Chapter 1

I spent four years as Bridget's secret boyfriend.

When an unhinged fan charged at her with a hunting knife, I threw myself in front of her without a second thought.

I took multiple stab wounds, bleeding out on the pavement. Yet, she did not spare me a single glance.

Instead, she wrapped her arms around her young assistant, cooing softly.

"Do not look, Caleb. It will only scare you."

When I finally returned from the hospital, she blocked me right at the front door.

"Caleb is still traumatized and terrified of being alone, so I let him stay here."

"If he sees you, it will trigger bad memories."

"Go stay at a hotel for now. We can sign our marriage papers the day after tomorrow."

I gave her a quiet nod, turned around, and walked away.

I had pursued her for eight years and loved her for four.

This was the hundredth time she broke her promise to marry me.

I was done. We would never sign those papers.

1.

From inside the living room, Caleb whined loudly.

"Bridget, is the food delivery here? I am starving."

Bridget turned her head, her voice dripping with tenderness.

"No, sweetie. Stay inside. It is freezing out there."

My chest tightened painfully.

She knew how cold it was outside. Yet, she had left me standing in the freezing blizzard without hesitation.

"I already booked a hotel room for you," she said, her voice turning cold again. "Just go. Stop playing the weak victim."

"You were in the hospital for a whole week, and the doctor said you are recovering just fine."

Even though I had already decided to let her go, those words still felt like a needle stabbing into my heart.

Without a word, I turned my back on her and walked away.

The snow fell heavily, freezing me down to the bone.

My ride-hailing app showed zero drivers available in this remote suburb, leaving me with no choice but to walk.

The blizzard worsened, making every step heavier than the last.

I started to regret checking out of the hospital so soon. I should have stayed in that warm bed a little longer.

Suddenly, a black sedan pulled up beside me.

The window rolled down, revealing a familiar, beautiful face.

It was my college senior, Sierra Walsh.

"Jesse? What on earth are you doing out here? Get in the car!"

Sierra sounded frantic as she pushed the passenger door open for me.

Before I could thank her, Bridget's mocking voice echoed from behind.

"Here I was, feeling generous enough to bring you an umbrella, but it looks like you already found yourself a ride."

I looked back. Bridget stood a few yards away, holding two umbrellas with a sneer plastered across her face.

I gave her one last icy glance, climbed into the car, and slammed the door shut.

I had just survived a life-threatening injury. What good would a cheap umbrella do in a raging blizzard?

"Walking in this storm without a coat or an umbrella? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Sierra scolded me gently as she handed me a plush towel.

"Dry your hair before you catch pneumonia."