Five years ago, I gave my heart to someone who promised me forever.

Aaron Knight was not just the heir to a powerful company. With me, he was just Aaron. The man who stayed late to help me finish reports. The man who held my hand like I was something precious. I believed in us. I believed love could stand against anything.

But I was wrong.

One sudden goodbye, one cruel rumor, and everything we had collapsed without explanation.
I left with a broken heart and a promise to myself that I would never let anyone have that kind of power over me again.

Five years later, I have a quiet life. I have responsibilities. I have reasons to be strong. I do not think about the past anymore. Or at least, I try not to.

Until I walk into a meeting room and see him sitting across from me.

Aaron is different now. He looks more mature, more controlled, and there is a ring on his finger.
The air between us feels heavy, like unfinished words are hanging in it. He looks at me like I am a mystery he never solved. I look at him like he is a chapter I never got to close.

The worst part is not seeing him again. The worst part is realizing that my heart still reacts. But the past has sharp edges, and I remember how deeply it cut me before.

So when he starts stepping closer, when old feelings begin to rise, I have to ask myself ,
“Is love worth the risk a second time?”

I stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me, my chest burning with frustration I couldn't shake. I caught sight of myself in the mirror, the short, revealing gown clinging in all the wrong ways, and I felt a flash of anger that maybe, just maybe, it wasn't enough.


Why wasn't he even looking at me? Why did Aaron have to choose her, that bitch, over me? Over all the years I'd been in his life, waiting, hoping, and watching, and finally when we were on the contract marriage, I thought I had a chance; I thought I was making a move.


Chapter 61 - 61