Chapter 1

When my fiancé was about to deploy to an overseas combat zone, I broke off our engagement, telling him I couldn't handle the hardship.

Five years later, we reunited at a wedding in D.C.

He was the most sought-after man in the room—handsome, untouchable, and surrounded by the daughters of political elites.

I, on the other hand, was destitute. Heavy, wide-leg trousers hid my ill-fitting prosthetic leg. Every step was a grinding struggle. The men in the room steered clear of me.

Someone spotted me and sneered.

"Look, Callum! Is this the woman you risked your life for? Look how pathetic she is now. Aren't you glad she dumped you?"

Callum gave me a fleeting, indifferent glance. His voice was bone-chilling.

"I didn't expect her to end up like this, either."

"To think I almost blew up my life for her. What a waste."

Laughter erupted around us.

"Hear that, Evelyn? You didn't actually think you could crawl back to him, did you?"

I ignored their mockery. I simply pulled a gift from my bag, handed it to the newlyweds, and turned back to the crowd with a polite smile.

"You're overthinking it," I said. "I don't pick up trash I've already thrown out."

As soon as the words left my mouth, Callum’s grip on his champagne flute tightened.

I didn't look at him. I didn't want a confrontation.

Everyone here was wealthy or powerful. I couldn't afford any more trouble.

The groom, Benjamin, stepped in, his expression darkening.

"That's enough," he said, his voice dropping. "It's my wedding. Drop it."

He didn't raise his voice, but it carried enough weight to silence the room.

The crowd lost interest in mocking me and quickly changed the subject.

"I heard Colonel Waverly brought a stunner back from his deployment."

"Way out of Evelyn's league. That's his real fiancée, right?"

"Have they set a date?"

I couldn't help but look up at Callum.

He was already staring at me. His dark eyes were heavy with a sharp, brooding intensity.

"You'll know in a few days," he said.

My bony fingers curled, gripping the heavy fabric of my trousers.

Outside the window, the wedding band started playing. Benjamin excused himself to go greet his bride.

I gripped the back of my chair, forced myself to stand, and dragged my heavy steps toward the exit.

Behind me, the whispers started again.

"Look at her. She can't even walk straight."

"Must be eating her alive. If she hadn't dumped Callum, she'd be a Waverly right now, instead of slinging sandwiches from a food cart."

Callum scoffed.

"She made her bed. She doesn't get to regret it."

It felt like a blade was slowly twisting in my chest.

I tilted my head up, blinking back the heat stinging my eyes, and kept walking.

Outside the ceremony area, Amelia was walking through the floral archway on her father's arm, heading toward Benjamin.

After exchanging vows, Benjamin led her into the banquet hall for their first dance.

I watched them in a daze.

My hand dropped to my heavy trousers, feeling the outline of the old prosthetic leg through the fabric—the very thing barely keeping me upright.

I smiled bitterly.

I would probably never have a moment like that in this lifetime.

If my parents hadn't died in that ambush five years ago.

If I hadn't lost my right leg trying to shield my sister, Lily.

Maybe Callum and I really would have had a future.

But now, it was impossible.

After the ceremony, I went to say goodbye to Benjamin.

I raised a glass of sparkling water. "Wishing you and Amelia a lifetime of happiness."

A flash of guilt crossed Benjamin's eyes.

"Callum and I don't really run in the same circles anymore. I had no idea he was going to show up today. I'm sorry you had to endure that."

He paused. "They don't know what you've been through. Don't take their words to heart."

I offered a calm smile. "I won't. When you're busy just trying to survive every day, you don't have time to be heartbroken."

Benjamin sighed.

"You've had a rough few years. Amelia and I can see that."

He led me out to a quiet side corridor before pulling a check and a small jewelry box from his suit jacket.

"This is just between us," he said. "You brought us a gift; this is ours to you. Please. It'll give you and Lily some breathing room."

I knew that check was for at least ten thousand dollars.

But I only reached for the delicate box of lemon cake resting on the corner table.

"If I have to take something, I'll take this," I said. "Lily loves sweets."

Benjamin froze, the pity in his eyes deepening.

"Your sister's chronic lung infection has dragged on for years. The meds, the specialists, the out-of-pocket costs... she's suffering."

"But you're suffering more. You lost a leg, and you're carrying both of you."

He lowered his voice.

"I heard Dr. Grant—the specialist from Appalachia—is in D.C. right now. Callum has the pull. Maybe..."

The light in my eyes dimmed, though my smile remained.

"No need."

"I could never repay what he gave me five years ago. I'm not going to beg him now."

"I'll figure it out for Lily. Thank you, Benjamin."