Chapter 1

As the night fell, I sat in front of the desk, watching the video Annie had posted on Facebook.In the video, Mom and Dad each had a bouquet of flowers for her. William also placed around her neck a necklace adorned with a ruby freshly mined from the gemstone quarry.Annie had an arm hooked around William, while the other was around our older brother, Jeff Denver. Mom and Dad stood to the side, watching as tears of joy streamed down their faces.Their little family looked beyond happy in the video. Meanwhile, my heart ached, tears rolling down my cheeks involuntarily.I, too, had wanted to be the one loved by my family, but I never was.Jeff pushed open the door to my room and saw my journal lying open. "List of times you were overlooked? Final warning? The 99th time—abandoned during your mating ceremony?"I shut the journal before he could take a closer look. I didn't want him prying into my secrets."Don't be childish, Georgia. It's only a mating ceremony. We'll just reschedul

Chapter 2

Annie clung to Mom's arm and coyly said, "Don't blame Georgia, Mom. She didn't do it on purpose."Although she sounded as if she was trying to smooth things out, the look in her eyes was smug and provocative.Everyone thought Annie was the sweet and understanding daughter of the family. But I knew better. She wasn't as kind as she appeared to be.I had chosen the date of my mating ceremony after discussing it with her.I have been trying my best to get along with Annie, hoping to obtain my parents' approval and Jeff's attention. After all, that was what they wanted—for the two of us to be close.She'd helped me choose this date, even promised me she'd present a gift for me.I was delighted. I thought Annie had accepted me, and things between us would no longer be cold and distant.But I wasn't expecting her gift to be this—a mating ceremony with no groom, no family, but a lone bride waiting to be ridiculed by the crowd.Ever since we were kids, Annie had always played these lit

Chapter 3

I couldn't bear watching my parents make the tough decision.As such, I offered to head down to the countryside to stay with Grandma. Things wouldn't be as tough on my parents with one less child to take care of.I then headed over to the countryside and started my life with Grandma.My parents and Jeff praised me for being understanding of our family's situation. But I wasn't aware that I had to stay with Grandma for eight whole years.Ever since I moved in with Grandma, I could only reunite with everyone on Christmas. And during those brief visits, I clearly noticed the gradual changes in my family's financial situation. Their clothes grew nicer with each visit, and the gifts they brought me became more expensive.As such, I started looking forward to the day they'd bring me back to live with them.But for eight years, I waited. It wasn't until Grandpa and Grandma passed away, and no one was left to take care of me, that they finally brought me back.By then, they'd moved out

Chapter 4

As soon as I landed at the Arcetic, I was pulled straight into the lab for experiments. It wasn't until half a month later that I stepped out.When I turned on my phone, it was flooded with countless notifications. There were texts from my family, William, and my best friend, Candice Green.Candice had sent several dozen texts, cursing at William and Annie. She tore into him for forgetting who his real fiancee was, for getting too close to Annie. She also accused Annie of deliberately choosing to return on the day of my mating ceremony just to ruin it.She also sent me many photos of my family. Annie, Mom, Dad, William, and Jeff looked just like a happy family going for picnics, vacations, and everything else.In the photos, William stood behind Annie as if protecting her. The two of them looked close, just like a couple."They're so shameless!" Candice was fuming. "But don't worry. I already gave her a piece of my mind in the comment section under her Facebook post."I smiled,

Chapter 5

At my silence, William irritably asked, "Why aren't you saying anything? Have you realized your mistake?""Let's break up, William." I used to hold onto just a sliver of hope for this relationship. But now, I've completely given up.I was only met with silence and the sound of breathing from the other end of the line. Just as I was about to end the call, William sighed, seemingly helpless.He said, "I know you're saying this out of anger, Georgia. But I hope you can be more sincere when it comes to the mating ceremony. Don't threaten me with a breakup."For the last time, I'm asking you seriously. After five years of being together and a whole year of preparing for the mating ceremony, are you sure you really want to break up with me?"William's tone carried a warning in the end. He spoke with an unfounded confidence, certain I wouldn't dare to do it."So you remember we've been preparing for the mating ceremony for a whole year after all," I said bitterly.I thought he either d

Chapter 6

The next day, I was busy in the lab when Mr. Fowl rushed over, panicking. "Something happened, Georgia! Your family showed up at the institute, causing a scene and demanding to see you. You need to go talk to them now."I took the phone over and noticed that a video call was already in progress. On the screen were Mom, Dad, Jeff, and William. Annie wasn't there."How could you leave for the Arcetic Research Institution without telling anyone, Georgia?" Mom asked. "The climate there is extreme and the condition is harsh. It's dangerous for you to be alone out there! Please come back soon! Your dad and I prepared a new room for you—it's huge and warm." With that, she started crying on the screen."I've prepared a hundred thousand pink roses for our mating ceremony, and even got you a ten-carat pink diamond ring. Please come back, Georgia!" William's eyes were wet with tears.Next to him, Jeff was holding a bunny plush toy.I remembered that toy. He had given one to me back when I