Chapter 1

"Kylie, once Charlotte finishes her rehab this month, I'll break up with her. Just wait a little longer, alright?" Charlotte pushed open the door of the private room just in time to hear Sean making that promise.

He continued, "You know I owe her a lot. I only made it through school because she fought underground matches to pay for it.

"Now that I'm finally the head of neurosurgery, since she hasn't had much of a good life yet, once her leg's healed, I'll give her some money. That should more or less settle the debt."

His voice carried a tone of relief, as if he could finally breathe again. However, Charlotte's hand froze on the door.

Three months ago, Sean had found the most renowned orthopedic specialist in the country for her. When the doctor guaranteed that her leg could fully recover, his eyes shone with hope like stars.

Charlotte had foolishly thought that he wanted to start over with her, that he finally remembered the good between them and was ready to commit again.

While she was still dazed, Kylie Lundberg's soft voice trembled from inside, full of joy and promise. "Okay, I'll wait for you. I knew you loved me."

After that, the sound of an embrace and the faint noise of lips meeting could be heard.

Charlotte couldn't listen any longer. Her entire body went cold, as if the blood in her veins had frozen. She nearly collapsed, if not for a passing waiter who caught her. "Miss, are you heading in?"

Charlotte snapped back to reality, shaking her head in panic. "Sorry, I went to the wrong room. I'll leave now."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Charlotte turned and ran. Her chest felt like something heavy had struck it, stealing the air from her lungs.

"Sean," she whispered, the name rolling off her lips again and again until every memory she'd buried rose to the surface.

She was five when she first met him at the orphanage. He was a small boy curled up in the corner, his eyes wet with fear. He looked beautiful but timid.

She kneeled beside him and pat her chest confiedently. "Don't be scared. I'll look after you."

Because of that one childish promise, Charlotte protected Sean for 20 years.

When they fought over food, she was the first to step up, always putting whatever she won into his hands.

When the college entrance results came out, she tore up her own acceptance letter just to work and help pay his tuition. When street thugs came looking for trouble, she shielded him with her own body.

Through all these years and all his "thank-yous" and "sorrys," she stayed by his side until the day he became the top protégé of the country's leading neurosurgeon and gave her his solemn promise. "Charlotte, our future will be bright."

For a while, it was.

Sean earned his master's and doctorate, became the youngest neurosurgery director in Joonga's Alphaeus Hospital, and had a bright career ahead. They traded their small rental for a riverside apartment, drove their own car, and filled the closet with new clothes.

He was busy, but he still made time to take her out for shopping, dinner, and small trips. She thought that was how the rest of her life would be peaceful and happy, which was enough.

Until she first heard the name Kylie.

That night, Sean came home drunk, his shirt collar carrying a faint scent of unfamiliar perfume. One of his colleagues had joked, "Better keep an eye on him, Charlotte. The new intern from overseas insisted on toasting him…"

Charlotte hadn't thought much of it, simply wiping his face. After all, Kylie was their mentor's daughter, so it was natural for him to entertain her.

However, the second time Charlotte heard that name was in bed. His lips were hot against her skin, but the name he murmured was "Kylie".

In that instant, she felt herself fall into an icy abyss.

After that, he tried to make up for it, saying he was just overworked, that it was nothing more than professional respect.

Charlotte forced herself to believe it. Pretended not to see their late-night messages, the hidden gifts, and the increasing "extra hours" he worked.

However, now, she couldn't pretend anymore.

When she finally stopped running and found an empty hallway, the sobs tore out of her, raw and violent. She didn't know how long she had cried before she could breathe again.

Eventually, she straightened up and walked into another private room. A man was already waiting. He was the owner of a boxing club.

Two weeks ago, when Charlotte's leg had healed enough, she had secretly gone to a gym to train.

He had been there, watching. Afterward, he handed her his card and asked if she wanted to train professionally, saying that she had real potential to go professional.

Going professional had once been her dream. However, Sean hadn't liked it, so she rejected him without a second thought.

The man had left his card, and this was their rescheduled meeting.

After walking into the wrong room and hearing the truth, she realized everything she had believed in was nothing but her own wishful thinking. If Sean no longer wanted her, she had no reason to stay.

She cleared the fatigue and hoarseness from her voice, took the contract in both hands, and said, "I'll join your club next month."

Chapter 2

Even with her mind made up, Charlotte still felt completely drained.

When she got home, she barely managed to wash up before crawling under the blanket, staring blankly at the white wall.

By the time Sean came home, he found her lying in bed, eyes red and lips pale.

His chest tightened. He rushed over, pulled back the covers, and instinctively reached for her calf. He asked with tension in his voice."Charlotte, why are you crying? Is your leg hurting again?"

Was she crying? It was only then that Charlotte realized her cheeks were wet. She touched her face, almost surprised.

Pathetic. She had told herself not to cry.

It took a while before she managed to steady her emotions and curl her lips into a faint smile. "It's nothing. I probably got caught in the rain earlier."

Sean frowned. "You went out in this weather? You never listen to me, do you?"

Years ago, she had thrown herself in front of a group of thugs to protect him, and her leg had been shattered. Though the bone had healed, the injury left her with pain every time it rained.

Whenever it flared up, he would massage her leg gently, inch by inch, with quiet care and tenderness.

He was doing it again now, muttering under his breath as his hands moved with practiced familiarity. However, Charlotte's gaze drifted to his fingers.

On his right hand, the ring finger was bare. It should have held a silver band, one that matched hers.

Those rings were bought with his first paycheck. He had knelt before her, promising to stay true to her for life. The ring had been simple, but his vow had felt so real, so moving. Since then, he had never taken it off except during surgery.

Noticing her gaze, Sean frowned slightly, his tone suddenly nervous. "I must've forgotten it at the office today. I was too busy."

Charlotte didn't call him out. The last thing she had heard earlier that day in the private room was Kylie's soft, coquettish voice. "You're mine now. I don't want you wearing that ring anymore."

Silence filled the air. With Charlotte's eyes lowered, Sean couldn't see what was hidden behind them. Feeling guilty, he withdrew his hand and went into the bathroom. When he came out, she was already asleep. The room fell into a deep, heavy quiet.

In the dark, Charlotte's eyes slowly opened. She thought of the days when they had shared a tiny one hundred-square-feet apartment. Back then, he would always hold her as they slept, her head tucked safely against his chest.

Those days had been hard, but their laughter was warm, and their hearts were light. Now, even a large bed couldn't bridge the distance between them. The night grew darker.

By dawn, Sean was already up. For once, he made breakfast, a rare excitement softening his usually distant expression. "I spoke to your physical therapist. He said the pain's normal on rainy days. You'll only need about three more sessions this month, and by the end of it, your leg will be fully healed."

Charlotte replied casually, chewing her toast that tasted oddly bitter.

As he was leaving, his phone rang. It was Kylie.

"Kyl… I mean, Dr. Lundberg?" He caught himself mid-slip, glancing nervously out the window before straightening his expression. "Your car broke down? Stay right there, don't move. I'll come get you."

He hung up, grabbed his umbrella, and said quickly, "Something urgent came up. I don't have time to send you today. Call a cab to the hospital."

Before Charlotte could even respond, the door slammed shut.

The rain outside hadn't stopped since last night. Her leg throbbed faintly beneath the covers. However, Sean no longer remembered that. His umbrella and his care were now reserved for the woman he truly loved.

Chapter 3

Charlotte had braced herself, but by the time she reached the rehab room, she was soaked through, and she had to head straight for the changing room.

Just as she finished changing, she noticed a group of young nurses pressed against the window, chattering excitedly. Their eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Look, look! Dr. Lundberg just got out of Dr. Johannson's car. He personally drove her in the rain. Look at the way he's tilting the umbrella for her!"

"Wow, wow! Dr. Lundberg is even holding Dr. Johannson's arm!"

Charlotte froze, unable to stop herself from glancing out the window. Below, Sean and Kylie walked side by side into the building.

They paused briefly at the entrance. Sean put away the umbrella, and Kylie laughed, tiptoeing to brush water off his shoulders. Sean didn't resist and leaned slightly toward her gesture, eyes soft enough to melt anyone.

Passersby stared, and the nurses above were practically bouncing with excitement.

"They're totally a thing! I knew there was something going on."

"Not surprised. A top-notch surgeon and a beautiful scholar. They're a perfect match."

Charlotte shivered, unable to hide her reaction. She tried to act indifferent, but her body betrayed her, a chill creeping through her bones like icy water.

The gossip continued outside. One nurse sighed, "Even if they are a match, Dr. Johannson already has a girlfriend. That crippled girl is just using her leg to manipulate him."

"Seriously, in this era? Does she really expect Dr. Johannson to repay her with his devotion? She's uneducated, has no job, and can't even be in the same league as him," another whined.

"Exactly, all that clinging and pestering will only hold back Dr. Johannson."

Charlotte staggered backward and almost collapsed.

The impact rattled the partition, and the nurses went silent, eyes wide like they had seen a ghost. They shrunk back as Charlotte finally emerged.

Charlotte lowered her head and left in silence, fully aware that no one had ever believed in their relationship. She was the only one blind, and such mockery felt deserved.

The physical therapist was already waiting. Charlotte closed her eyes, steadying her ragged breaths. Recovering her leg and returning to the arena was her only clear path forward. With that purpose, rehab became bearable.

Sweat soaked her clothes, and the pain in her calves was reduced by half.

A low voice called from outside, and Charlotte realized Sean had been hovering nearby. "Charlotte, don't listen to what my colleagues say. I picked up Dr. Lundberg this morning because she had some crucial documents."

His tone was urgent, flustered. He raised his right hand quickly. "See, I found the ring."

Charlotte smiled and said softly, "I believe you."

Sean relaxed and reached out to help her. "I already got the day off. I'll take you home first."

Before Charlotte could respond, a gentle voice called from behind him, "Sean?"

They turned to see Kylie holding a stack of documents, her expression slightly strained. Sean's arms froze mid-air, and he stepped back awkwardly, creating space. Charlotte caught him discreetly slipping the ring back into his pocket.

Kylie smiled, bending her eyes. "Sean, I can't be sure about this diagnostic data. Are you free now?"

"Of course!" Sean responded quickly, taking the files and only then realizing, with a pang of guilt, to glance apologetically at Charlotte.

This scene had played out countless times before. Charlotte clenched her fists until her nails bit into her palms, as if only the pain there could counter the ache in her chest. Was it because he didn't care enough that he always used the same clumsy excuse?

Chapter 4

As it turned out, the more you lied, the easier it would be to live with yourself.

That night, Sean still didn't come home. When he called, his voice was calm. "I'll be busy for the next few days, so I'll be sleeping at the hospital."

Charlotte paused for a second, then quietly said, "Okay."

She no longer cared to dig for the truth behind his lies. Instead, she began packing her things. Everything he had bought for her, she left untouched.

By the time she finished, her suitcase held only a few old shirts, a pair of worn-out sneakers, and a diary filled with the confessions of a young girl's heart.

"Why did he suddenly get so much taller than me? Why is he smiling like that? Ugh, why am I blushing?"

"He actually confessed to me. Maybe it's because I got hurt saving him. Maybe he just feels guilty."

"Matching rings. Can that count as a proposal?"

She turned each page slowly, letting every memory wash over her.

On the third night, when she finally reached the end, she took out a lighter. The flame licked at the paper, turning every trace of love to ash. As she watched it burn, she felt a strange, quiet sense of relief.

Then, Sean called again, his voice rushed and impatient. "Charlotte, I'm at an important dinner and left a file at home."

He told her where to find the file and sent her the location. "Bring it to me right now."

Sean rarely sounded that anxious. After hesitating for a moment, Charlotte changed clothes and went out.

The address led her to the top floor of a luxury building. It was grand, elegant, and quietly extravagant. Inside, the hall glowed bright as day, filled with polished laughter and expensive perfume.

Waiting by the entrance was Kylie. She wore a perfectly tailored designer suit, her makeup flawless, her every gesture steeped in effortless grace. "You're finally here. Did you bring the file?"

Charlotte lowered her gaze, glancing at her own casual clothes, and handed the file over. "Please give this to him. I'll be leaving now."

However, Kylie caught Charlotte's arm with a practiced smile. "Oh, don't go yet. I need to make sure it's the right file. If anything's missing, you'll have to bring it again anyway."

Before Charlotte could protest, Kylie was already pulling her into the glittering crowd.

Charlotte's plain clothes drew curious stares and whispers immediately. She tried to pull her arm free, not even using much force, but Kylie gasped dramatically and stumbled backward.

Before she could fall, Sean appeared from across the room and caught Kylie in his arms. "Charlotte, this isn't a place you should be. Just give the file to Kylie and leave."

Before Charlotte could even speak, Sean frowned. An older gentleman approached. "Sean, do you have the file?"

He smiled warmly and patted Sean on the shoulder. "Who's this?"

Charlotte pressed her lips together, her lowered lashes fluttering uncontrollably. She didn't know how Sean would answer in front of strangers.

"My housekeeper," Sean said easily while turning to the man. "Mr. Stone, let's continue our discussion inside."

Kylie quickly joined them, laughing softly. "Alfred, now you can't turn down his proposal."

The three walked away together, chatting about research, investments, and medicine. Things Charlotte couldn't even begin to understand.

They went far, and Sean never looked back.

Around her, the whispers shifted from curiosity to disdain. She took a few steps back and, for the first time, she truly saw it. She didn't belong in his world anymore.

The night wind grew cold. She hugged herself and didn't feel like going back to that empty house.

Without thinking, her feet carried her to the tiny apartment she once shared with him. A young couple now lived there, their laughter spilling through the window. It was bright, carefree, and full of warmth. Just like she and Sean once were.

Only now, that time was gone forever.

Chapter 5

Charlotte wandered the streets all night.

Sean never called. It seemed he hadn't gone home either. Wherever he was, it no longer mattered.

After washing up at a nearby place, she went back to pack her things. She took only her suitcase, left it at a hotel for storage, then hailed a cab to the hospital.

This time, he didn't show up during her session.

However, the doctor gave her good news. The latest evaluation showed excellent recovery. If all went well, her final appointment at the end of the month could be skipped entirely.

Charlotte's heart gave a faint tremor, as if a thousand-pound weight had finally lifted from her chest. Even breathing felt easier. She immediately reached for her phone to share the news with Sean.

They didn't have to drag this broken relationship until the end of the month. Ending it early might be a release for both of them.

However, the call didn't go through. She hesitated for a moment, then decided to look for him in his office.

Before she could reach it, chaos erupted down the hallway. A group of grieving family members in mourning clothes were shouting and crying, demanding to see a doctor named Dr. Lundberg.

Amid the noise, Charlotte caught a familiar voice. When she looked closer, she saw Sean and Kylie caught in the middle of the angry crowd.

Kylie was already in tears, her fragile frame half-collapsed into Sean's arms. He was nervously trying to shield her, pushing people away while holding her tight.

In the chaos, he finally broke free of the crowd, not realizing Charlotte was standing there, stunned. He collided with her before he could stop.

When he saw who it was, he froze.

"Charlotte?" He reached for her, but another wave of furious family members came charging through.

The impact slammed her against the wall. A sharp pain tore through her lower back, and her vision went black for a moment.

Through the blur, she saw Sean again. He turned and ran after Kylie without looking back. His fading silhouette looked like the ending of a dream long gone cold.

When she came to, someone familiar had pulled her away from the chaos. It was Tristan Clayment, her future boss.

He had come to visit a patient, but ended up rescuing her instead, making sure she got all the medical checks she needed.

Once she was settled into a hospital bed, he smiled reassuringly, asking her to just focus on resting and not to stress about the training in ten days.

Charlotte felt a little embarrassed. "It's just a minor injury. My back will be fine long before then, so by that time–"

The door burst open before she could finish. Sean stood there, his expression unreadable. "Ten days? What are you planning to do in ten days?"

His gaze shifted to Tristan, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "And you are?"

The barrage of questions made Charlotte's palms clench. She took a quiet breath, intending to tell him the truth that she was leaving. "I came here today because there's something important I need to tell you–"

Before she could finish, the door opened again. Kylie stood there, wringing her hands while bowing at Charlotte. "Ms. Summer, I'm so sorry about today. The family stormed in unexpectedly, and if it weren't for Sean protecting me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

Then she turned to Sean, eyes red and glistening.

Sean immediately softened. "It was an accident. You were in danger. Charlotte's fine. She just needs rest. Don't worry yourself over it."

Charlotte stayed silent. She remembered Kylie's arrogance from the night before and lay there in a daze. The room went still.

Tristan finally broke the tension with a polite excuse to leave. Once he was gone, it managed to pull Sean's attention back.

Just as they were about to return to the same topic, a nurse walked in with a chart in hand. "Ms. Summer, congrats. You're pregnant."