“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
I knew in that moment–I have fallen in love with him.
But I was inexperienced, unsure of what to do next. So I just stood there, stiff, and muttered, “Thanks. I’m fine.” Then I ran home, my face burning. People thought it was from the exertion. Only I knew the truth.
After that, I started paying attention to him–discreetly, from a distance.
I learned he had a close female friend. They never crossed any lines, never acted like a couple. They even insisted they weren’t dating.
Back then, I didn’t understand. That some people, even when in love, don’t show it. That love, unspoken, can run just as deep.
All I knew was that I liked him. Desperately.
Even the smallest encounters–passing by each other in the hallway—became moments I replayed endlessly in my mind.
But I also knew the reality of my family’s status. Marriage, for me, was a matter of alliances.
Then, fate handed me a miracle.
Chapter 5
Oliver was my arranged fiancé.
+15 Bonus
My parents were pleased with him. They talked to him more than they ever talked to me, discussing business, future plans. Even
later, when I had begged them for a divorce, they refused.
“He’s capable,” they told me. “Even in the apocalypse, he’ll survive. Do you know how many people would kill to marry him? You
should be grateful. At least he’s kept you alive. Stop causing trouble. We don’t have time for your nonsense.”
I knew Oliver was powerful. Respected. My parents relied on him to expand their influence. Without his consent, a divorce was
nearly impossible. No one would support me.
I endured him for years–until the day he deliberately destroyed my research. I was moments away from completing my report
when he threw it aside during an escape. It fell into the dirt, smeared with mud and blood, unreadable.
That was the breaking point.
I held a knife to my own throat.
“Divorce me,” I told him.
The past was too cruel to forget. Anyone who lived through it would be haunted forever.
Now, with this second chance at life, how could I not hate him? How could I not hate my parents?
But right now, I had unfinished business with them.
I turned to Ace and gave him my number, flashing a playful wink. “I’ve got something to take care of. Think you’ll still have time
to show me around later?”
He saved my contact with a small smile. Then, like a knight, he took my hand and kissed the back of it.
“For you? Always.”
I left him behind and made my way to my parents‘ safe house. I didn’t spare Oliver so much as a glance.
