Chapter 1

On our third anniversary, my boyfriend Daniel Garrison bought the pink diamond necklace I'd been dreaming of.

I happily set up a candlelit dinner, waiting for him, only to see his rumor blow up on the trending list.

On the live stream, Daniel solemnly fastened the necklace around Anaiah House's neck.

"For my most precious sister," Daniel announced.

But I could clearly see the love hidden in his eyes.

All the excuses I had made for his coldness over the past three years felt utterly laughable now.

Nothing dramatic happened. I picked up my phone and calmly called Alex Heath, my senior. "I've changed my mind. I accept your invitation."

Alex sounded as calm as always. "Great, the team's glad to have you on board. This wood carving research trip will take a while. Have you gotten everything sorted on your end?"

I stared out at the city lights, my voice dry. "Yeah, I'm all set."

There was a brief pause before Alex asked crisply, "When can you leave?"

"Three days later."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, that's okay." I paused for a moment. "Thanks, Alex."

Alex chuckled. "Come on, you are welcome. Safe travels, Emelia."

After the call ended, my screen was flooded with notifications about Daniel and Anaiah, popping up one after another.

The comment section was exploding, everyone full of envy.

[Daniel is seriously spoiling her. He gifted a pink diamond necklace like it's no big deal.]

[Where do I sign up for a brother like him?]

[His future girlfriend is going to be so lucky. I'm jealous already.]

[Not gonna lie, I kinda wanna ship them now.]

Every word was painful to read.

I received an email from Alex with the contract. But when I opened it, I accidentally clicked on a video instead.

In the video, Daniel was gently messing with Anaiah's hair. "My Anaiah is shy, so don't tease her."

My Anaiah?

So, he could use that possessive and doting tone for someone else. No, not just anyone, his precious sister.

She meant so much to him that he bought the necklace I adored, only to slip it onto her neck without a second thought.

She was so precious to him that he willingly stepped into the spotlight to let the whole world know she was his favorite.

But when it came to me, all I got was a casual "good friend," as if it meant nothing at all.

My lips curled into a bitter smile, but my heart ached with every beat.

Earlier that day, when Daniel bought the pink diamond necklace, which blew up online, I was caught up in the media buzz, but my heart was overflowing with sweetness.

Now, that sweetness felt like a dagger right in my chest.

The dinner was stone cold, the wax had hardened, and his favorite cedar scent of the candle was still filling the room.

The scent that used to calm me now made me feel sick.

I got up, blew out the candle without a second thought, and tossed the cold dinner right into the trash.

After I tossed everything away, the doorbell suddenly rang.

I peeked through the peephole and saw Daniel's agent, Jack, outside, arms full of roses and a gift box. "Ms. Bell, Daniel's busy tonight, so he specially asked me to deliver your anniversary gift."

I pressed myself against the door, saying nothing.

So, he did remember after all.

But next to his precious sister, I didn't matter at all.

Standing outside, Jack rang the doorbell again before finally leaving.

I slowly slid down to the floor, my back pressed against the door, and the tears I'd been holding back all day finally spilled out.

The lights outside flickered, and the home I'd poured my heart into felt strangely empty and lonely in their shifting glow.

I sat motionless in the dark.

Outside, the sound of the keypad lock and some muffled voices reached my ears.