Chapter 1

It was the third year of Cheyenne Brooks' marriage to Nolan Pierce. While Nolan was in the shower, Cheyenne's eyes wandered to his phone. Two messages jumped out at her.

"Hey Nolan, I've been struggling ever since we parted. I think about you every day."

"I'm getting married tomorrow. My only wish is to see you one last time before the wedding. I want my virginity to be yours. I'll wait for you for half an hour. If you don't come, I'll kill myself."

The words struck Cheyenne like lightning. She froze, her mind reeling from what she had just read.

Before long, Nolan stepped out of the shower. The moment he checked his phone, he spun around and hurried for the door.

Seeing him rush off like that, Cheyenne's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but call out to him, "Nolan… I've heard that when a man returns to his wife after an affair, it's not his wife he feels guilty toward, but his lover. Is that true?"

Hearing her trembling voice, Nolan abruptly stopped, a frown forming on his forehead. "Cheyenne, I've already come back to you. What more do you want from me?" he replied, his voice betraying a mix of irritation and weariness.

His cold, unyielding words hit Cheyenne like a blow. Tears welled instantly and streamed down her face.

Sure, he might have been home, but what about his heart? Wasn't it still with Georgia Baker?

But before Cheyenne could find her voice, Nolan slammed the door and left. She closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks.

She and Nolan had grown up side by side. Everyone had always believed they were destined for each other.

He would ride his bike across half the city just because she wanted a piece of cake from Westfield. After she failed an exam, he would spend the entire night patiently tutoring her. Whenever she had period cramps, he would fumble through the kitchen to make her a soothing cup of herbal tea.

Everyone agreed that Cheyenne was the princess Nolan had treasured above all else. It was only natural that their parents blessed their engagement.

Nonetheless, everything changed the day Georgia appeared. She was his junior.

Cheyenne first laid eyes on her at Nolan's graduation ceremony. With her ponytail swinging, Georgia stood beside Nolan, laughing and talking as if nothing else mattered.

At one point, she even playfully tugged at his sleeve. To Cheyenne's shock, Nolan didn't pull away. The sight sent a chill through her heart.

After that day, Cheyenne began hearing Georgia's name from Nolan more and more often.

"Georgia went out of her way to help me track down that out-of-print book at the library today…"

"Can you believe Georgia also likes 'Interstellar'? We talked about it all night…"

"Georgia said she wants to watch the sunrise. I promised to take her this weekend…"

Nolan's eyes would light up whenever he spoke of Georgia. Cheyenne felt her heart tighten painfully in her chest.

She knew the look in his eyes all too well. It was the same look he used to give her.

One day, Cheyenne noticed that Nolan had pinned Georgia's number at the very top of his chat list. Their messages were constant; he shared every little detail of his life with her.

Cheyenne finally snapped. She could no longer escape the painful truth. The man who had once vowed to love her forever had betrayed her with his heart.

Though Nolan hadn't crossed any physical lines, the feelings he had developed for Georgia were undeniable.

The pain was suffocating. Even as she grappled with his betrayal, Cheyenne couldn't bring herself to let him go.

Finally, she forced his hand with an ultimatum—either break off their engagement or cut Georgia out of his life for good.

After much hesitation, Nolan finally chose to walk away from Georgia.

The wedding went on as planned. But even after they exchanged their vows, Cheyenne could sense the shift. It felt as though Nolan's soul had drifted away, leaving behind only the shadow of the man he once was.

On their dates, he would often fall silent, his gaze drifting somewhere far away.

Every now and then, he would lock himself in the study, drinking himself into a stupor.

The grand gestures he once reserved for anniversaries and Valentine's Day had faded into a simple bouquet and a perfunctory gift.

Cheyenne blamed herself. With enough time and love, she had believed he might one day become the man he used to be.

But today, she finally saw the truth clearly. It didn't matter how much she had sacrificed or how long she had waited. Nolan was gone, and he was never coming back.

All these years, she had been desperately clinging to nothing but a walking corpse.

His soul, his love, and every ounce of his passion had been left with Georgia. Cheyenne was no longer the keeper of his devotion.

Their marriage existed only in name. Cheyenne could no longer bear the weight of holding on.

She hadn't slept a wink that night. It wasn't until dawn that she finally came to her senses. As she reached for her phone to look up divorce procedures, a video unexpectedly appeared on her feed.

Nolan had crashed a wedding.

In the clip, he looked sharp in a suit. Disregarding the stares of everyone around him, he rushed into the venue and grabbed Georgia's hand.

Even though the footage was blurry, Cheyenne could clearly make out the long-lost spark in his expression. It was the same confident look he had worn back in high school when he confessed his feelings on the sports field.

Her fingers shook as she replayed the brief ten-second clip again and again. By the eighth refresh, the video had disappeared without a trace.

Still, the images were already burned into Cheyenne's mind like a scorching iron—the flutter of Nolan's coat as he ran, the joy lighting up Georgia's face, and that all-too-familiar mole on the back of his hand as their fingers intertwined.

Cheyenne felt as if her chest had been torn open, a raw wound exposed to the merciless wind.

She wiped away her tears, shedding the last of her hesitation. Gathering her documents, she headed straight to the courthouse to file for divorce.

The moment she arrived, the clerk hit her with a devastating revelation. "Ms. Brooks, your marriage certificate with Mr. Nolan Pierce is a forgery. It has no legal validity whatsoever."

For a heartbeat, Cheyenne's mind went completely blank. She could hardly process the words she had just heard.

All of a sudden, she remembered Valentine's Day three years ago—the day she and Nolan had legally gotten married.

The line at the courthouse had been unbearably long. Not wanting her to stand there and suffer through the wait, Nolan had insisted on going alone to handle the paperwork.

Looking back now, Cheyenne could only marvel at her own naivety. She had foolishly believed he'd left Georgia behind and married her out of love.

A sharp, suffocating pain tore through her chest, threatening to consume her whole.

With her lips bitten raw, one thought kept looping in her mind—at a time like this, a forged divorce certificate could almost feel like freedom.

Cheyenne's face was pale as she stepped out of the courthouse. Just as she hailed a cab, darkness engulfed her, and she collapsed without warning.

When she woke, her vision was hazy. A nurse held her medical records, her brow furrowed in concern. "Please call your husband. He needs to come immediately."

Cheyenne's heart tightened at the nurse's grave expression. In that instant, a frightening possibility flashed through her mind. Was her health in danger?

Without delay, she snatched up her phone and called Nolan's number again and again. But each time, there was only silence.

Just as her frustration was about to boil over, Nolan's stern voice came through. "Stop calling. I'm in a meeting."

He hung up in a flash, yet even in those three seconds, Cheyenne caught the sound of Georgia's coquettish voice in the background.

Her hand clenched tightly. At the nurse's urging, she forced a bitter smile. "I don't have a husband. If there's something wrong with my body, just tell me the truth."

The nurse's eyes widened in surprise as she handed over the test results. "That can't be right! You're already three months pregnant. The baby's organs and body are developing normally, but due to some earlier neglect on your part, you're slightly malnourished. You need to get the child's father here immediately…"

The news of her pregnancy hit Cheyenne like a bolt of lightning. Her pupils dilated, and her mind went completely blank.

Staring at her flat belly, she felt a whirlwind of emotions. But soon, she forced herself to calm down and made a resolute decision.

"That won't be necessary," she said. "Please proceed with the abortion. I'm not keeping the baby."

An hour later, she lay on the cold operating table, memories creeping back into her mind.

Back when she had menstrual cramps, Nolan would stay by her side—massaging her stomach, brewing herbal tea, and gently coaxing her to sleep.

Knowing how much she loved dressing up, he had even hired designers to create stunning outfits tailored specifically for her.

Back then, Cheyenne had spoken of wanting a fairytale wedding. Since he was 18, Nolan had meticulously recorded every one of her preferences.

Unfortunately, the man who had once stirred her heart so deeply would now become nothing more than a memory.

After the surgery, Cheyenne's body felt frail and weak. She made her way to the nurses and asked them to carefully preserve the embryo.

She intended to give it to Nolan on the day she left. It would be her final gift to him.

Chapter 2

After being discharged from the hospital, Cheyenne went straight to complete her emigration paperwork.

The staff processed her application and told her the approval would take around 15 business days.

She spent the next two days resting at home before finally gathering everything that reminded her of Nolan—photos from their trips, the gifts tucked away in the storage room, their matching mugs and sleepwear.

She kept nothing and set it all ablaze.

Just then, Nolan came home. The sight of the ashes stopped him cold. He could only stare at her, disbelief etched across his face.

"What did you burn?"

"Just some useless things."

Nolan paid it little attention and handed her the gift he'd been holding. His tone was noticeably gentler than it had been just a few days ago. "Are you sick? You look so pale. It seems like you've lost a lot of weight."

Cheyenne was taken aback by his sudden concern. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice unusually distant.

Her tone made Nolan realize immediately that something wasn't right. Thinking back to their last encounter, he hurriedly explained, "The company had an emergency a couple of days ago. I had to handle it quickly, so I might have sounded harsh.

"You've been wanting this bag for a while, right? I asked my secretary to get it for you. Don't be mad anymore, okay?"

Cheyenne looked at it. When the bag first came out, she had playfully told him how much she liked it.

Back then, Nolan hadn't paid much attention, so she had contacted the sales assistant herself and managed to get the latest model.

Now, two months later, he had gone ahead and bought it for her. In truth, she had long since lost interest.

"It's been so long. What made you think of giving it to me now?"

Nolan had expected her to be thrilled, but she remained surprisingly calm. "Since you like this bag, it's only natural I'd buy it for you. Didn't I use to give you gifts all the time?"

As he spoke, he suddenly realized that it had been ages since he'd bought Cheyenne anything. He had no memory of what the last gift was or when he had given it. The thought stunned him, and a mix of emotions flashed across his face.

Cheyenne quietly observed the flicker of guilt in his eyes. Without a word, she turned and walked back to her room.

All of a sudden, a friend request from an unfamiliar account appeared on her phone. Her gaze hardened as she recognized the profile picture.

After accepting the request, the person immediately sent her an address. "Do you have a moment? Let's meet. I have quite a few things with me that I think will interest you."

It was none other than Georgia.

Cheyenne understood exactly why she had sent the message. Before severing ties completely with Nolan, she wanted to meet her in person. She couldn't help but wonder what it was about Georgia that made Nolan unable to move on.

After getting changed, Cheyenne made her way to the cafe. The moment she arrived, Georgia handed her a stack of photos. Most of them were candid shots of Nolan at Georgia's wedding, while the others showed recent selfies of them enjoying dates and shopping together.

Georgia had anticipated that the photos would strike a painful blow to Cheyenne.

But as she raised her chin, all she saw was Cheyenne's calm and unwavering expression.

Unable to hold back any longer, Georgia began to gloat.

"It's been three years, and Nolan still hasn't gotten over me. Cheyenne, what does it matter if you have him now? His heart will always belong to me.

"The moment I reached out, he didn't hesitate to crash my wedding. He even bought me a villa, promised to visit every week, and left his assistant to manage my needs. For men, the woman they can't have is always the most desirable. I'm afraid you'll never win against me."

Was the one who got away really the most irresistible?

Maybe.

After all, Nolan had already shown her that was true.

Cheyenne loosened her grip and replied in a hoarse voice, "And what does it matter? If you were really the one he loved most, then why did he let you go three years ago and marry me instead?"

Georgia was caught off guard. It took her a moment to find her words. "Sure, what Nolan and I had back then couldn't compare to the bond you two shared as childhood sweethearts. But the moment you forced him to cut ties with me, you sealed your fate."

Hearing those words, Cheyenne finally understood how everything with Nolan had spiraled out of control.

Georgia was right. The moment she forced Nolan to make a choice, she had gone from being the shining star in his life to nothing more than a fly buzzing around his head. Meanwhile, Georgia had become the spark in his soul.

Cheyenne took a deep breath, forcing back the emotions threatening to rise. A faint smile crossed her lips as she spoke, "I may have lost, but there's no denying the truth. As the one who tore apart a marriage, I'm afraid you won't win in the end."

Having said her piece, Cheyenne stood up. After settling her bill, she got ready to leave.

Georgia, however, couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind her words. In a fit of frustration, she rushed after Cheyenne and grabbed her wrist.

"So you still can't let it go, huh? Do you honestly think Nolan will come back to you? You're freaking delusional! Let me show you right now who truly matters to him!"

Chapter 3

As soon as Georgia's words landed, a chill shot up Cheyenne's spine. Before she could even react, Georgia yanked her wrist, pulling her into the middle of the street.

The sound of tires screeching sliced through the air. Startled, Cheyenne looked up just in time to see a sports car heading straight for them.

In that split second, time seemed to freeze. Across the street, she saw Nolan sprinting toward them. His eyes widened, panic etched all over his face.

"Georgia!" In a flash, he sprang forward, sweeping her out of harm's way.

A dull thud followed. Cheyenne's body was hurled through the air like a broken kite. She slammed onto the pavement ten meters away, blood pooling beneath her.

Every fiber of her being ached. Cheyenne felt as though her organs had been ripped apart. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and her vision blurred. Still, she gathered what little strength she had and managed to lift her head.

Not far away, Nolan held a trembling Georgia tightly. "It's okay… It's okay, I'm here now," he whispered, his hand patting her back.

In the fleeting moments before darkness claimed her, Cheyenne's mind drifted to a memory from when she was 18.

She remembered the night she had been burning with an extremely high fever. Nolan had stayed by her side the entire time, holding her and keeping watch through the night.

When had everything shifted?

When Cheyenne woke up, she found herself in a hospital room. Her eyes slowly opened, and she saw Nolan sitting quietly beside her.

As soon as he noticed she was awake, the tension in his brow softened, but just as quickly, it hardened once more. "What did you want from Georgia?" he asked coldly. "I've stayed away from her like you wanted. Why do you still have to meddle in her life?"

Cheyenne's pupils constricted in shock. Even after her near-death experience, Nolan's first words were laced with accusation. It was clear that he couldn't care less about her.

She managed to force the words out. "Looks like your definition of 'staying away' is a bit different. Did you forget you crashed her wedding?"

Nolan stiffened, his gaze sharpening. "Have you been investigating me?

"Georgia's parents were forcing her to marry a man ten years older than her. I already failed her once. I couldn't just sit back and watch her ruin her life!"

His voice escalated. "Are you really going to make a fuss over this? Do you have any empathy at all?"

Cheyenne's fingers curled into the bedsheet. To Nolan, her questions seemed trivial, and her heartbreak revealed nothing but her own inability to empathize.

"If you care about her that much… Then why won't you just admit it?" Cheyenne rasped.

Her words hit him like a blow, igniting the fury he had kept buried for so long.

"And what good would that do?" he snarled, leaning over her. His hands gripped the bedrail, trapping her in place. "Wasn't it you who forced me to make a choice back then?

"Yenne, we've been together for so many years. I gave you everything you could ever want, and I never once shortchanged you." His eyes were bloodshot, and his voice trembled as he spoke.

"I just needed some space, that's all. I lost my way for a bit, but I came back to you. Meanwhile, you wouldn't let Georgia go. Do you really want to drive me insane?"

Cheyenne's tears finally broke free.

She wanted to ask Nolan if he had forgotten their past. When they were four, he had given her a lollipop and told her she'd be his wife someday.

At 14, he'd stood before the whole school and declared that she was his. He'd gone so far as to warn every boy to stay away.

At 18, he had confessed his feelings beneath a sky of fireworks. "Yenne, I like you."

But for some inexplicable reason, it had somehow become her fault that he'd been driven to the edge. Cheyenne bit her lip. Her chest heaved as she fought to stifle each sob.

Seeing her tears, Nolan's anger slowly began to fade. He loosened his fists and rubbed his temples. "I know you feel insecure, but I have boundaries. I'll keep my distance. Now that I'm back with you, I'll treat Georgia only as a friend. Please trust me this once," he said, averting his gaze.

Cheyenne recognized that tone. His patience had clearly reached its limit. Arguing further would be pointless. It would only escalate the conflict and make her feel worse. She didn't want to torment herself any longer. Weary, she closed her eyes.

The tension in the hospital room gradually eased. Convinced Cheyenne had absorbed his words, Nolan decided it was time to reveal the surprise he had prepared.

"Haven't you always wanted to see the Northern Lights? I've already planned our trip. For our third wedding anniversary, I'll take you to Antarcticus. Whatever gift you want, just say the word. I'll make it happen."

Though a smile curved her lips, Cheyenne's heart ached. Their marriage had been fake all along. What anniversary was there even to celebrate?

Just as she was about to speak, Nolan's phone rang. After seeing the screen, he got up at once. "Get some rest. I have a meeting at the office. If you need anything, call me. I'll come right away."

Cheyenne caught sight of the caller ID. It was Georgia. He was lying again. But at that moment, it no longer mattered to her.

In just a few days, she would be gone for good. From then on, whatever Nolan did or whoever he loved would have nothing to do with her.

Chapter 4

After a few days of rest in the hospital, Cheyenne stepped out alone. The doctor had warned her about the early signs of depression and suggested she get some fresh air. Drawn by the warm weather, she set out for a stroll.

Not long after wandering through Southfield, fatigue set in. She decided to step into a cozy bar. As she settled into a window seat, her gaze landed on two familiar figures outside.

It was Nolan and Georgia, weaving their way through the crowd. Noticing the cream smudged across Georgia's face, Nolan gently wiped it away with a handkerchief. He even knelt down to retie her loose shoelaces.

Cheyenne watched them in silence. Back when they had been madly in love, Nolan had cared for her just as attentively. But with time, even the truest feelings were bound to change. She knew it was finally time to let go.

Turning away, Cheyenne closed the window curtain. At that moment, Georgia pulled Nolan into the bar, choosing the private booth right next to hers.

The booth offered little sound insulation, and their conversation carried through clearly.

"After I ran away from the wedding, my parents were furious," Georgia said."They're forcing me to go on a blind date. If I don't comply, they'll cut me off. What am I supposed to do? I don't want to be with anyone else. Even if we have no official status, I only want to be with you."

After a brief pause, Nolan's deep voice broke the silence. "I'll marry you. Go ahead and tell your parents."

Georgia froze, her voice thick with disbelief. "You'll marry me? But aren't you still legally Cheyenne's husband?"

"I only held a wedding ceremony with her. We never got legally married. In a few days, I'll send her abroad under the pretense of celebrating our 'anniversary.' During that time, I'll go to the courthouse with you."

Cheyenne's fingers curled tightly into her palm.

So, that was the truth.

It turned out that Nolan's carefully planned "wedding anniversary" surprise was nothing more than a trick to get her out of the way.

Cheyenne felt as though her heart had been pierced by a sharp blade. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.

From next door, she could hear Nolan and Georgia discussing the details of their upcoming marriage. Unable to bear it any longer, she grabbed her handbag and rushed to the restroom.

Her pale face and bloodshot eyes stared back at her from the mirror. She turned on the faucet, letting cold water cascade over her trembling hands. Still, it did nothing to calm the turmoil burning in her heart.

After what seemed like an eternity, the blaring sound of a fire alarm sliced through the air. "Fire! Everyone, get out now!"

Amid the screams and chaos, Cheyenne pushed the door open. A thick wall of smoke swallowed her instantly.

With her mouth and nose covered, she battled through the crowd toward the emergency exit. From the corner of her eye, she saw Nolan running against the tide of people.

His shirt was drenched in sweat, panic carved into his features. "Georgia! Georgia, where are you?"

A passerby grabbed him. "Get back! It's a raging inferno in there!"

Like a man possessed, Nolan shrugged him off and plunged straight into the flames. His resolve was unshakable, as if even the gates of hell itself couldn't stop him from saving Georgia.

Cheyenne froze in place, her mind flickering back to the landslide that had struck when she was 16. She had been buried beneath the rubble, clinging desperately to life.

It was Nolan who had dug through the wreckage with his bare hands. Even as his fingers grew raw and bloody, he refused to stop until he had pulled her back from the brink of death.

From that moment on, she had believed the young man who once risked his life for her would always be the one she could depend on. But much to her astonishment, he was now throwing himself into danger for someone else.

It wasn't that Nolan had stopped caring; his heart had simply moved on.

Cheyenne was soon swept to safety by the pressing crowd. In the distance, the wail of approaching fire trucks grew louder. Her heart clenched as she watched the building being consumed by flames.

After what felt like an eternity, a figure staggered out from the inferno. With his body streaked in wounds, Nolan cradled Georgia in his arms. Though battered and bleeding, he had kept her safe.

When he finally escaped the roaring fire, his legs gave way. He collapsed, still holding Georgia tightly against him.

Paramedics raced forward, carefully lifting them both onto stretchers.

Cheyenne stood frozen, watching the ambulance fade into the distance. After a moment, she turned and vanished into the darkness.

Once she was home, she cut off all communication and intentionally stayed away from Nolan at the hospital. Packing her things became her sole focus. Once everything was ready, she booked a flight for five days later.

Soon, the airline called to confirm her itinerary. She answered each question without hesitation. "Yes, my flight is set for five days from now—"

But before she could finish, the door burst open. Nolan stood in the doorway, a bandage across his forehead. His expression darkened as he snapped, "And where exactly are you going in five days?"

Chapter 5

Cheyenne's fingers trembled. She hadn't expected Nolan to come back.

Forcing back the turmoil swirling in her chest, she responded casually, "Didn't you say you wanted to take me to see the Northern Lights? The airline just called to confirm the trip."

Nolan stunned, as though the memory of their conversation had just resurfaced. Despite the bandage on his forehead and his pale complexion, his features remained as striking as ever.

"I was injured and hospitalized a few days ago," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I called and texted you. Why didn't you answer?"

Cheyenne looked down, her voice calm and steady. "My phone got lost. I'm still in the process of getting a new SIM card." Without another word, she turned and walked back to her room.

Seeing her aloof demeanor, Nolan's brows furrowed. He couldn't help but call out to her, "Don't you have anything to ask? Aren't you curious where I'm hurt or how I'm holding up?"

Cheyenne stopped. Deep down, she knew exactly what Nolan was hoping for.

He wanted her to act like she used to—to ask about his injuries, to carefully tend to his wounds, and to care for him with the same attentiveness she always had.

When he had stomach pains, she would brave a blizzard to bring him medicine.

When he came home drunk, she would make hangover soup to help him sober up.

When he lost someone dear, she would stay by his side.

Still, Cheyenne wasn't naive. She had loved him wholeheartedly back then because he had once returned that love with the same sincerity.

But now that his heart belonged to someone else, that love had become tainted. Perhaps it was time for them to simply let go.

"You always accused me of being too controlling, didn't you?" Cheyenne turned to face him, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"I've thought it over. From now on, I'll give you all the space you want. I won't pry into what you'd rather not share, and I won't push you into anything you're uncomfortable with."

Nolan's pupils constricted, as if she had struck him with a physical blow. He tried to speak, yet nothing escaped his lips. The truth was, those were the very words he had once said to her.

The silence between them grew heavy. In the end, Nolan found himself stepping into the bedroom after her. He stood in the doorway, watching her pack her luggage. Suddenly, an inexplicable tightness gripped his chest.

"Your birthday was two months ago," he said stiffly, trying to steer the conversation away. "I was away on a business trip and couldn't be there with you.

"A new collection of jewelry just arrived at the auction house. They have pieces I know you'd really love. Let me take you to pick one out. Consider it a belated birthday gift."

Cheyenne didn't even glance up. "That won't be necessary."

Nolan, however, wasn't about to accept her refusal. Without hesitation, he led her out the door.

Soon, they were at the auction house. Though the jewels she once loved sparkled all around her, Cheyenne's heart no longer stirred.

Sensing her mood, Nolan didn't press her. Instead, he simply raised his paddle again and again.

"30 million."

"50 million."

"80 million."

He placed his bids without hesitation, sweeping up nearly all the most expensive pieces in the room.

After each victory, he turned toward Cheyenne, searching her face for even the faintest sign of joy. Meanwhile, she remained composed, her expression giving nothing away.

All around them, murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Isn't that Mr. and Mrs. Pierce from the Pierce Group? They really are as loving as the rumors say."

"I heard Mr. Pierce had a close female friend before he got married. It almost caused a breakup."

"Well, men are like that. Who hasn't had their wild, carefree days? In the end, he still came back to his wife, didn't he?"