Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Sir, about that research project at the overseas base... I want in. Sign me up."

On the other end of the line, my supervisor sounded completely blindsided.

"You've turned this down a dozen times, Cassie. You always said you couldn't bear to leave Jesper Sterling. Why the sudden change of heart?"

I lowered my red-rimmed eyes and forced a small, hollow laugh. "I hit a dead end. I've finally realized it's time to turn around."

My supervisor sighed, his voice turning heavy and serious.

"This is a classified mission. You'll be working under a completely new identity, and you won't be allowed to contact the outside world until it's over. Are you absolutely sure?"

"Yes," I whispered. "I just want to get away from here as fast as possible."

The line went quiet for a beat before he finally responded. "Fine. I'll email the non-disclosure agreement. The paperwork takes a month. Use this time to say your goodbyes."

The moment the call ended, a notification popped up in my inbox.

I read through every single clause before signing my name on the digital NDA and hitting "confirm."

Meanwhile, the TV was broadcasting a rerun of the Sterling Group's latest gala.

Jesper Sterling looked sharp in a tailored white suit as he led Alaina Moore down the runway.

A week ago, the CEO of Sterling Group had debuted a one-of-a-kind gown made from the world's rarest silk.

He had named the dress "Alaina." It was a public declaration to the world that he would love her forever.

The camera zoomed in on their faces. They looked perfect together, radiating an effortless intimacy.

I stared at them and felt a bitter smile tugging at my lips. They really did suit each other. It just made me look like a pathetic joke.

Half an hour later, I heard footsteps at the door.

I sat alone on the dark sofa, but I didn't get up to greet him like I usually did. I just sat there as the blinding overhead lights flickered on.

Jesper changed his shoes and walked into the living room. It took him a moment to notice me curled up on the couch.

"Still up?" he asked, barely glancing my way.

"The show was too good. I lost track of time." My voice was flat. I kept my eyes glued to the TV.

"Since when do you watch variety shows?" Jesper paused, finally glancing at the screen.

He walked over and swapped my glass of cold water for a warm one. He took my hand in his.

"Your cycle is coming up. You shouldn't drink cold things right now."

He moved past the topic of the gala as if it were nothing. I froze, my chest tightening with a sudden, sharp ache.

"Fine," I choked out.

I kept drinking the water to avoid his gaze. Jesper noticed my strange behavior, but he only patted my head gently.

"Go up and rest if you're tired," he said softly.

The heat from his fingertips made me daze. By the time I snapped out of it, he had already draped his coat over a chair and disappeared into the bathroom.

The massive living room felt empty again.

"Congratulations to Mr. Sterling and Miss Moore..." the TV announcer continued.

Jesper had seen the broadcast. He knew I cared, yet he hadn't offered a single word of explanation.

It wasn't that he didn't understand. He just didn't care enough to deal with my emotions.

The sound of the shower started, and I felt my composure slipping.

I couldn't help but think about how Jesper and I started.