Chapter 1

I waited ten whole years for Garrett. I waited until he finally completed his classified government research program and came home.

A decade ago, he made a solemn promise to marry me the moment he returned.

I gave him my youth, waiting from twenty-five to thirty-five, only to watch him come back and propose to my stepsister.

He told me coldly, "I have no interest in marrying a middle-aged woman. At your age, it is simply too late to do anything worthwhile."

Yet as long as you truly desire to achieve something, it is never too late.

Without looking back, I signed up for a top-secret thirty-year research project, one that severed all contact with the outside world.

When Garrett finally found out, his entire world came crashing down.

1.

On the television screen, Garrett stood before a swarm of reporters, holding a lavish bouquet of fresh flowers.

His face beamed with confidence, radiating success and charm.

"Today marks my official return, and I want to share a piece of wonderful news with everyone."

"One month from today, I will be marrying Nina Frost."

My phone slipped from my trembling fingers, crashing onto the hardwood floor with a loud clatter.

Nina gracefully stepped onto the stage, sliding her arm through Garrett's.

Flashbulbs erupted in a frenzy.

"My goodness! Garrett Cole is actually marrying the rising star Nina Frost!"

"What a dream couple! A brilliant scientist and a gorgeous celebrity, they are a match made in heaven!"

I stared at the screen in pure disbelief, my entire body shaking uncontrollably.

Garrett was my boyfriend.

Ten years ago, as I watched him depart for his classified research assignment, he held my hand tenderly and looked deeply into my eyes.

"Gemma, wait for me. In ten years, I'll come back and give you the grandest wedding anyone has ever seen."

I had waited from age twenty-five to thirty-five.

Now, he had returned in secret, only to announce his engagement to my younger stepsister right on national television.

The realization pierced through my chest like a jagged blade.

I could not comprehend it, nor could I accept it.

Without even putting on shoes, I threw the front door open and sprinted outside.

Even if he no longer loved me, Garrett owed me an explanation.

I had no idea how long I ran, my vision completely blurred by hot tears.

Finally, I caught sight of him in the plaza down the street.

He was still wearing that tailored suit, standing tall and devastatingly handsome at thirty-four.

Nina, dressed in an elegant silk dress, clung affectionately to his arm as they smiled together.

Over the past decade, I had buried myself in laboratory work, desperate to save every penny so we could build a comfortable life once he returned.

I had completely neglected my own appearance, leaving my thirty-five-year-old self looking exhausted and weathered.

Garrett was laughing at something Nina said, but the moment he raised his head, he froze.

His eyes locked onto mine.

It felt just like the way he used to gaze at me ten years ago, except the warmth and affection were completely gone.

My heart felt hollow, ripped straight from my chest.

"Gemma?"

Nina smiled brightly and pulled Garrett toward me.

Stopping in front of me, she glanced down at my bare feet.

"Why are you in such a rush, Gemma? You did not even put on shoes."

Only then did I realize my bare feet were scraped raw by gravel, throbbing with sharp pain.

"Garrett…"

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I stared at him.

After a decade of waiting, the very first look he gave me was utter detachment.

Garrett slightly furrowed his brows, looking at me as if I were a complete stranger.

"Hello. I am Nina's boyfriend."

A choked sob caught in my throat.

Boyfriend…

Nina was my stepsister, the daughter of my mother's partner.

We had grown up in separate households, and she had no clue Garrett was my partner.

Yet I never imagined Garrett would actually pretend he did not know me at all.

My heart shattered into pieces, leaving me speechless in front of them.