Chapter 2

Emily's tears fell before she realized it. Her gaze on the computer screen grew so blurry that it was hard to see anything, but that dull ache in her chest made every breath feel suffocating.

It took a long time before Emily managed to pull herself together. She reached for her phone and dialed a number.

"Ms. Summers, are you sure you want to proceed with the identity cancellation service? We'll wipe out every trace of Emily Summers from the world within two weeks and provide you with a brand new identity," the voice on the other end said.

"Yes," Emily replied, her voice steady but hollow.

"Alright. In two weeks, Emily Summers will cease to exist," the voice confirmed.

Using her brand new identity, Emily submitted her application to study overseas, hoping she could leave everything behind.

The instant she hit send, she collapsed back into her chair, feeling like every ounce of energy had drained from her body.

Her phone rang on the desk, breaking the silence. When Emily glanced at the screen, she saw it was Ryan calling.

"Emily, I've made dinner reservations for us tonight. The driver will come pick you up in a little while," Ryan said.

Ryan's voice on the other end was gentle as ever, filled with his usual warmth and affection.

Emily sensed that something was off as soon as she stepped into the restaurant.

Bright lights illuminated every corner, with romantic and elegant decorations all around. Soft piano music floated in the background, wrapping the space in a cozy, dreamy warmth.

Ryan, surrounded by the crowd, slowly made his way toward her.

He was dressed in a sharp, custom-made suit, a gentle smile on his face. Right in front of her, he went down on one knee and pulled out a sparkling diamond ring as if he were performing a magic trick.

Emily's heart seized. She froze, overwhelmed by the abrupt shock.

Ryan held her gaze, looking at her with unwavering sincerity. Then, he asked, "Emily, will you marry me?"

Emily stared back at Ryan in utter disbelief, her mind blank, unable to process what was happening.

Ryan's eyes blazed with honest emotion, not looking away for a second as he repeated, "Emily, marry me!"

Tears streamed down Emily's face as her eyes reddened. She lowered her gaze and looked at him.

She asked, word by word, "Ryan, can you swear that you'll never lie to me again?"

"I can," Ryan answered instantly.

His response came immediately as if there was never a question in his mind.

His quick, unhesitating reply made Emily's heart pound in her head.

Emily looked at Ryan, confused and torn. Three years together, with every sweet moment and every memory, clashed painfully against the undeniable fact that he had lied to her. She was so lost that she didn't know what she was supposed to feel anymore.

For one reckless heartbeat, she almost wished she could give Ryan another chance.

As she was about to speak, Ryan's assistant came rushing over, looking worried.

"Mr. Carter, we got news from the hospital that Ms. Grant had woken up," the assistant blurted out.

"What? I'm going now," Ryan said, springing up from his seat.

He handed the ring to a nearby waiter without a second thought, never looked at Emily, and walked straight for the door.

Her lips barely managed a weak, bitter smile. A sour ache flooded her chest, leaving her mind clouded and unfocused.

Her legs felt like jelly, and before she knew it, she staggered back a few steps, as if floating on air.

There were stairs right behind her. Her foot slipped, and she went crashing backward.

As she crashed down the steps, gasps and shouts exploded throughout the restaurant.

"Ms. Summers, are you okay?" Someone rushed over and shouted.

"Oh my god! There's so much blood. Somebody, call an ambulance!" another person screamed.

Emily could only feel hot, sticky blood pouring down the back of her head. In the split second before her consciousness faded, all she could see was Ryan walking away, leaving her behind without a single glance.

So this was how it ended. My heart broke for good.

As she shut her eyes, a single shining tear slipped down her cheek and fell onto the crimson-soaked floor beneath her.