Chapter 1

I crossed paths with Timothy Shepherd, my husband in my past life, eight years later at an alumni reunion in this life. I had only just emerged from a series of intense and demanding pharmacology research projects, so I barely had time to tidy myself up before heading straight into the banquet hall.

Timothy stood in a corner of the hall, standing side by side with Yvonne Jacobson, his girlfriend. They were encircled by prominent figures from various industries and were engaged in an earnest conversation that repeatedly elicited expressions of commendation from the onlookers.

"Your achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, Timothy! You've spent only a handful of years in Novaria's financial industry, yet you've already risen to become one of its most influential investment strategists! You're truly the pride of our alma mater, Riverside High School, and a source of honor for the whole city!"

"I know, right? I heard that even those internationally renowned financial moguls are competing to invite Timothy to dinner. Timothy's consulting fees alone reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is basically what an ordinary person earns in a few years!"

"I've recently begun investing in the capital markets, too, Timothy. I wonder if you could spare a few pearls of wisdom and let me benefit from your experience, especially considering our history as former classmates."

It was then that someone in the crowd said curiously, "I heard things are going really well between you and Yvonne. Is it true that you're tying the knot with Yvonne soon, Timothy?"

Timothy looked fondly at Yvonne, who was in his arms. "That's right. Yvonne and I are getting engaged this month."

Those around immediately offered another chorus of congratulations.

It wasn't long before a close friend of his suddenly asked, "Do you still maintain contact with Hope, Timothy? Everyone at school thought you two were the perfect match. After all, you were such a talented couple back then. They said you even composed a song for her!"

I noticed that Timothy's smile immediately faltered after hearing my name. His gaze turned slightly downcast.

Yvonne, who was standing beside Timothy, smiled faintly and responded with decorum.

"Timothy and I are getting married soon, so let's let bygones be bygones. You see, youthful loves are invariably pure, yet they are also the most prone to drifting away easily. Timothy moved on from Hope a long time ago. Now, his heart belongs solely to me."

Those around burst out laughing again and proceeded to compliment how perfectly Timothy and Yvonne suited each other.

I knew that Timothy had personally composed that song when he confessed his love to me. Hidden within the melody were his deep feelings and commitment to me. In my past life, we were the couple everyone acknowledged, having fallen in love at first sight.

I remembered him looking at me with absolute sincerity and saying, "I want you to look me in the eyes and believe that I truly love you, Hope. You can always trust a person by looking into their eyes."

I believed him back then, but unfortunately, he still lied to me.

I walked into the banquet hall with a composed expression on my face, immediately catching the eye of someone from our social circle.

"What took you so long to get here, Hope?"

"Why are you dressed so casually? You should have changed into formal wear."

"Did you just get off work? What sort of demanding job are you doing? There are plenty of successful people in our group, so you should just have them recommend an easier job for you, Hope!"

Those around me offered several mocking remarks after noticing my attire.

I paid them no mind, though, merely smiling and maintaining a composed demeanor.

I noticed that Timothy's eyes were fixed on me from the very moment I entered the banquet hall. I greeted him politely, saying, "It's been a while, Timothy."

Timothy hesitated slightly. An inscrutable look appeared in his eyes. He then let out a sarcastic laugh and said, "You haven't changed at all after all these years, Hope. You're still just as unambitious as ever."

Yvonne directed a resentful gaze toward me. She deliberately clung tightly to Timothy's arm in a coquettish manner, as if asserting ownership, and spoke with anguish directly in front of me.

"How can you talk to an old friend like that, Timothy? Hope might not be living a very good life right now, but that doesn't mean we should hurt her feelings. After all, she has already been through enough."