Chapter 1

"Darling, things are a little hectic at work today. I won't be coming home tonight. Tomorrow's our anniversary, and I made a reservation for a candlelight dinner at Palmette House. Let's bring Crispin and enjoy the evening together," Edgar Snider's voice came through the phone, warm and gravelly.

I listened absentmindedly as I tapped open Winifred Clayton's chat on WhatsApp.

Just an hour ago, she had sent me a video—she and Edgar, tangled up in each other's arms, kissing like they couldn't bear to part.

"Happy anniversary, Wanda. This is my gift to you."

Winifred was the golden girl of the Clayton family. And I was the biological daughter they found when I was 16 years old.

My mom couldn't bear to send Winifred away, so she kept her in the house, spoiling her still. To avoid public gossip, she even claimed I was just an adopted child.

At the lowest point in my life, I met Edgar.

We were classmates, the three of us. He came from the Snider family—wealthy, powerful, and untouchable.

Winifred and Edgar grew up together. She had been quietly in love with him for years, but he never seemed to notice.

Instead, he fell for me—the transfer student, the invisible girl.

He stayed by my side for three years of high school. In those innocent, confusing years, he became my only safe place.

He once told me he would drive away everyone who ever tried to hurt me.

"If everyone turns their back on you and sides with Winifred, I'll still stand by you. Just me is enough."

For years, he lived up to that promise.

Edgar loved me fiercely, with everything he had. He was the only one who ever made me feel like I mattered.

I never imagined he would be the one to betray me.

But life slapped me hard with the truth.

Everyone fell in love with Winifred. And eventually, everyone left me behind.

The pain in my chest was sharp and suffocating. But I couldn't cry.

"Wanda? Are you still there?" Edgar's voice was suddenly tight with concern. "Is something wrong? Are you okay?"

I sat in silence for a long time. Finally, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

I asked quietly, "Edgar, will you also leave me one day?"

He answered without hesitation, "I won't. I'll never leave you."

I let out a bitter smile. What a cruel, beautiful lie. And I hated myself for even asking such a stupid question.

A soft laugh echoed faintly from Edgar's end of the line. It was quiet, but I caught it.

Edgar shot a furious glare at Winifred, who had just let the laugh slip. She only shrugged, then lowered her head to send me another message.

"I didn't mean to laugh out loud, Wanda. It's just… the way Edgar lies is way too adorable. And that question you asked? So stupid. Why would you even say it?

"No one ever chooses you. Just accept it already. All it takes is a little effort on my part, and Edgar will spoil me just the same."

As her message came through, Edgar was still talking, trying to explain. His voice held a slight edge of panic. "That was one of my employees watching a TV series. I already told them off. Wanda, we've been together for over ten years. How could I ever leave you?

"Have you heard something recently? Rumors? Whatever it is, don't believe it. Just trust me."

I answered calmly, "Okay. I believe you. See you tomorrow."

He exhaled in relief. "Darling, get some sleep. See you then."

The moment I hung up, I opened my laptop and booked a one-way ticket to Avernia. Then, I started gathering documents for the visa.

Once it was all done, I collapsed onto the couch. Only then did the tears begin to fall.

All my life, I had been left behind by my parents and my husband. No one had ever truly chosen me.

So this time, I would be the one to walk away first.