Chapter 1

Chapter 1

A sudden tragic fire took both my life and that of my husband, Caleb Moore.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the exact day we signed our marriage license.

In our past life, everyone saw us as the picture-perfect couple. Yet, he refused to touch me or share a bed with me for our entire marriage.

It was only on my deathbed that I learned the truth. I was merely a stand-in for his first love, and he had made a silent vow to keep himself pure for her memory.

After waking up in the past, neither of us mentioned our previous life. That very afternoon, we walked into the courthouse with unspoken agreement and finalized our divorce. We went our separate ways.

Eight years later, at an exclusive business gala, Caleb walked in with his arm around his childhood sweetheart. He was now the city's newest, most celebrated tech tycoon.

Noticing my understated outfit, he strolled over with a glass of red wine, his voice dripping with condescension.

"Audrey, even if you still can't get over me, there's no need to dress like hotel staff just to catch my attention. Are you hoping for a second chance?"

I didn't say a word. I simply smiled and waved toward the foyer.

A little boy came stumbling over, grabbing the hem of my coat.

"Mommy, Daddy says he's tired of waiting. When are you coming home with us?"

The arrogant smirk on Caleb's face instantly froze, and the wine glass in his hand nearly slipped from his grip.

1.

I had just wrapped up a major project late that evening when my husband, Gavin, called to tell me to meet him at the hotel. He said he had a surprise for me.

I hurried over to my family's luxury hotel, only to discover an elite industry summit taking place in the grand ballroom.

Under the sparkling chandeliers, a glamorous crowd mingled. In the center of it all, I immediately spotted Caleb, the ex-husband I hadn't seen in eight years.

Beside him stood Fiona Price, radiant and clinging to his arm as they chatted with the wealthy guests.

A middle-aged executive raised his glass toward Caleb with a broad smile.

"Mr. Moore is truly riding high these days. Your new corporate headquarters just opened, and investors are fighting over your projects."

"On top of that, this hotel is notoriously difficult to book, yet you managed to secure the ballroom for tonight's summit. You're truly an inspiration to us all!"

Caleb gave a modest nod, his tone smooth and polished.

"You flatter me, Mr. Miller. If you hadn't given me a chance back then, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Nonsense, we'll be looking to you for guidance soon enough."

Another guest chimed in with a grin.

"By the way, I heard wedding bells are ringing for you and Ms. Price?"

Caleb glanced at Fiona, a genuine warmth lighting up his gaze.

"The wedding is on the tenth of next month. You all must come."

The guests showered them with congratulations, but one tactless man suddenly spoke up.

"I heard you were married once before, Mr. Moore. Will you be inviting your ex-wife for a celebratory drink?"

Caleb's smile vanished instantly, and his tone turned icy.

"There is no reason for her and me to ever cross paths again."

The guest refused to let it go.

"Really? I heard you two were deeply in love back then, and she even drained her savings to throw you a dream wedding."

Fiona stepped forward gracefully, placing a hand on Caleb's chest as she spoke in a sweet, gentle tone.

"That's all in the past now. Caleb and I were each other's first loves. That previous marriage was just an unfortunate misunderstanding."

The surrounding crowd nodded in agreement, smoothly changing the subject.

I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching them. A memory flashed into my mind of the sunny afternoon we signed our marriage license.

He had stared at the certificate for a long time, then looked down at me with teary eyes, saying he was finally glad to have me.

Back then, I thought those were tears of pure joy. Only later did I realize that single tear held his longing for another woman.

Just as I turned around to leave, Caleb's gaze swept across the room and locked onto me.

"Audrey?"