Chapter 1

Vivian Shaw and I were each other's bane for years.

The moment the car crash struck, we locked eyes, exchanging one final, venomous wish: that we should never, ever cross paths in another life.

She resented me for using our marriage as a trap, an anchor that cost her the chance to pursue her studies as a jewelry designer.

I despised her for perpetually pining for her first love, a devotion so complete she refused to give me a child.

Consumed by this mutual hatred, we returned to the past.

We spotted each other in the crowd, exchanged a single, knowing look, and, without a moment of hesitation, turned our backs and walked away from one another.

Our next meeting came eight years later at a charity gala.

Glamorously dressed, Vivian instantly spotted the disheveled me across the room.

*****

I'd just finished charity work at a remote school. With no time to spare, I walked straight into the hall in my grimy clothes.

Vivian, dressed in a glamorous evening gown, stood by an exquisite display in the center of the hall. Next to her, Eric Scott enthusiastically introduced the displayed jewelry to everyone in earshot.

The jewelry glimmered under the lights, catching envious stares from everywhere. Guests couldn't help but gush about Vivian's incredible talent as a jewelry designer.

"Vivian, you're incredible! You went to Iugrea for just a few years and already made a name for yourself as a world-class jewelry designer. Seriously, our chamber of commerce is insanely proud to have you as a member."

"No kidding. Those billionaires and aristocrats go crazy over your work. Your pieces are so expensive that I could work my whole life and still never afford one."

"Vivian, I've always been interested in jewelry design. Since we're friends, how about giving me a few pointers? Maybe let me tag along and learn from you sometime?"

From somewhere in the crowd, a fashionable woman piped up curiously, "Vivian, will we be hearing good news from you and Eric soon?"

Vivian's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. She glanced shyly at Eric and gave a gentle nod. "Yeah, we're getting engaged next week."

The whole hall burst into a wave of cheers and applause.

Just then, a well-dressed acquaintance spoke up, as though he seemed to recall something suddenly. "Vivian, do you still keep in touch with Henry? I remember when you two first met, your debut jewelry set was inspired by him!"

The mention of my name made Vivian's blissful smile freeze in place, and so did the sparkle in her eyes disappear.

Maintaining his gentle smile, Eric replied, "Oh, come on, Vivian and I are about to tie the knot. Besides, puppy love never lasts. She got over Henry ages ago."

The crowd broke into laughter, and in no time, everyone was singing their praises, saying Vivian and Eric were the perfect couple and that they were practically a match made in heaven.

Only I knew the truth—Vivian poured her heart into that jewelry set for me, back when we were deeply in love. Every tiny detail held her profound feelings for me.

In our previous lives, we first met at a business event hosted by the chamber of commerce. We clicked instantly, drawn to each other's spark.

Vivian once gripped my hand, stared deep into my eyes, and said, "Henry, look at me. I truly admire you. Eyes don't lie, you know?"

I was so hopelessly happy, trusting every word she said without a doubt.

Yet, she walked away from everything we once had.

I stepped into the hall calmly, and someone spotted me right away.

"Henry! What took you so long?"

"Why did you show up looking like that? This is a high-end charity gala. Couldn't you at least put on something more formal? Guess you really don't care how you come across."

"Let me guess, you rushed over from some remote place? Where are you working these days, anyway? Seems like a tough job. Say, there are plenty of big shots in our chamber of commerce. Why not let them help you land a cushy, respectable job?"

Eyeing my plain, slightly shabby clothes, people whispered among themselves, their words dripping with mockery.

I just smiled, minding my manners.

From the moment I stepped into the hall, Vivian's eyes never left me.

I greeted her politely. "Long time no see."

Vivian stiffened. A flicker of complicated emotions flashed in her eyes, then she sneered, "Henry Cole, you're still the same after all these years—unambitious and useless as ever."

With a face full of contempt, Eric shot me a sideways glance.

Purposely tightening his grip around Vivian's waist, he said smugly, "Vivian, don't be so harsh on an old friend. We have to be empathic. He's barely scraping by.

"But Henry, come on, you've got to be mindful of your image. You're not a kid anymore. Appearances matter these days. Who'd ever take you seriously when you're dressed like that? Seriously, at this rate, you might never get a girlfriend!"

His words got the whole crowd laughing even louder.

Eric, decked out in a tailored designer suit with a polished tie clip and a luxury watch gleaming under the lights, had that unmistakable aura of a high-flyer.

In contrast, I'd just rushed over from a school in a rural area. Without proper rest for almost twenty-four hours, I looked haggard, and I felt completely out of place among all this glitz and glamour.

Moreover, I wore whatever felt comfortable—a casual outfit bought from some nameless street shop. Compared to Eric, I really did look downright pitiful.

"No thanks. I have no need for that right now," I answered calmly.

With that, I found a seat and quietly started on my meal.

I hadn't had a proper bite all day after that long charity talk, so all I wanted was some dessert to recharge.