Chapter 1

After my mom, Lori Parker, was taken back home, I was left to fend for myself, roaming the village and scavenging for scraps. I had to live off wild fruits year after year.

Ultimately, I risked everything to escape that hellhole.

18 years later, I unexpectedly ran into Mom in the hospital hallway while I was there for a follow-up appointment.

As soon as we locked eyes, I lowered my gaze in a panic and tried to walk away, but Mom rushed over and gripped my frostbitten hand.

"What? You can't even look me in the eye? Are you too ashamed to face me?"

A shiver ran through me, and I curled my fingers.

Mom's palm was so warm.

The last time I'd felt that sensation was when I'd shielded her with my own body, trembling all over as Dad beat me.

I slowly pulled my hand away. "You've mistaken me for someone else."

Mom snorted and stepped closer. "Amy Fraser, I'd know you anywhere."

Her eyes narrowed as she gave my faded, worn-out clothes a once-over. A complex emotion flickered on her face.

"So this chance encounter after 18 years isn't a coincidence, is it? Tell me. Why did you track me down? What do you want from me?"

I shoved my hands into my pockets and dug my fingernails hard into my palms. "I came to see a doctor. I didn't know you were here."

It was obvious that Mom didn't believe me. Her tone turned even frostier. "The registration fee alone at this private hospital is 100 dollars. Can a country bumpkin like you afford the medical care here?"

She stared into my eyes, as if waiting for me to lower my head in shame or beg her for money like a beggar.

Honestly, I was only here for a free clinical trial for stomach cancer patients.

There was no point in arguing with her, so I turned to go.

A man in a suit walked over and handed Mom a document. "Ms. Parker, I need your approval on the minutes from this afternoon's meeting."

Mom scanned through the document and said unhappily, "Do I really have to point out such a rookie mistake?"

The man nodded repeatedly and stepped aside, his head lowered.

Mom was sidetracked by the interruption and said coldly, "Stay right here. Don't go anywhere."

Only then did she turn to her secretary and go over her schedule.

From what I overheard, Mom hadn't been feeling well after working nonstop for days, so she'd checked herself into the hospital to rest. And apparently, there was talk of a marriage with the Litt family.

I quietly stepped aside, giving her space as she firmly reprimanded her subordinates.

Mom's flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair gave her an unmistakable air of authority.

I stared at the floor and smiled to myself. The movement tugged painfully at my cracked lips.

I knew I'd made the right decision. Mom had finally become the bright, confident woman she used to be without me being her burden.

I turned away. She had asked me to stay, but I didn't. I walked toward the consulting room at the far end and knocked on the door.

It opened from the inside, and a tall figure in a white coat came into view.

My breath hitched when I realized that, of all people, it was Simon Litt—the ex-boyfriend I had heartlessly abandoned.