Chapter 1

I had just finished the wedding with Samuel Grant when he stepped out to make a phone call and died in a car accident.

I couldn't accept that Samuel was gone and fell into depression, going into therapy for three years.

And then one day, in the therapist's office, I saw a face identical to my boyfriend's. I panicked, demanding an explanation.

Samuel calmly told me that his first love suffered from depression and memory loss, that he had already married me and given me a wedding. Meanwhile, his first love had nothing except his concern.

Thus, he had no choice but to fake his death.

I stared at him, absolutely stunned.

Well, if this was what he wanted, then I would grant his wish.

*****

A man who looked exactly like my boyfriend, Samuel Grant, was sitting at the therapist's office.

When he saw me, his eyes widened in disbelief.

I shook my head desperately, thinking my depression was making me see things. I rubbed my eyes hard.

The man had the same face as Samuel's.

I remained chaste since Samuel died for a decade. I'd know his face anywhere.

I backed away, terrified.

I saw Samuel being wheeled into the crematorium.

At the funeral, his father sobbed so hard he almost passed out.

I was freaking out. My heart was racing, and I was gasping for air.

I blurted out to Logan Shaw, my therapist, panic rising in my chest. "Dr. Shaw, doesn't he look just like my dead husband?"

The moment he heard me, the man turned and started to walk away.

Before I even realized it, I reached out and caught the man by the sleeve.

My voice trembled with disbelief as I called out, "Samuel?"

To my shock, he turned to face me with a guilty look on his face. It was the same look Samuel always gave me whenever he pissed me off.

He looked just like Samuel.

My head was spinning. My nose tingled and my throat tightened up, like I was about to cry.

"Samuel? Is it really you? You're not dead?" I blurted out.

He froze, not denying it.

I was both bitter and thrilled. Joy overwhelmed the sorrow inside me.

Before I knew it, I threw myself into the arms of the man who'd disappeared from my life for three years.

For three years after Samuel died, I never got a full night's sleep. I was constantly jolted awake by nightmares.

I kept dreaming of Samuel dying, again and again. Every time, he'd leave me all over again.

Each time I woke up from those nightmares, I'd wish that I could see Samuel beside me, fast asleep. That would be wonderful.

Right now, it felt like I'd just stepped into a beautiful dream.

I thought Samuel must've had his own reasons for pretending to die and leaving me.

I made up my mind right then and there that as long as he could give me an explanation, his lie wouldn't matter. I'd still keep loving him and be there for him, just like I always had.

But suddenly, a woman strutted in, high heels clicking, rocking a body-hugging dress and moving with effortless grace.

When I looked up and saw her familiar face, it was like getting slapped by reality.

It was Melody Olsen, Samuel's high school crush.

Back then, I was the one who helped Samuel court her.

"Samuel, grab the meds and let's go," Melody said.

Her affection tone left me bewildered.

When Melody saw me hugging Samuel, she stormed over and shoved me aside hard.

I was forced to let go of Samuel and stumbled back.

Melody clung to Samuel's arm, her eyes wide and pitiful, looking every bit the innocent frail woman. "Samuel, who is this crazy woman? Why won't she let you leave? Why did she hug you? She's scaring me. Can we leave?"

Samuel stroked Melody's hair with a tenderness that made my heart ache, his voice gentle as a whisper. "Okay, let's leave."

I was puzzled. Did Melody not recognize me? Moreover, Samuel and Melody acted like they had been a couple for a long time, affectionate and loving.

My voice trembled as I shouted, "Samuel, don't you owe me an explanation? And what about her?" I pointed at Melody.

Melody was caked in over-the-top influencer makeup. She was nothing like the sweet, quiet, and polite girl I remembered from high school, back when she never even wore makeup.

Now, her face was all snark and attitude, the bitchiness practically oozing out no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

She wore an outfit that showed off every curve, with cleavage she'd practically forced out. She was all glammed up, but still came off cheap.

Samuel wasn't about to give me any answers. He just took Melody by the hand and walked right out, not even looking back.

No way was I letting this man, who I thought was dead for three years, just walk out of my life again.

I grabbed Samuel's other arm, refusing to let go. I wanted him to explain what was happening.

After all, Samuel and I were in love.

However, Samuel just watched as Melody shoved me to the ground, acting like I was not even a stranger to him.

I felt wronged.

It stung that we never got our marriage license. And the way Samuel had lied to me only made it worse.

Now, looking back, clinging to the idea that Samuel and I were in love for ten years just felt like a joke.

I slumped down onto the cold floor.

I didn't know how long I sat there crying before I finally wiped my tears, steadied myself, and called the one person I always reached out to.