Chapter 1

They say when danger strikes, your gut reaction never lies. When the chandelier came crashing down, Harrison Sterling shielded Lulu Monroe without a heartbeat's hesitation. That was the moment I realized our five years together was nothing but a bad joke.

I broke up with him on the spot and moved out of our apartment. His friends all placed bets on how long I'd last before crawling back. Harrison just smirked and said, "Give her a week, tops."

Later, when we crossed paths at a high-end gala, I acted like he was a total stranger. It's better that we both move on and stay out of each other's lives. But the second my dance partner's hand touched my waist, Harrison was there, trying to mark his territory.

"Excuse me, she's my girlfriend," he snapped. I just laughed in his face. "I'm sorry, who are you again?"

1. The moment the chandelier fell, I saw Harrison Sterling pull Lulu Monroe into his arms. I couldn't dodge in time. My ankle twisted, and I collapsed onto the floor in a heap.

A nearby server kindly asked if I was okay. I looked at my reddening ankle, then at Harrison, who was whispering sweet comforts to Lulu. I couldn't help but scoff inwardly. Five years of devotion, and it was all a farce.

The pain in my ankle kept me from moving, but the ache deep in my heart was far worse. "Harrison, let's break up," I said.

The perfect couple finally seemed to remember I existed. Lulu shyly pushed Harrison away and tried to explain herself. "Elara, please don't misunderstand. It was just Harrison's instinct to protect me…"

Harrison… Hah! I ignored her and repeated myself firmly. "Let's break up."

Harrison frowned, looking like he couldn't believe I was making a scene. He spoke coldly. "Fine. If you're going to be this unreasonable, there's nothing I can do."

As I left, I overheard him talking to his friends. "How long do you think she'll hold out this time?" they asked. Harrison's confident voice drifted toward me. "A week, tops."

It had been a month since I moved out of the apartment. Two weeks ago, Lulu called me. "Elara, stop fighting with Harrison. It's all my fault."

I let out a cold laugh. "You're not at fault. He and I just weren't a good match."

She wouldn't let it go. "Stop being angry. Just make up with him already. Don't do this because of me―"

"Are you deaf? I told you, it's not because of you!" I snapped. As soon as the words left my mouth, Harrison's voice cut in.

"Elara Vance, how can you talk to Lulu like that?" Lulu's voice sounded weak and aggrieved in the background. "Harrison, don't be mad at Elara… I'm fine…"

I took a deep breath, realizing this whole phone call was a staged performance. "Elara, you are being completely irrational," Harrison said before hanging up.

I stared at my phone screen in a daze. Why did I ever love this man? We met five years ago at a violin recital.

Back then, he was a perfect gentleman, like a prince stepping out of a dream. I was like a moth drawn to a flame, diving headfirst into the fantasy Harrison built for me. At every concert after that, I played my heart out on stage, and he was always my most loyal listener.

"Harrison, what do you love most about me?" I once asked. He told me, "I cherish everything about you. Your music makes me feel like I'm in a dream."

I used to stroke my favorite violin, believing I had found my soulmate. But everything started to change last winter. An intern named Lulu Monroe joined Harrison's company.

At first, Harrison complained to me more than once about how clumsy and ignorant she was. He said she messed up every single task. I was the one who told him to be patient and give the girl a chance.

After she blew a major deal, Harrison finally lost his temper and decided to fire her. It was snowing that day, and our doorbell wouldn't stop ringing. I woke up and opened the door to see a face pale from the cold.

Lulu begged me, "Please, don't let Mr. Sterling fire me! I can't lose this job!" I looked at her, feeling awkward, and told her to come inside to warm up. After all, I didn't interfere with Harrison's business.

Lulu wouldn't budge. She crouched by the door, crying silently, and insisted on waiting for Harrison to come home. I hurried to call him.

Within ten minutes, Harrison rushed back, looking frantic. "Lulu, what are you doing?"

Seeing him, Lulu looked up with a pale, tear-stained face. "Mr. Sterling, please don't fire me. I'll do better!" As she spoke, her frail body collapsed into Harrison's arms.

As she fainted, I heard Harrison's voice crack with panic. "Lulu!"