Chapter 1 The Wedding Where I Disappeared

"Ms. Willow Lane, this is the fake-death service you've scheduled with us. The staged death is set for five days from now during your wedding ceremony. Cause of death: drowning at sea. Subject: yourself. Please sign here."

My face was pale as I checked the documents over and over.

As my eyes fell at the very bottom of the page, I signed my name.

When Adrian Ashford was pursuing me, I once warned him that I would vanish from his world entirely and ensure he would regret it for the rest of his life if he ever betrayed what we shared.

My decision to sign this agreement was just me keeping my promise to leave him forever.

On my way home, I looked up and saw a giant billboard playing the promotional teaser for Adrian and my upcoming beach wedding.

In the video, the handsome man stood in a white suit and smiled genuinely into the camera as he shared our love story—from school days to wedding vows, through hardships to finally achieving our happy ending.

People on the street sighed in envy.

"I can't believe a love like that still exists in our world? They've managed to stay together through everything. I'm so envious."

"Seriously, Mr. Ashford is handsome, wealthy, and deeply devoted. My god, Ms. Lane is incredibly lucky."

Yes, everyone knew Adrian Ashford loved me for 13 years, through storms, heartbreak, and survival. We never let go of each other. However, no one knew that he had been seeing another woman three years ago.

I forced down the bitterness churning inside me and turned away.

Just then, a Maybach pulled up in front of me.

A tall figure stepped out and strode toward me, panic written all over his face.

His voice was strained with concern, "Willow, I thought we said you would stay home. I was planning to cook for you tonight."

He reached me in seconds.

"Why did you come out? I've been looking everywhere for you."

Adrian took my hand automatically.

When he realized how cold my fingers were, he frowned, took off his coat, and wrapped it around my shoulders. "It's freezing. Why are you dressed so lightly?"

Then, his tone softened. "New Year's is almost here. If you get sick, the whole surprise date I planned for you will be ruined."

I said nothing. Instead, I just looked at him. The love in his eyes remained as intense as ever, just like it used to be.

I wondered, 'Can a man who struggles with faithfulness and gives in to temptation still love me equally?'

Adrian noticed my expression and tightened the coat around me.

"What's wrong?" His brows drew together. "Did I do something to upset you?"

"Nothing." I shook my head and forced a smile. "I'm just tired from walking. Let's go home."

He visibly relaxed and opened the car door for me.

Before we could get in, a few excited girls ran over, pointing between us and the giant screen.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Ashford and Ms. Lane?"

"The two of you are the couple everyone's talking about!"

Their eyes sparkled.

"You have to stay happy forever! Grow old together! Otherwise, we're never believing in love again!"

I looked at Adrian upon hearing those words.

It seemed he sensed it because he turned to look at me as well.

Our eyes met, and he smiled. He was still smiling that familiar, affectionate smile.

He then reached over and softly tousled my hair.