Chapter 1

1.

The moment I landed at JFK, a ground staff member told me there was a problem with my checked luggage.

It was an extremely expensive, custom-made cello case, so I had no choice but to go with them.

But they didn't take me to baggage claim. Instead, I was led to a private lounge at the end of the terminal. The second the door opened, I saw that the entire room was filled with red roses.

Gavin was kneeling on one knee in the center of the flowers, holding a diamond ring. His eyes were full of love.

The whole Garrison family was there―Gavin's father, his sister, and a few friends―each holding a glass of champagne, chanting, "Say yes! Say yes!"

They all expected me to burst into tears of joy and leap into his arms like I used to.

After all, I was once willing to lose myself completely just to win Gavin's heart.

For five whole years, I revolved around him like a fool.

But they all seemed to have forgotten.

Three years ago, during the final evaluation for chief resident, Gavin stood before the ethics committee and accused me of plagiarizing Serena's paper.

Then, he reported me to the state medical board for being drunk on duty, claiming I caused a patient's death.

I lost everything. My license. My reputation. My entire career was destroyed.

No hospital would hire me.

I was even attacked in the hospital parking lot by the patient's furious family, who beat me until I was black and blue.

With no options left, I had to flee the United States and start over in Europe.

But now, Gavin's father, Arthur, was telling me with a kind face:

"Lexi, after you left, Gavin spent his entire trust fund to settle that malpractice lawsuit for you. He's been waiting for you. All these years, he's spent countless sleepless nights staring at your picture, drinking himself into a stupor."

I didn't say a word. I just gave a cold glance at the marriage certificate tucked away in my purse.