Chapter 1

Dustin Hart, a scion of Captorn's upper crust, finally recovered after being in paralysis for three years. To celebrate, his friends hosted a party at a private club.

At the entrance, Melanie Wright stood with a carefully chosen gift in her hands. Just as she reached for the door, she overheard him and his friends talking inside.

"Dustin, Melanie's been incredible to you. Without her, you wouldn't have recovered this well."

"Exactly," another friend agreed. "She gave you massages every day and stayed by your side through therapy. She could hardly sleep at night, fearing you might have a breakdown. You owe her for life."

"Yeah, she's great." Dustin's gentle baritone drifted across the room.

Melanie's fingers trembled as warmth stirred in her chest.

"So, when are you going to marry her?" someone suddenly asked.

Silence fell over the room.

Her hand froze midair, her heart pounding. She held her breath, as if she were waiting for a final judgment.

At last, Dustin's calm voice broke the silence. "I only see her as my sister."

"Sister?" His friend's voice rose an octave. "But she took care of you for three years!

"Dustin, don't tell me you're still hung up on Jane. When you got in the accident back then, she left without a word of concern and only returned now that you've recovered. You can't possibly have feelings for her, can you?"

Dustin remained silent.

Outside the door, Melanie's chest tightened. His silence had already made it very clear.

She had thought that spending three years with him would earn his love, but it turned out that his heart had always belonged to the woman who abandoned him.

Three years ago, Dustin was still the hottest catch, way out of everyone else's league.

He graduated from a prestigious university, was the heir to his family business, skilled in both skiing and equitourism, and with such striking looks—he was everything every man wanted to be.

Melanie, however, was only a poor student sponsored by the Hart family.

She first saw him at a school award ceremony. He stood tall and aloof on the stage, like an untouchable deity. She sat in the last row, not even daring to clap too loudly with the financial aid envelope in her hands.

Back then, Jane Sawyer was with him. She was the campus belle who matched him in terms of family background and looks.

Everyone said they were a match made in heaven—until that car accident happened.

Dustin's spine was damaged, and the doctor announced he might never walk again. Jane didn't even visit him—she vanished after sending him a breakup text.

The Hart family's once-adored heir fell from grace overnight. He became aggressive, depressed, and even attempted suicide. His parents wept but couldn't do anything.

That was when Melanie appeared.

Crouching before his wheelchair, she whispered, "Dustin, everything will be fine. I'll stay with you."

From then on, she learned massage techniques and slept only two hours a night for fear that he might let his suicidal thoughts get the better of him. When he smashed a stool against his legs in despair, she threw herself in the way and took the blow.

Years passed, but she never left. Eventually, she became the most important person in his life. He could only sleep when she was with him.

Now that Dustin had recovered, everyone assumed he would marry Melanie. Even she herself had allowed that hope to take root.

But now, she knew better.

He was healed, and Jane had returned. It was time for her—who was only a sister to him—to step back and retreat behind the scenes.

Melanie took a deep breath and opened the door.

The chatter in the room came to an abrupt stop. Everyone's heads snapped toward her, guilt flickering in their eyes.

"Melanie? When did you get here?" someone asked cautiously.

"Just now." She smiled, as if she'd heard nothing, and handed the gift to Dustin. "Congratulations on your recovery."

He was about to accept it when the door swung open.

Jane stood at the entrance, her eyes red-rimmed. "Dustin, I heard you've recovered. I'm here to congratulate you."

Tension hung thick in the air.

"What are you doing here?" One of Dustin's friends scowled. "When Dustin got in an accident back then, you vanished without a word. How do you have the nerve to show up now?"

Embarrassment crossed Jane's face. Tears welled up in her eyes as she shoved her gift in Dustin's hands and turned to leave.

But Dustin suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Since you're here, stay."

Everyone was stunned. They instinctively glanced at Melanie, who stood there with an unwavering smile, though her nails had already dug deep into her palms.

So, three years of sacrifice meant nothing compared to a single drop of tear from Jane.

The rest of the gathering was suffocating.

Dustin's friends ignored Jane on purpose, teasing Melanie and Dustin instead.

"Melanie, didn't you give him massages every day during rehab?"

"Of course. She's a pro. Dustin only let her touch him—if it were anyone else, he'd lose his temper!"

Melanie hung her head low, pretending not to notice the jealous glare Jane cast her way. Dustin might have said nothing, but she could sense his attention was entirely on Jane.

Later, someone suggested they play games. Jane lost first, and her punishment was to ask a guy for his number.

She glanced at Dustin right away, her eyes pleading. But he lowered his head and fiddled with his phone, as though he hadn't noticed her.

Jane bit her lip and rose in defiance. "Fine. I'll do it."

She strode toward the next booth and was quickly surrounded by several men.

One drunken man grabbed her wrist. "Hottie, you can have my number—but can I touch you first?"

"Let go of me!" Jane's scream rang out.

Dustin shot to his feet, storming over to punch the man right in his face. "How fucking dare you?"

Things quickly got out of control.

"Dustin! Stop fighting!" His friends pulled him back.

He had just recovered, and Melanie was worried that he might get hurt. She also rushed forward to intervene. "Dustin, don't—"

Before she could finish, Dustin shoved her aside. "Move!"

Caught off guard, Melanie stumbled and tumbled down the stairs. Her head struck the floor with a sickening thud. Warm blood streamed down her forehead, blurring her vision.

She managed to sit up, only to see Dustin walking away with Jane in his arms. He didn't even look back.

Her chest felt as though it had been torn open, the pain so sharp she could hardly breathe.

Memories of their past flooded her mind.

Back when his legs were crippled, Dustin once tried to smash them with a chair. But she rushed in front of him, taking the blow for him instead, and ended up breaking three ribs.

"My legs are already useless!" he had roared, his eyes red with rage. "Ruining them doesn't matter. But do you have a death wish? Don't you know what you're doing?"

Cold sweat trickled from Melanie's forehead, but she still clung to his legs and whispered, "I know. That's exactly why I have to stop you. Because one day, I'll make sure you walk again."

That was when Dustin, who had always been proud and aloof, pulled her into his trembling arms and choked out, "Melanie, don't leave me…"

Everyone said Dustin's recovery was a miracle. But only the two of them knew that wasn't true—it was all thanks to her relentless effort to drag him out of the abyss.

And now that he had overcome his trauma, he no longer needed her.

Just then, Melanie's phone rang.

Shaking, she pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. Miriam Dawson's name flickered on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.

She already knew what this call implied.

Sure enough, as soon as she answered, a gentle but firm voice came through.

"Melanie, you must understand. Dustin is now a listed company's CEO. His wife cannot be someone without a background or status—someone who cannot help him in his career.

"I'm grateful for your loyalty these past three years. But remember, if it weren't for our family's support, you would never have gone to college. Consider our debt repaid. Let this be the end of it, alright?"

Miriam paused, as if she were anticipating Melanie's breakdown or desperate pleas.

Melanie stared down the corridor where Dustin had vanished. It lay empty, as if mocking her years of one-sided devotion.

"Alright." She sounded surprisingly calm. "I'll leave. I won't ever show up in front of him again."

Chapter 2

After hanging up, Melanie went straight to the hospital.

The wound on her forehead took three stitches, and the doctor reminded her not to let it get wet.

She nodded absently. As she stepped out of the consultation room, she spotted Dustin's Maybach parked not far from the hospital entrance.

The window was half rolled down, and Jane was weeping on his shoulder.

"Dustin, I'm sorry…" She sobbed. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I had my reasons for leaving you. My parents disapproved of our relationship and forced me to go abroad. My phone was even confiscated. It's not that I want to cut ties with you…"

Dustin sat still in silence, his expression sullen.

Watching them from a distance, Melanie couldn't bring herself to move.

"Then, why did you come back now?" he finally said, his voice low.

Jane looked at him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Because I couldn't forget you. I know you have Melanie now, but I'm not asking for much. Just don't push me away… Let me watch you from afar."

Under the shade, Melanie saw Dustin wiping away Jane's tears after a long silence.

"I don't blame you," he said. "As for Melanie, I only see her as a sister. It's not what you think."

Jane's eyes brightened. Fighting back a sob, she asked, "Really?"

Dustin nodded.

Overjoyed, she threw herself into his arms.

A self-deprecating smile crossed Melanie's face as she turned to leave for the immigration office.

…

At the immigration office, a staff member handed her a form. "Your visa will be ready in two weeks."

Melanie thanked him. By the time she left, it was already dark out.

She went back to Dustin's villa. For the past three years, she had lived there to take care of him.

Once, she had naively thought of it as her home. The foyer still held the slippers she had carefully chosen, the living room displayed the succulents she had nurtured, and the kitchen walls were marked with healthy recipes she had written.

Now, she was going to erase all traces of these.

While packing her things, she found a photograph at the very bottom of a drawer. It was the day Dustin completed his rehabilitation.

He'd rarely smile for the camera, yet he did in this photo. She had stood beside him, beaming at the camera.

The photo's edges were already yellowed, worn from the countless times she had touched it.

She stared at it for a long time before finally tossing it gently into the trash. Some dreams should have ended long ago.

…

The next morning, Melanie got a call from Dustin.

"I forgot my stomach medicine. Bring it to the office for me," he said, his voice still hoarse from waking up. He spoke as if nothing had ever happened between them.

She fell silent for a few seconds. "Alright."

By the time she arrived at his company, the elevator doors opened. Out came Jane, an exquisite lunchbox in her hands.

"What a coincidence!" Jane beamed at her. "I'm bringing lunch to Dustin. Do you want to come along?"

Melanie said nothing and followed her into Dustin's office.

Dustin was reading a document inside. When he saw the two of them entering his office at once, he arched an eyebrow and asked, "Why did you come together?"

"We ran into each other on the way." Jane smiled, opening the lunchbox. Instantly, a spicy aroma wafted through the air.

"I made your favorite arrabiata pasta!" she exclaimed.

Melanie's expression immediately changed. "He has a weak stomach. He can't have spicy food."

Dustin glanced at her and said, "Eating it once in a blue moon won't hurt."

He served himself a spoonful of pasta dripping in red, spicy sauce and ate it in one go.

Seeing this, Melanie clutched the stomach medicine in her bag so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Not long after, a thin sheen of sweat formed on Dustin's forehead. His hand, which was holding a pen, was trembling slightly.

"Dustin, are you unwell?" Jane asked, concerned.

"I'm fine." He forced a smile. "I still have work to do. Why don't you head back first?"

Melanie stared at him for a long time, then left after leaving the medicine on his desk.

When she and Jane reached downstairs, she couldn't help but say, "He has severe gastritis. You should be mindful of his condition if you're buying him food."

Jane smirked. "Melanie, don't you know your place yet? To Dustin, you're nothing but a slightly special caregiver. That's why you have to be aware of his health. But I'm different—he loves me, so I don't need to tread on thin ice."

She leaned toward Melanie and whispered, "Even if I gave him poison, he'd willingly take it. Got it?"

Melanie trembled, feeling as though someone had stabbed a knife in her chest. She knew Jane was right.

It took Melanie three years for Dustin to finally see her in a different light. But when it came to Jane, she didn't even have to break a sweat for him to be willing to do anything for her.

Chapter 3

That night, when Dustin came back, his face was deathly pale.

Melanie was in the kitchen getting a glass of water. Hearing his footsteps, she turned around, and the glass in her hand almost slipped.

"Didn't you take your medicine?" she asked, her voice tight.

"My stomach got so bad that I had to go to the hospital for a lavage," he said weakly, collapsing onto the couch. The strands of hair on his forehead were damp with cold sweat.

Melanie's hand trembled, and scalding water splashed onto the back of it, leaving a patch of angry red.

Did he love Jane so much that he was willing to eat her cooking even if it meant ending up in the hospital?

She brought him a cup of warm water, crouched down, then gently massaged his stomach.

After downing the glass of water, Dustin felt more at ease under her comforting, gentle touch. The knot between his brows loosened. Before long, he dozed off on her shoulder, just as he had countless times before.

But this time, Melanie's gaze no longer lingered on his face.

She carefully laid him down on the couch, pulled a blanket over him, and went upstairs without looking back.

…

The next morning, Dustin was already in the living room, dressed to the nines.

"Why is the house missing so many things?" He frowned, glancing around.

Melanie was about to explain, but he changed the subject before she could speak. "Jane is holding an art exhibition today. She invited us to go."

"I…"

"She just came back and doesn't have many friends," he said with a finality that left no room for argument. "Just go and show your support."

Melanie clenched her fists and nodded.

The moment Jane saw Dustin at the exhibition, she immediately hurried over and slipped her arm through his.

"Dustin! The one I wanted you to see most is this." She pointed at an oil painting of a snowy mountain and said softly, "I painted it in Sweiss. I thought of you every day while I was there…"

Dustin listened in silence, his unreadable gaze fixed on the painting. In the end, he bought every single one of her paintings.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"They say Mr. Hart used to spoil Ms. Sawyer. It looks like it's true…"

"She's left him once already, yet he still supports her like this? This must be true love."

Jane cast Melanie a triumphant glance and leaned toward her when Dustin went to the counter to pay. "Do you hear that? No matter how long I was gone, his heart always belonged to me."

Her lips nearly brushed Melanie's ear as she continued, "If you still won't give up, I don't mind making things clearer for you."

Just then, the fire alarm blared shrilly. "Fire! Everyone, get out!"

The crowd broke into chaos. Melanie was shoved to the ground, her ankle twisting at a painful angle until her vision went black.

She tried to get up, but then saw Dustin forcing his way against the flow of the crowd. "Jane! Jane, where are you?"

There was a panic in his voice that Melanie had never heard before.

The next second, he spotted Jane, terrified. He pulled her into his arms and carried her out without a backward glance.

Melanie sat on the ground, watching their figures vanish into the smoke. She desperately tried to haul herself to her feet, but there was a sudden, deafening crash, and a burning beam came down on top of her.

…

When Melanie opened her eyes again, all she saw was blinding white.

"Mel, you're finally awake!"

Her best friend, Yvonne Laird, rushed to the bedside. Relief spilled from her swollen eyes as she cried out, "You almost scared me to death! Do you know you almost died?"

Melanie tried moving her neck, but her whole body ached as if her bones had been broken and rearranged.

"Where's Dustin?" she rasped.

Yvonne's expression darkened. "Him? He's with Jane. You've fractured a rib, and she only got a scratch. Guess who he's fussing over."

Melanie closed her eyes, her chest so tight that she could barely breathe.

"Dustin is unbelievable! When he was paralyzed, who was it that cared for him day and night without rest? Who was it that barely slept two hours a night just to keep him from doing something stupid? Now that you're seriously injured, he…"

Words choked in Yvonne's throat. She held Melanie's hand tightly and sobbed. "Mel, he's recovered, but he hasn't even mentioned being with you. How long are you going to keep putting yourself through this?"

The room fell silent, broken only by the steady beep of the monitor.

"I'm applying for a visa," Melanie finally said after a long pause. She stared at the ceiling, her voice almost a whisper. "When it comes through, I'll leave."

As soon as the words left her lips, the door swung open.

"Leave?" Dustin stood by the door, his expression sullen. "Who's leaving?"

Chapter 4

"It's nothing. Yvie's busy with work, so she had to leave first," Melanie said, lowering her gaze to avoid Dustin's probing eyes.

Yvonne glanced at her, wanting to say something but holding back. In the end, she only shot Dustin a scathing glare and said, "Mel, call me anytime if you need anything."

Once the door closed, Dustin walked over to the bedside.

"The crowd was too huge at the time," he began to explain, his voice tinged with guilt. "I didn't see you."

"It's fine." Melanie cut him off calmly and reached for the glass on the nightstand.

As she shifted slightly, her hospital gown's collar slipped open, revealing the jagged burn scars beneath her collarbone.

She glanced down, then adjusted her hospital gown as if nothing had ever happened. "I'm fine."

Dustin frowned. "I didn't know you were this badly injured… I thought you only fainted from the smoke."

She forced a smile. How could he have known? His eyes were always on Jane, after all. He would have never noticed how badly she was hurt.

Melanie said nothing and took a sip of water.

"I'll take care of you for the next few days," he suddenly said.

"No need." She shook her head. "You're busy, so don't worry about me."

He was about to argue when his phone rang.

"Dustin…" Jane's sobs echoed from the other end of the line. "My hand hurts so much. The doctor said it might be infected."

Hesitation flickered across Dustin's face.

Melanie looked at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Go."

"I…" He gripped the phone with a frown. "I'm not good at taking care of people, anyway. I'll hire a nurse for you."

She nodded. "Sure."

After he left in a hurry, the ward fell quiet again.

Melanie stared at the ceiling and suddenly broke into a smile. He said he'd take care of her, but just a single phone call from Jane was enough to make him leave without hesitation.

Just like in the fire, he had dashed toward Jane without even looking back at her.

She closed her eyes, the throbbing in her chest so overwhelming that she could barely breathe. Some promises were never meant to be taken seriously.

…

On the day of Melanie's discharge, Dustin came to pick her up.

"There's an auction tonight. Come with me," he said, handing her a new cashmere coat.

She instinctively refused. "No need—"

"Are you still mad?" He frowned, thinking she still held a grudge against him. "I really didn't see you at the time. When I realized you were still inside, I immediately sent people in to look for you."

She opened her mouth but said nothing, quietly taking the coat.

It was only after she got in the car that she realized Jane was there, too.

"Jane wanted to come as well, so I brought her along," Dustin explained.

Melanie got into the backseat and remained silent throughout the entire journey. Meanwhile, Jane and Dustin were engaged in a lively conversation, discussing their childhood memories and Jane's experiences studying abroad. Dustin didn't speak much, but he responded naturally to her every prompt.

Loneliness crept over Melanie as she gazed at the passing scenery.

Later at the auction, every time Jane showed interest in an item, Dustin would raise his paddle to buy it for her. His extravagance quickly drew attention.

"Isn't that Mr. Hart? He's certainly generous to his date."

"I heard his girlfriend cared for him for three years. No wonder he spoils her."

"Wait, that doesn't look like Ms. Wright from the news. Isn't that the one who dumped him before?"

Amid the murmurs, someone mistook Jane for Melanie.

Dustin froze for a moment. Then, as if the thought had just occurred to him, he turned to Melanie and asked, "What can I get for you?"

Just then, a sapphire necklace was brought onstage, giving an ethereal glow under the lights.

Melanie's gaze lingered on it for a second too long.

Seeing that, Dustin immediately raised his paddle. "Ten million dollars!"

"This necklace has quite a story," Jane suddenly said. "It was a king's gift to his queen, a symbol of devotion and eternal love."

She gave Melanie a pointed look. "It suits Ms. Wright perfectly."

Dustin faltered at her words. When the necklace was brought to him, he handed it to Jane instead. "This suits you better."

"Oh, I can't possibly accept this," Jane said, feigning hesitation. "Ms. Wright had her eye on it first."

"I'll buy her something else," Dustin said, turning toward Melanie. "What do you want?"

She lowered her gaze, a wry smile tugging at her lips. He couldn't give her a symbol of loyalty and everlasting love, yet he had handed it to Jane without skipping a beat.

The difference between being loved and not was stark.

"Nothing," she said softly.

Chapter 5

After the auction ended, guests trickled out in small groups.

Taking advantage of Dustin being surrounded by people, Jane sidled up to Melanie and whispered smugly, "Melanie, do you see it now? Dustin likes me. Keep clinging to him, and all you do is annoy him more."

Melanie met her gaze. "You'll get what you want soon."

"What do you mean?" Jane frowned.

Melanie didn't answer and turned to leave.

Just then, a scream came from behind. Melanie swerved around—only to see Jane tumbling down the stairs.

"Melanie!" Dustin's roar echoed through the hall. He rushed over, shoving her aside so forcefully she crashed into the wall.

"What did Jane do to you? Why did you hurt her?" he demanded, glowering at her. "Even if I failed to protect you before, why take it out on her? You should've just dealt with me instead!"

Melanie's body was pressed against the cold wall.

"I didn't push her," she said, her voice soft yet unwavering.

"Dustin…" Jane clutched his sleeve weakly. "It was my fault… not Ms. Wright's…"

"No need to defend her!" Dustin glared at Melanie, then bent down and scooped Jane into his arms.

He turned to Melanie and spat, "I don't give a damn about you. Go back on your own."

Melanie stood where she was, watching him hurry off with Jane. His suit jacket was still draped over her, and he held her carefully, as if he were holding a treasure.

He was always like this, anyway. Whenever Jane cried, Melanie was automatically at fault.

Melanie touched the plane ticket in her pocket—a flight bound for Langton that would take away all her love and pain.

He wouldn't see her as a burden anymore. Soon, she would disappear from his world entirely.

The auction hall was far from their villa, situated in a remote area. Melanie couldn't get a taxi and had to walk home.

By the time she was halfway there, rain began to fall. Cold water soaked her hair and clothes, and with her shoes filled with water, each step felt like treading on knives.

When she finally reached home, her feet were blistered, and she burned with a fever. She forced herself to treat the wounds and then collapsed into a hazy sleep.

…

The next morning, Melanie was woken by noise downstairs. She went downstairs and found the living room filled with Jane's luggage.

Dustin's voice came from the living room. "Jane's parents are abroad, and it's not safe for her to live alone. She'll stay here for a few days. Keep an eye on her and don't play any tricks."

"I won't," Melanie said weakly, trudging down the stairs, her face ashen.

She wouldn't play tricks anymore. She wouldn't love him anymore, either.