangers, accustomed to leaning against walls, and refusing to attend any parties. I've trapped myself in a city, not wanting to leave, unwilling to step out.

How can a monster that is out of tune with the human world possibly get along well with people?

This terrifying state stayed with me until graduation. At that time, I thought it was because I hadn't moved far enough from home. But even after getting into a university in another place, the situation persisted around me.

I thought about seeing a doctor, but every time I reached the clinic's door, my body involuntarily backed away.

Eventually, I gave up. Perhaps, this is fate!

I looked at Owen Mercer standing in the light, plucked up my courage, and said the first words of our meeting.

"I'll return this pack of tissues to you."

The barely noticeable voice made Owen Mercer, who was about to leave, stop in his tracks. He turned to look at me, not knowing what he was thinking.

"Okay."

His voice was pleasant, like spring water falling into a mountain stream, echoing with a tinkling sound. Perhaps it was the sound of my heartbeat. For the first time, I felt an urge to know someone.

However, the crowd's hustle felt like sardines, sticky yet not devoid of strangeness.

So, I started looking for Owen Mercer's shadow in every classroom, according to the image in my memory. The first, the second, the third—so many classrooms, yet I couldn't find him.

The sky was heavy that day, ink clouds pressed the sky breathless, even the sun had to hide its radiance. People at the restaurant entrance came and went quickly.

I watched the pouring rain outside, leaning against a supporting pillar, waiting for it to stop. The rain mixed with the scent of soil, frantically washing everything in this city.

How wonderful, the world was quiet.

"A child without an umbrella should run fast."

The familiar voice rang out not far from me. He was holding an umbrella, extending a hand to feel the rain's temperature.

Before I could react, he had already come closer.

"Let's walk together."

He moved the umbrella a little toward me.

I had no intention of refusing him, and I completely forgot to decline. A voice inside kept telling me, Chloe, say yes, say yes!

For the first time, I realized how enjoyable it is to walk in the rain.

The school's cafeteria was a lot closer to the dormitory than usual. Unwittingly, we reached the side of the stadium, rounding the street corner, when a girl emerged from the rain.

Her umbrella wasn't open, and after glancing at us, her eyes were filled with disbelief, then her gaze turned peculiar.

Julia Miller opened her umbrella and pulled me away from Owen Mercer's side.

"Thanks for bringing her back."

"You're welcome."

With that, Owen Mercer disappeared into the rain, leaving Julia Miller and me standing there.

The road back seemed to stretch again, even the sight made one feel a bit weary.

"You're called Chloe, right?"

I nodded, not expecting anyone to remember my name, which surprised me a lot.

"Classmates, just call me Julia."

"Thank you. I'll treat you to lunch in the afternoon."

She waved her hand and turned to disappear down the corridor.

The rain outside showed no signs of stopping.

He should have returned by now!

That rain, recklessly consumed my rationality, allowing me to touch upon the wise man's taboo.

Afterward, Owen Mercer and I started a relationship that lasted four years. No, to be more precise, it was three years, six months, and seven days.

Until we graduated from college, I never returned that pack of tissues I owed Owen Mercer.

After graduation, we established the Mercer & Lin Law Firm together.

Later, we got engaged.

5

Watching Scott Franklin being chased around the room by Julia Miller, I couldn't help but smile wryly.

Exhausted from playing, Julia finally sat down, panting heavily. She lay beside me, not saying a word.

"I'm sorry!"

Julia Miller suddenly spoke, her eyes somewhat evasive, as if lacking the courage to meet my gaze directly.

I understood what she meant. After all, Owen Mercer and I managed to be together in college because she acted as a go-between. She was like a dedicated matchmaker, doing her utmost to bring us together.

I leaned over and pinched her cheek, feeling a surge of warmth in my heart.

In the middle of the night, I was suddenly awakened. After moving Julia's arm aside, I quietly made my way to the bathroom. As I passed through the living room, I saw Owen, who had been gone for a day.

He was sitting by the window, the cigarette in his hand glowing red in the darkness, and the smell of tobacco drifted over, making me cough lightly.

Upon hearing the sound, he quickly turned his head, extinguishing the cigarette in the ashtray in front of him.

"Did I wake you? I thought I was being quiet."

The guilt on his face didn't seem feigned, but I no longer had the passion from before.

"Just getting up to use the bathroom."

I replied lightly, as a form of response.

"I was too busy today, I forgot to call you."

"I know."

"You should sleep early. Goodnight."

I didn't reply to him, and went straight into the bathroom.

It seemed like we had become strangers, even our conversations felt somewhat unnecessary.

I was waiting for an explanation from him, hoping it would serve as a final closure for this relationship, but all I got was his habitual goodnight.

Oh well, there was nothing more to hope for in this relationship, all I wanted was a dignified ending.

In the days that followed, everything seemed as usual, with no news from Ethan Burke.

Owen would occasionally call, continuing to play his role as a good man. When he came home at night, he would bring lots of things I liked, but seeing Julia there, he would naturally go to rest in the guest room.

However, every day's breakfast would still be taken by Julia to feed the stray dogs downstairs. Seeing her enjoy this, I left her to it.

A few days later, seeing that there had been no news from Ethan for a long time, Julia left too.

Owen unusually informed me that he was discussing a cooperative project with others and needed to go out for a few days, and then he disappeared.

I responded with an "okay", thinking, finally couldn't hold it in, huh?

The days began to stretch unbearably, completely mismatched with the season. Finally, on the fourth night, I received a message from Ethan Burke.

Azurelake!

Azurelake, a park in the city, where Owen's law firm happened to be located.

The streetlights moved past as I drove, and only then did I notice my hands were sweaty.

Looking at the line of cars stuck at the red light, I wished time could stop there. However, the green light soon shattered my illusion.

The car quickly parked beside the lot near Azurelake, and Ethan was waiting for us under a nearby streetlight.

"Sister Chloe."

He approached but didn't dare make eye contact. The sadness in his expression was perfectly aligned with the autumn vibe.

The black screen of the phone showed no response from Julia.

"Let's go."

That word seemed to sap all my strength. After speaking, I let Ethan lead the way.

Following that familiar path, we soon went through the park's center. On the other end of the path was Owen's law firm.

6

The path was so short that before I was ready, I saw that familiar figure.

Beside the red SUV, Julia was throwing a fit, while Owen stood at the side.

A buzzing noise filled my mind!

Owen's face changed as he saw me standing by the road. He pushed Julia aside and was about to leave.

"How dare you hit me!"

Julia, supported by Ethan from behind, looked like an enraged lion. Noticing our arrival, she seemed more confident.

The crowd around us grew larger, and only then did I notice another woman inside Owen's car.

I inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief, feeling calmer than before, as if today's farce had nothing to do with me.

"Chloe..."

Owen walked up to me, but before he could finish speaking, Ethan, who dashed in, landed a punch on his face.

Blood flowed down his nose, ruining the gentle image Owen had always portrayed.

After he fell, Ethan straddled him, punching our visual senses relentlessly.

"Stop hitting him!"

The woman from the car stood next to us, and as she was about to approach, Julia slapped her.

"Shameless vixen! You dare covet my friend's man! I'm going to teach you a lesson today!"