Chapter 1

"Dr. Lee, I've decided to participate in the cryogenic experiment. Please sign me up," Gemma Kirk said calmly.

On the other end of the line, her professor, Taylor Lee, sounded hesitant. "Gemma, have you really thought this through? I know the cancer diagnosis has been devastating for you, but there's still hope for treatment—"

"But it's late-stage lymphoma. It's untreatable," Gemma interrupted.

Taylor sighed deeply. "But cryogenic technology isn't fully developed yet. They've never experimented on a living person before. There's a high chance you'll lose your life the moment they freeze you! Please think it over…"

Gemma smiled faintly. "Dr. Lee, I've already made up my mind."

With that, she hung up.

A headline notification had appeared on her phone screen just minutes earlier.

The photo showed Evangeline Morris and Murphy Townsend holding hands, and there was a sparkling blue diamond ring on Evangeline's ring finger.

Even through the screen, the blue diamond radiated a brilliance that stung Gemma's eyes. She bit her lip hard, but tears still streamed down her face.

Today was his birthday, yet the man she loved the most had given the ring she designed to someone else.

Did it have to be this way? Did he hate her that much?

The steaming dishes on the table grew colder by the minute. As she sat by the dining table, Gemma felt her heart grow as cold as the room.

At 2:30 am, the tightly shut door finally creaked open. Murphy entered, bringing with him the chill of the night.

"Why are you still awake?" Murphy's expression grew even colder when he saw her. "Didn't I tell you I'd be with Eva tonight and I'd be back late?"

Gemma lowered her head, staying silent for a long time before quietly saying, "Happy birthday..."

It was late now, even past midnight. So technically, his birthday was already over.

"Gemma, what's the point of doing this?" Murphy said impatiently. "Eva is my girlfriend. It's only natural for her to celebrate my birthday with me. Who do you think you are? I'm your uncle! Can't you recognize your place? Whatever improper thoughts you have about me, they disgust me!"

With that, he slammed the door as he left.

He was probably going back to Evangeline. After all, he just said she was his girlfriend.

Gemma kept her head down as she stared at her feet. She whispered so softly it was almost inaudible, "Uncle Murphy, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. This is the last birthday I can spend with you."

The room felt freezing, and Gemma could not help but wonder which was colder, the cryo-casket or this empty room?

She had always hated the cold. As a child, she would run barefoot in winter while clutching her stuffed bunny just to find her Uncle Murphy and sleep in his bed.

Back then, Murphy was kind to her. He would not speak harshly. Instead, he would smile, lift her onto the bed, tell her stories, and lull her to sleep…

At this moment, Evangeline posted a photo on social media of her and Murphy holding hands.

While wearing the 'Mermaid's Heart' ring that Gemma had designed, she proudly announced to everyone: [We're engaged!]

At the same time, Gemma received an electronic consent form from the cryogenic experiment team. She did not sign it immediately. Instead, she called Murphy.

The call was rejected, but she tried again. It was declined five times in a row before it finally connected.

"What do you want now, Gemma?" Murphy's impatient voice came through the line.

Gemma pressed her lips together, her voice soft as she said, "I just wanted to congratulate you."

Murphy let out a cold laugh. "I hope you truly mean that."

She lowered her eyes. She was silent for a moment before asking, "When's the wedding?"

"December 12th," he replied, his tone colder than the harshest winter wind.

Those words pierced Gemma's heart like a thousand arrows. After all, December 12th was her birthday.