Chapter 1

Janice's POV

Five years ago, I was injured while skiing and was unexpectedly diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After forcing myself to break up with my childhood sweetheart, Jason Thorne, I went abroad for treatment.

Yet Jason believed that I had fallen for someone else, and his love for me turned into resentment. When we met again, he was about to marry someone else at the foot of the snow-capped mountain where we had skied together countless times.

He clearly hated me to the core, so why did he seem utterly shattered when he learned of my death?

…

"I'll never come back again," I said coldly.

Jason's gaze darkened. "Good. That saves everyone the trouble."

As soon as he finished speaking, he grabbed Freya Tyler's hand and walked away without looking back.

If I had known Freya would be at this hospital for her prenatal checkup, I would never have agreed to Zayne Gilmore's suggestion to come here for a retest.

Zayne was my attending physician and had extensive expertise in ALS research. Five years ago, he had been the one who advised me to seek treatment overseas.

"Janice, why are you crying?" Zayne asked.

He strode over, shoved a hand warmer into my hands, and complained, "You were the one who insisted on basking in the sun outside. How did you end up in tears?"

I curled my icy fingers, but I couldn't lift my hand to wipe away my tears, so Zayne gently did it for me.

That was how ALS progressed. It began with total weakness, led to muscle atrophy and the loss of self-care, and ended in a death devoid of dignity.

"I'm fine. I just used you as a shield again," I replied.

After five years of daily contact, Zayne was more than just my doctor. He was also my friend.

Zayne smiled helplessly. "You've used me as an excuse often enough. I'd rather it be more than that to you."

As he spoke, he lifted me into the wheelchair and carefully tucked the blanket around me. I remained still without saying a word, pretending not to understand the implication behind his words.

At that moment, laughter came from behind me.

Freya had returned. "Janice Moyer, you're quite the charmer. Even with a terminal illness, you still managed to captivate your doctor. When you're buried, do you think the funeral home staff will fall for you too?"

If I could move freely, I would have stood up and punched her. "Freya, if you can't say anything decent, you might as well keep your mouth shut."

Zayne stepped in front of me and warned, "Ma'am, if you're here to cause trouble, security will be here shortly."

Freya rolled her eyes dramatically, a sharp contrast to the poised image she maintained in front of Jason. "I'm just going to say a few words and leave, so stop threatening me with security."

She said to me, "Janice, Jason and I are getting married soon. Whether your illness is cured or not, I hope you'll keep your promise from five years ago and stay as far away from him as possible."

…

Five years ago on Christmas Day, Jason and I were injured while skiing in Selvaria. He suffered multiple external injuries and a comminuted fracture of his right arm while trying to save me, whereas I was unexpectedly diagnosed with ALS at the hospital.

Back then, Freya was only Jason's assistant. While Jason was still unconscious, she cornered me outside the hospital room, crying as she spoke, "Ms. Moyer, no matter how busy Mr. Thorne is, he goes skiing with you in Selvaria every Christmas.

"But are you aware that he lost over a hundred million dollars in business this year because of it? Not to mention that he's unconscious right now, the company has no one in charge, and the shareholders are already eyeing his position.

"On top of that, you've been diagnosed with ALS, which can't be cured. Mr. Thorne is loyal and devoted. He will certainly stay by your side for treatment, but you're going to destroy him if you involve him like this.

"I'm begging you. For Mr. Thorne's future, don't tell him about your terminal illness. Otherwise, your condition will drag him down. Ms. Moyer, please leave him."

At first, I was furious at her words. Jason and I grew up together and had long been the most important people in each other's lives. Who was she, a mere assistant, to decide our future?

Yet when I scolded her and tried to gesture for her to leave, I realized my fingers were weak, and I couldn't lift my arm.

Freya looked at me with pity. "Ms. Moyer, you love Mr. Thorne so much. Do you really want to die without dignity in front of him? I feel sorry for you.

"Listen to me. The moment you were diagnosed, you two were no longer a match. Stop exhausting the love between you.

"If you're going to die, don't drag him down with you. Leave with some dignity. I'll take good care of Mr. Thorne from now on."

A mix of emotions swirled inside me, and I fell silent.

My mind was flooded with memories of all the sports I had shared with Jason over the years. We had ridden horses and practiced archery on the plains of Malvorn. We had also gone hiking and exploring through forests and streams.

We shared a passion for sports and travel, living our lives in perfect sync. Yet I would never be able to do those things with him again.

I felt myself plummeting into panic. I didn't know how to face the man I had once thought I would spend my whole life with. Someone as proud as I was couldn't bear to appear so pathetic in front of him. The best choice was to leave him.

I thought I could harden my heart, but when I heard that Jason was awake, my resolve crumbled. I had to see for myself that he was alright, no matter the cost.

Freya stopped me at the door of Jason's hospital room. "Ms. Moyer, remember our agreement. This is no place for you!"

I later learned that Freya told Jason I grew cold because I feared his injuries would cause lasting complications.

By coincidence, Jason came to see me that day and ran into Zayne, who was at my home persuading me to seek treatment abroad. Jason didn't give me a chance to explain. He glanced at me, then turned and walked away.

Even after five years, the cold, hateful, and despairing look in his eyes remained vivid in my memory. But that was different now. When we met again, he had let go and moved on with his life.

My thoughts returned to the present as Freya frowned and demanded my assurance. Five years ago, she still bothered to mask her true self, but now, she had dropped the act entirely, bossing me around as if she were Mrs. Thorne.

I smiled faintly and said calmly, "Your fearful expression is a far cry from the way you acted just moments ago."

Freya's expression shifted instantly. She was clearly angered.

"Don't worry. When I say that I'll never come back, I mean it," I said.